Like most business leaders, Ihave been checking in with my team members more frequentlylately, making sure everyone is healthy and engaged while we areall working remotely. On a recent call, a member of my team who isa mother of young children shared that she was using some of thetime while her child focused on schoolwork to work toward her ownlearning goals. I was impressed, not only by how she was using hertime to learn something new, but also that she was also modelingthe value of learning to her child.

Whether you are a parent learning alongside your child; aprofessional who has "found" time now that you are not commuting toan office; or just in need of a break to do something different forpersonal wellness, this period of remote work creates some uniqueopportunities to invest in developing our careers andourselves.

Taking the time to focus on development by building industryknowledge can have lasting career benefits. As the leader of LOMA'sProfessional Development programs, I have had the opportunity toconnect with many industry professionals who have developed theirindustry acumen by earning professional designations. Students whohave completed these challenging industry programs say theireducational achievement has helped them with credibility,confidence and overall self-esteem.

Related: 10 tips to help you develop and grow personally andprofessionally

In addition, devoting time to learning something new — whetherit is focused on your career development or a personal learninggoal — can have important unexpected benefits during this time,like helping to relieve stress or providing a welcome change ofpace during the day. In fact, a recent study in the Journal ofApplied Psychology noted that learning something newcan be a better method for combatting stress and negative emotions thansimply relaxing.

Now may be the ideal time to invest in our careers by learningsomething new. Employees armed with broad-based industry knowledgeare better prepared to think innovatively about future solutionsand work with colleagues to solve problems — all qualities that canhelp a professional get ahead.

Whatever the next version of normal looks like, individuals whohave taken the time to prepare themselves with relevant industryknowledge will be equipped to rise to new challenges and open doorsto new opportunities and promotions. It can also give them a leg upand contribute to keeping a job during a restructuring in theirorganization.

Overall, the consensus is that knowledge gained from takingcourses helps professionals become more well-rounded employees andempowers them to make more strategic decisions as they move up intheir careers.

We are living during a time of unique circumstances. If there issomething you've always been yearning to learn, or you are ready toinvest in your career development, now might be the perfect time totake action. Whether it's taking a course or two, committing to afull designation, or simply taking the time to learn something newalongside your child, actions now to learn and grow can help youstay positive and focused on a bright future ahead.

Carie Crane is vice president, professional development,LOMA.