With brunch plans, lazy beach days and the weekly pub quiz on hold for the foreseeable, we’ve found ourselves with ample time on our hands.
So if you’ve almost had enough of Netflix, now could prove the perfect opportunity to bag a new skill or two.
WATCH BELOW: Natalie Portman, Gal Gadot And More Filmed Themselves Singing ‘Imagine’
From dancing away your troubles on Instagram Live with thousands of other rosy-cheeked quarantine buddies to being able to put on your kitchen apron without feeling like an imposter, these are the online classes and apps sure to leave you feeling smug.
1. Learn a new language
We solemnly swear never to take the luxury of travel for granted again with our passport sadly hiding away until we get the go-ahead.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t prep for your future European adventure.
Whether you’ve always dreamed of flawlessly ordering a croissant in Paris or endless cups of coffee in a Greek taverna, quarantine is the perfect opportunity to learn a new language.
Duolingo
The most obvious place to start, Duolingo enables users to learn a whole host of languages from French and Spanish to erm, Klingon.
A placement test will help you to figure out whether or not your school-level German needs touching up whilst the app’s mini stories will test your reading and listening comprehension.
Babbel
In the time since the coronavirus pandemic forced people to stay home, language learning app Babbel has reportedly seen a 50% jump in subscriptions.
Though it’s no wonder, as those keen to brush up on their skills can choose from either the newcomer or beginner levels which cover basic vocabulary and simple conversational phrases.
You can also decide on everything from five-minute to one hour daily sessions curated by linguists from around the world depending on what you’re looking for.
Language Learning With Netflix
Film fanatics missing the silver screen will be sure to download Google Chrome extension Language Learning with Netflix which boasts an impressive catalogue of movies and television series in an array of different languages.
You can binge content with subtitles in two languages and also look up any words you’re curious about in an on-hand dictionary. After a quick scour, you can binge everything from The OA to Gilmore Girls.
2. Learn how to cook
It looks as though everyone on Instagram is live-streaming their attempts to conjure up everything from sugar-free banana bread to sourdough.
So if you’re feeling inspired to use your time to learn a recipe other than avocado on toast, then take a look at where you can bag some covetable skills from Instagram Live sessions with world-renowned chefs to online tutorials.
Massimo Bottura
Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura has launched #KitchenQuarantine to help inspire people to get creative come dinner time.
Those who are confused by how to use up the last of the vegetables in their fridge (guilty!), you can tune in to Bottura’s daily Instagram Lives for easy-to-follow recipes.
Veecoco
For those struggling to keep their plant-based diet exciting under quarantine, Veecoco has a number of online courses available from learning how to whip up vegan desserts to taking on the challenge of authentic Thai cuisine.
Take a look at the courses now.
Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Melbourne-based cookbook author and writer, Julia Busuttil Nishimura, has been sharing a number of recipes sure to bring joy back into family meal times.
Whether it’s the blackberry and apple cake that sparked a rumble in our bellies or you fancy trying your hand at making gnocchi, her Instagram page is well worth a follow.
3. Get active
Your local yoga studio might have closed its doors but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep practicing.
Whether you need a lunchtime breather or fancy dancing away those quarantine blues, check out the following classes you can take from the comfort of your own bedroom/living room/kitchen.
Yoga With Adriene
Adriene Mishler is the first person to spring to mind when on the hunt for free easy-to-follow yoga sessions.
Whether you’ve been practicing for a number of years and want to learn some new moves or have been too nervous to sign up to the nearest studio, now is the perfect time to unwind.
An online space for everyone, there are classes designed for all emotional states experienced during quarantine from anxiety and back pain (hands up, who else has been working from bed?) to fatigue.
Ryan Heffington
Renowned for the choreography behind Sia’s greatest hits and that dance routine on The OA, Ryan Heffington is offering free dance lessons on Instagram since shutting Los Angeles studio The Sweat Spot.
Australians can dance along at 4pm on Wednesdays.
As Heffington says, let’s dance through this together! See you there?
4. Get creative
With our weekends frighteningly free, there’s no greater opportunity to try your hand at a new skill whether that means digging out the watercolours or learning more about film (you know, so you can have in-depth conversations about Netflix on your next Houseparty date).
Isolation Art School
Founded by Turner Prize winner Keith Tyson, Instagram account Isolation Art School is designed to inspire people to get creative at home.
Brimming with easy-to-follow tutorials and home school projects sure to keep children entertained (read: quiet for a few hours), it’s a must-follow.
Masterclass
Attention film buffs, there’s finally a space designed to teach you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the art of cinema production.
If you’re looking to learn from one of the biggest names in the business, budding directors from around the world can spend time with Martin Scorsese as he teaches everything from working with actors to the importance of sound design.
Code Academy
For those of you dedicated to making the most of time at home, coding is sure to look pretty impressive on your post-isolation resume.
Over at Code Academy, you can get to grips with the basics before learning how to build websites and create video games. A must for those hoping to forge a new career path in the future.
With brunch plans, lazy beach days and the weekly pub quiz on hold for the foreseeable, we’ve found ourselves with ample time on our hands.
So if you’ve almost had enough of Netflix, now could prove the perfect opportunity to bag a new skill or two.
WATCH BELOW: Natalie Portman, Gal Gadot And More Filmed Themselves Singing ‘Imagine’
With brunch plans, lazy beach days and the weekly pub quiz on hold for the foreseeable, we’ve found ourselves with ample time on our hands.
So if you’ve almost had enough of Netflix, now could prove the perfect opportunity to bag a new skill or two.
WATCH BELOW: Natalie Portman, Gal Gadot And More Filmed Themselves Singing ‘Imagine’
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