Wondering what to do as the summer stretches out into its hottest days? Crank up your air conditioning; power up your laptop, and kick back in your recliner as you prepare to learn exciting and fun new skill sets to check off of your personal to do-list after watching YouTube videos. YouTube? Yep! YouTube has more to offer than viral puppy videos and the latest music video hits, after all. From preparing spicy Latin cuisine to photographing professional pictures from your smartphone, here are six skills you can learn at youtube.com or via the YouTube app.
1. Meditation. Breathe in, breathe out. Sounds simple, right? Living in today’s fast-paced society, we oftentimes find ourselves too caught up in our busy lifestyles to learn how to stop, relax and breathe. Discover true meditative techniques via YouTube while also taking advantage of the various guided meditations available on the platform.A Powerful 10 Minute Guided Meditation (youtube.com/watch?v=sJH6_ZbgeWQ)
2. Smartphone Photography. Ever wonder how to take more professional pictures without actually hiring a professional or buying hundreds of dollars of equipment? Take advantage of the camera settings on your smartphone and learn how to shoot pictures like a pro. From camera angles to lighting and filters, you can snap snazzy pictures with the little device nestled in your pocket.How to Take Better Pictures with Your iPhone | Photography Tips (youtu.be/3_UVDjeHZdc)
3. Guitar Playing. Do you have a guitar sitting in the corner of your attic, collecting dust since the day you bought it at the flea-market years ago? While some may find the initial dive into the realm of guitar-playing intimidating, friendly interactive videos for beginners make the learning process less menacing and more engaging. The on-screen presence of a teacher mimics that of a private lesson—all from the comfort of your home!
Play Ten Guitar Songs with Two Easy Chords (youtube.com/watch?v=Jg-BRpn38L8)
4. Cooking. Let’s face it, we’re all guilty of hanging up our aprons and heading out to eat a little too often, especially on hot summer nights. Maybe you’re discouraged from that lasagna you burnt, or perhaps your biggest ally in the kitchen is the microwave. Unlike following cookbooks, YouTube allows you to watch chefs prepare meals as you cook along with them. Don’t just limit yourself to the mundane; the site offers instructive videos on international cuisine as well.Quick & Easy International Food Recipes (youtu.be/6-eUqzCP6RA)
5. Exercise. Switch on the air conditioning and put on your most comfortable Nikes because you’ll be feeling the burn after learning fun and innovative exercise routines. Who says you need to go to the gym to work up a sweat? From peaceful yoga poses to videos targeted towards specific muscle groups, you’ll find yourself realizing that maybe working out can be fun!30 Minute Aerobic Dance Workout (youtu.be/tj9d6aBOzDo)
6. Foreign Language Learning. ¿Estás listo para aprender español? If you’re not too sure what that means, head over to YouTube and access the thousands of videos geared towards learning the Spanish language. Already fluent in Spanish, or have a yearning to learn French, German, or another language? You’ll easily find a myriad of videos with guided exercises to help you on your new language-learning journey.Learn How to Introduce Yourself in Spanish (youtu.be/6KwxK1MCMbo)
Take a deep breath, add a little spice to your favorite dish, and strum a chord or two. All you need is a little free time and YouTube to indulge in those new skillsets you’ve always wanted to master.
