20 ways to keep yourself busy during the break

Keep your mind busy by starting a new project or finally doing those things you’ve always wanted to start but never had the time to do!

Restrictions tightening again here in Victoria has dampened spirits a little. So, we’ve put together a list of some productive (and some not-so-productive) things to do to lift those spirits up again.

1. Learn a new language – check out the Duolingo app.
2. Read that book you’ve been wanting to pick up.
3. Join or start a book club – pick a book to read with friends and set a date to discuss it in depth.
4. Use your free La Trobe access to LinkedIn Learning and learn a new skill to use in your future career.
5. Find a new recipe online and start cooking!
6. Update your resume and portfolio. Research what the STAR method is and create some examples to use in an interview setting.
7. Educate yourself on a new topic. Check out this YouTube Chanel Vox, that teaches you about different topics in 10 minutes.
8. Do a free workout from La Trobe Sport’s #ActivateInIsolation series.
9. Organise your digital photos – clean and back up your phone photos.
10. Similarly, clean up your email inboxes. Unsubscribe from all those emails clogging up your inbox you never look at and create files for different email categories.
11. Have an at home spa day – run a bath, make a DIY home face scrub, light a candle, play your favourite calming music and relax.
12. Register for upcoming free workshops, tours, workouts, and peer mentoring using La Trobe’s Virtual Events Planner.
13. Pick up some paper and a pencil and draw something new for your bedroom wall.
14. Do some colouring for mindfulness.
15. Learn a new card game.
16. Start a journal. Write down what is happening and how you are feeling. When all of this is over it will be a memory to reflect on and learn from. You never know, younger generations might read it one day as a historical account of the crisis!
17. Start a shared Spotify playlist with family or friends. Pick a theme and everyone must contribute at least two songs that best represent that theme to them.
18. ‘Spring’ clean your house and redesign your bedroom.
19. Set up a mini picnic in your backyard and get your friends to join in on Zoom.
20. Create your own TikTok channel!