Investing in learning new skills is almost always a good idea. A wide range of skills can save you time, money, and frustration in many situations. If you need something to do during a quick break at work, you might be surprised by how many useful skills you can learn while sitting at your desk. You know, things you can do between meetings or when you need to clear your mind and change your focus. Even though it’s tempting to use that time to scroll through social media or watch funny cat videos, practicing a new skill can be more rewarding in the long run, and it’s likely to be more useful as well.
1. Become An Excel Wizard
You will have to use Microsoft Excel if you work in an office. It’s a powerful tool, but also one that can be pretty intimidating if you’re not familiar with all its features. You don’t need to become a master overnight, but learning basics — like how to sort data, use basic formulas, or create charts and graphs can be super useful. And the good news is that there are tons of resources to help you become an Excel wizard in no time, including this helpful tutorial from PCMag.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-use-microsoft-office-for-free-on-the-web
Embed from Getty Images2. Learn First Aid
You never know when you might need to use first aid, so it’s always good to have a working knowledge of the basics. Knowing how to properly perform CPR or administer the Heimlich maneuver could save someone’s life someday, so it’s worth learning. You can find plenty of resources online to help you get started, but the American Red Cross also offers a variety of first aid and CPR courses if you want more hands-on experience.
3. Learn How To Type Faster
If you spend a lot of time typing on a computer, it’s worth learning how to do it more efficiently. After all, the faster you can type, the more time you’ll save in the long run. And while touch typing — that is, typing without looking at the keyboard — may take some practice, it’s a useful skill to have in your arsenal. You can find plenty of free typing games and tutorials online to help you get started.
4. Get Better At Small Talk
Small talk may not seem like a “useful” skill, per see, but learning how to do it effectively can come in handy. After all, being able to make pleasant conversation with someone you just met can make networking events and other social situations much less awkward — and it might even help you make a few new friends. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of articles and guides out there that can help you learn the basics of small talk.
5. Pick Up A New Language
Learning a new language can take some time, but knowing a few basic phrases can be useful when traveling to a foreign country or dealing with customers or clients from different cultures. And thanks to the internet, you can use plenty of resources to get started, including language-learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel, as well as websites like LiveMocha and Busuu.
6. Get Familiar With Basic Coding
Coding may seem like a daunting task, but learning even just the basics can be surprisingly useful. After all, code is the language of the internet, so knowing how to write (and read) it can come in handy when you’re trying to build a website, troubleshoot problems, or even just understand how things work under the hood. And if you’re not sure where to start, plenty of free resources can help you get started, including Codecademy, Scratch, and CodeCombat.
7. Learn How To Take Better Photos
With the advent of smartphones, everyone has a camera in their pocket — but that doesn’t mean everyone knows how to take a good photo. If you want to step up your game, it’s worth learning some basic photography tips and tricks. Start by reading articles and watching tutorials on composition, lighting, and other technical aspects of photography. Then, practice what you’ve learned by taking lots of photos and experimenting with different techniques.
8. Understand Personal Finance
Money may not be the most exciting topic, but learning how to manage your finances is useful, especially if you want to avoid debt or poor financial decisions. If you’re unsure where to start, plenty of articles and guides can help you understand the basics of personal finance, from budgeting and saving money to investing and credit.
9. Tying Simple Knots
Tying knots may not seem like a “useful” skill, but it can come in handy in various situations. Knowing how to tie a few basic knots can be surprisingly helpful, from securing a load to making emergency repairs. You can find plenty of tutorials and guides online to help you get started or pick up a book on the subject.
10. Tap into your Artistic Side
Artistic skills may not seem useful, but being creative can help you in various ways. It can boost your problem-solving abilities and help you develop new ideas. Expressing your creativity can also be a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. If you’re unsure where to start, plenty of online articles and tutorials can help you get started.
Embed from Getty Images11. How To Properly Position Your Fingers On The Keyboard
If you spend a lot of time typing, it’s worth learning how to correctly position your fingers on the keyboard. Not only will this help you type faster, but it will also help you reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI). You can find plenty of tutorials and guides online to help you get started or pick up a book on the subject.
12. Learn How To Make A Perfect Cup Of Coffee
Making a great cup of coffee may not seem like a “useful” skill, but it’s worth learning how to do it correctly if you’re a coffee lover. After all, there’s nothing worse than a bad cup of coffee, and learning how to make a perfect cup will help ensure that you always have a delicious brew to enjoy. You can find plenty of tutorials and guides online to help you get started or pick up a book on the subject.
13. Improve Your Desk Posture
If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, it’s important to make sure that you have good posture. Not only will this help you avoid pain and discomfort, but it will also help you stay alert and improve your overall health. You can find plenty of tutorials and guides online to help you get started or pick up a book on the subject.
14. Perfect Your Hand-Shaking Technique
Shaking hands may seem like a simple task, but it’s pretty important — after all, it’s often the first impression you make on someone. If you want to ensure that you’re giving off the right impression, it’s worth taking the time to learn how to shake hands properly. You can find plenty of tutorials and guides online to help you get started or pick up a book on the subject.
15. Learn How To Greet People In Different Languages
If you travel frequently or have friends from different cultures, it can be useful to learn how to greet people in their native language. Not only will this help you make a good impression, but it will also show that you’re interested in their culture. You can find plenty of tutorials and guides online to help you get started or pick up a book on the subject.
16. Learn Shortcuts For Your Computer’s Operating System
If you spend a lot of time using a computer, it’s worth learning some shortcuts for your operating system. Not only will this help you work more efficiently, but it will also help you avoid repetitive strain injuries (RSI). You can find plenty of tutorials and guides online to help you get started or pick up a book on the subject.
17. Familiarize Yourself With The Evacuation Plan For Your Building
In an emergency, it’s important to know how to safely evacuate your building. Familiarizing yourself with the evacuation plan will help ensure you know what to do in the event of a fire or other disaster. You can find plenty of tutorials and guides online to help you get started or pick up a book on the subject.
Embed from Getty Images18. Practicing Meditation
Meditation can seem daunting, but it’s pretty simple — and it has a host of benefits, including reducing stress, improving sleep, and increasing focus. If you’re not sure where to start, plenty of articles and tutorials online can help you get started.
19. Incorporate Physical Activity Into Your Daily Routine
If you want to improve your overall health, it’s worth incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, there are plenty of ways to get some exercise — and you’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel after even a short workout. You can find plenty of tutorials and guides online to help you get started or pick up a book on the subject.
20. Quit A Bad Habit
If you have a bad habit that you want to quit, there’s no time like the present. Not only will this improve your health, but it will also free up some time in your day-to-day life. You can find plenty of tutorials and guides online to help you get started or pick up a book on the subject.
Embed from Getty Images21. Get Organized
If you’re looking to improve your productivity, one of the best things you can do is get organized. This means taking time to declutter your space and creating a system that works for you. You can find plenty of tutorials and guides online to help you get started or pick up a book on the subject.
Embed from Getty Images22. simple math
skills like adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing can come in handy in various situations — whether you’re balancing your checkbook or cooking a meal. If you want to brush up on your math skills, there are plenty of tutorials and guides online to help you get started, or you can even pick up a book on the subject.
23. Learn How To Read A Map
In an age of GPS, it’s easy to forget how to read a map. But if you’re traveling in an area with spotty cell service or if you just want to brush up on your skills, it’s worth learning how to read a map. You can find plenty of tutorials and guides online to help you get started or pick up a book on the subject.
24. Learn How To Change A Tire
If you’re a driver, it’s worth learning how to change a tire. Not only will this come in handy if you ever have a flat, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that you can handle the situation on your own. You can find plenty of tutorials and guides online to help you get started or pick up a book on the subject.
25. Learn How To Perform Basic Car Maintenance
In addition to changing a tire, there are a few other basic car maintenance skills that every driver should know. This includes things like checking the oil and topping off the fluids. You can find plenty of tutorials and guides online to help you get started or pick up a book on the subject.
These are only a few examples of useful skills that you can learn; the possibilities are endless. So if you’re looking to add something new to your skill set, consider one of the options on this list — you might be surprised at how helpful it can be.