Picture this: it’s a cold Saturday night. You’re sitting with a glass of wine in-hand. Your mate is scoffing the Doritos you set out to share. You order two fat burgers for delivery without further ado.
In the meantime you’ve dived head first into a discussion about mental health. Your mate is expressing his desire for stronger education in secondary schools and how he believes it should be mandatory.
You’re aware this began after he started volunteering at Headspace as a side hustle so it comes as no surprise that he’s announced he’s just started a Master of Public Health. What a guy. What an inspiration.
After demolishing our burgers we stream a couple of episodes of a new true crime series. This is followed by multiple YouTube videos where friends of convicted psychopaths share their personal experiences. This leads us to TikToc, articles and a podcast.
I’m fascinated. I’m also grateful to share this virtual journey together.
It’s crazy to believe that we live in a day and age where we can access so much information at our fingertips. At the start of the year, 96.2 per cent of Australia’s total population were online.
Feeling inspired that night I had a thorough brainstorm about the ways in which I could improve my life online. Here’s what I came up with:
1. Finesse Your Hobby of Choice
The amount of detailed how-to information available online is immeasurable. I gained inspiration for my drawing and painting using the visual platform Pinterest. I always turn to Pinterest for visual inspiration for specific fashion looks like fully-fledged costumes, era-inspired outfits and makeup. I utilise YouTube videos to improve my technique in my beloved ice-skating. Nowadays it’s also possible to teach yourself to play an instrument simply through YouTube, with so much content available absolutely free.
2. Learn a Language
Learning a language online is perhaps more challenging but in no way impossible. YouTube once again is an epic resource but you can also purchase online language courses that will have you reading, writing and speaking if you really set your mind to it. You can easily connect virtually with people across the globe that speak the native tongue. A super helpful app for this is DuoLingo. The app connects you with people who speak your desired language and lets you routinely communicate with them. What better way to practice.
3. Level Up Your Social Life IRL
Let’s face it, online apps, social media groups and notorious dating apps are actually hugely beneficial when it comes to meeting like-minded people. Yes I am well aware of the downfalls of online dating, but how many couples do you know these days that have met through a dating app? I can name a couple, one of which recently got married!
When it comes to making new friends and potentially networking, there are plenty of online avenues that can put you on the right path to meeting your kind of people. The Meetup app allows you to view events in your area with groups of people who share the same interests. It’s worth mentioning that I also know a couple (who are now married) that met through a Meetup group. They also made a bunch of lifelong friends in the process.
4. Find Events You Truly Dig
Okay this might perhaps be a no brainer, but in my experience keeping afloat of your favourite artists online may be the single best way to get to your favourite music gigs. The summer of 2022 was grossly epic as international artists flooded venues after the Covid-19 hiatus. I remember sharing my favourite gigging experiences with others who exasperated: “I didn’t know they were playing!”. It might also be less challenging, but I can say from personal experience that this has vastly improved my overall happiness.
5. Up-skill by Studying Online
Despite requiring hard work, dedication and a good chunk of your time, studying online is a real game changer if you’re looking to up-skill your career. Or perhaps you’re looking for a career change. Whatever your end game may be, there’s a massive range of courses to study online provided by leading Australian universities, TAFE’s and other education providers (so there’s really no excuse not to start now).
6. Start an Online eCommerce Business
Arguably the hardest pursuit but a real game changer in the long run: starting an online business can set you up with two ultimate endgames (I believe at least). Being your own boss can mean you can work when you want and how you want. Imagine not having to answer to anyone? If your business is solely online you can also work from wherever you want.
So there you have it – 6 simple ways to make your life a little better online. Whether you’d like to upskill, make new friends and connections or perhaps improve your health and wellbeing, it is possible to turn an evening of doom scrolling into the first step towards a better life.