How to make the most out of self-isolation

With Australian’s staying home to reduce the spread of Coronavirus or COVID-19, an increasing number of TAFE students are finding themselves with extra time (and sanitiser) on their hands.

While undoubtedly, many will spend their newfound hours binge watching Netflix and hoarding toilet paper, this social distancing time is also a great opportunity to work on learning new skills, discovering Free TAFE courses, online study options and focusing on self-improvement.

So how can you make the most of self-isolation? We’ve put together our own list of suggestions for those that are after a little inspiration.

Start a home DIY project

Why not use the extra time to achieve something at home like paint a room, frame those holiday shots or go through your wardrobe and donate or up-cycle some unwanted clothes.

TAFE Students studying fashion courses at Kangan Institute’s Richmond campus did just that! They raided local opp shops and up-cycled unwanted clothes into runway ready garments for a sustainable fashion show during Melbourne Fashion Week– check out the video here for inspo!

Go green and get active in the garden

For those with gardens, we suggest trying your hand at a veggie patch, those without gardens can give a balcony or windowsill herb patch a go.

Kangan Institute’s horticulture and agriculture students worked with Guide Dogs Victoria on an amazing sensory garden at the 2019 Melbourne Flower and Garden Show.

Why not try your hand at your own backyard or balcony sensory garden!

Set personal goals and stick to them

Whether your goal is to work your way to 100 sits up each morning, make the perfect soufflé or ace your online vet nursing course, you can do it from the comfort of your home. Just make sure to set goals you’re serious about, dedicated practice times, and commit to them.

Catch-up with friends online

The best way to overcome self-isolation is to not actually get too isolated. Pick up the phone and give your friends and family a call, or better yet arrange a social hour with a group of friends on Skype or Face Time.

We also recommend online study sessions with your fellow students, so whether you’re chatting cyber security with the IT crowd or practicing language with your English course friends, there are tonnes of mental health benefits to staying social.

Learn a new language

We’re serious! If Harry Styles can learn Italian in isolation then you can too. Maybe French, German or Latin are more your style? There are a bunch of free apps available to help with the lingual journey.

Or if travel is on the agenda one day, why not enrol in a TESOL certificate course. TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages and means you can teach English around the world!

Carpe diem!

Explore the world’s museums and zoos

Just because some of the world’s most iconic zoos and museums have closed their doors to the public doesn’t mean enthusiasts can’t visit them online…we’re looking at you Certificate II in Animals Studies (ACM20117) students.

Melbourne Zoo now has live cameras streaming a range of their enclosures, including giraffe, lion and penguin.

The Louvre has a range of virtual tours available online for those that like art but could do without spending the money on the travel fares.

Start a new book, audiobook or podcast

Take the opportunity to read that book that’s been on the shelf for years, listen to an audiobook or get informed with a podcast series.

Maybe a cyber security story takes your fancy or a podcast on motorsports, the options are endless!

So make the most out of self-isolation and try something new, you won’t regret it!

Support is available

You might be isolated, but you're not alone. If you’re ever feeling anxious, stressed or just want to talk, you can find help by contacting one of the below resources.

Kangan Institute Counselling:

• Email: studentsupport@kangan.edu.au
• Phone: 03 9279 2511
• Text Message: 0468 573 411 (Student Support Kangan)

Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Reachout: au.reachout.com