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Tag: Productivity

  • Entrepreneur | How to Create an Effective Work Calendar

    Entrepreneur | How to Create an Effective Work Calendar

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    Our calendars are essential tools for staying on task, being productive, and prioritizing our time. Moreover, they play an important role when collaborating with others, meeting deadlines, and reminding us of upcoming events. And in addition to helping us reach our short-term goals, calendars are essential in achieving the long-term goals we’re set.

    However, how can a schedule be effective? Ideally, it facilitates a satisfying and productive relationship between you and your calendar. With that said, here are fifteen helpful tips for using it efficiently and effectively.

    1. Select the correct calendar.

    Before you can create a successful work calendar, you first have to decide what type of calendar you want to use. Generally, there are two types of calendars: paper and electronic. Unlike traditional pen and paper calendars, electronic digital calendars allow you to keep track of multiple tasks at once, set reminders, and create task dependency lists.

    For my money, I suggest you download a calendar app. Why? It’s designed to help you schedule your time. By creating blocks in a calendar, you can plan out your day and stay organized. The ability to share information is another crucial aspect of a calendar tool.

    What’s more, calendar apps can be accessed from anywhere, and they have artificial intelligence capabilities. The AI is capable of predicting recurring events, understanding your scheduling habits, and managing cloud networks.

    2. Determine the priority of your tasks.

    I want to emphasize that scheduling is only effective if you’re crystal clear on your priorities. The reason? If you don’t schedule important tasks, even the best schedule won’t deliver the desired results.

    Having chosen your calendar, you should analyze your tasks. When it comes to setting up a work schedule — this is absolutely crucial. After all, randomly scheduling tasks can exacerbate a bad scheduling situation. As a result, you will waste time on some projects, while important ones will be neglected.

    During your task analysis process, here are the keys to creating a schedule:

    • Each task’s importance. When you create a schedule, give the highest priority to your most important tasks. In order to accomplish that, you must first understand how each task fits into your overall work plan. When creating a schedule for time management, prioritize them according to their importance.
    • The duration of each task. When you create a schedule, you are working within a limited timeframe. As such, to determine how large the calendar block should be, consider how long each task takes.
    • Various interdependent tasks. In your schedule, consider how each task connects to the others. In the end, a report can’t be sent until the data that feeds it has been prepared. You can schedule by thinking forward (what matters in the future) and backward (what has to happen before you can do what you need to do).

    Each person approaches task analysis in a different way. You could, for instance, group tasks by how much time they require. You might consider scheduling several ten-minute calls back to back if you have several to schedule. It is necessary to pay separate attention to events that last all day.

    The scheduling process should also take priority of completion into account. Suppose it’s June 22. A smart calendar does not make New Year’s business goals a priority in your marketing strategy. In other words, it takes a careful balance to take care of the present while keeping an eye on future projects.

    3. Assess your availability.

    As soon as you’ve analyzed the events that need to be scheduled, you can begin to concentrate on time itself. Essentially, this means finding out how much time you need to spend on the identified tasks. There are many kinds of tasks, such as projects, meetings, trips, and networking events. In general, they can be categorized into work, personal, and travel.

    There’s a good chance that you schedule certain events around certain times. You can divide your time effectively by following these suggestions:

    • During weekday business hours, you may prefer to schedule work tasks. Consider scheduling those tasks only Monday through Friday if you are seeking work-life balance.
    • During the morning or evening, you may prefer to book your travel time. On other days, this avoids scheduling conflicts during the middle of the day.
    • Blocking off time for focused work is highly recommended for effective scheduling. If your calendar is filled with collaborative time, you won’t be able to do the deep thinking that leads to great results.

    As you schedule tasks, you should also consider your total time. Depending on the task, you may have months to complete it. It is also possible to build a schedule for only a single day. Here, being reasonable is key.

    You should plan to work within a reasonable amount of time. Also, overcommitting will set you up for failure. Make sure your schedule is realistic so that you can stick to it regularly. Make sure your schedule is realistic so that you can stick to it regularly.

    4. Tasks should be matched to time.

    Making an effective work calendar involves matching tasks with time. Following your ranking of the items you’re scheduling, you evaluated your available time. As soon as the tasks are matched to the available time, the next step is to secure the resources.

    All of this comes back to how you prioritize your tasks. Adding events to your calendar based on due dates will help you stay on top of your priorities. You should plan long-duration or short-duration tasks first if you’re scheduling by time. Whenever you’re planning, take it one day at a time.

    A realistic schedule that’s easy to stick to can be built by adhering to the planning rules that are most effective for you. Make sure you keep them in mind when scheduling tasks and events. The result will be a clear schedule that’s easy to follow.

    5. Block out times or “core hours” on your calendar for specific tasks.

    You can block out specific portions of your day to complete mundane tasks or simply to avoid interruptions for a specified period of time.

    For example, it’s becoming increasingly common for companies to implement a schedule of “core hours” during which employees are expected to be online for project collaboration between 10 am and 2 pm or 1 pm and 4 pm. In other words, any time after these hours is a meeting-free zone, boosting productivity and preventing burnout caused by constant online interaction.

    “One of my productivity tips is quite obvious, but it’s helped me so much. It’s just calendar blocking, but to be really specific,” says Zara Easton, UK-based head of brand marketing at LinkedIn. “Sometimes I’ve got these five quite monotonous tasks, but I need to get them done. I bundle those together and block that out of my calendar and make sure I turn off everything else, so I focus on getting that done.”

    6. Make your days themed.

    Take a couple of minutes and check out your calendar. Almost everything you listed takes place at different locations and requires different skills and resources. The result? You waste a lot of time.

    Having an afternoon meeting, for example, means stopping what you are doing to attend. Furthermore, you’ll need time to prepare and potentially commute. Additionally, refocusing on your next task requires time after the meeting.

    With theme days, you avoid shifting gears mentally since you know what you’re working on and when. On Mondays for example, you might spend time writing blog posts, on Tuesdays you might schedule all your meetings, and on Wednesdays, you would do marketing.

    7. Follow the rule of 52/17.

    Those who are most productive work for 52 minutes and then break for 17 minutes.

    Some of the reasons why this management tool is so effective are as follows:

    The first advantage of working shorter periods is that you work more purposefully. It is similar to sprinting at the end of a race. Your only focus during those 52 minutes is on completing tasks.

    The second reason is that you need time to catch your breath after working in sprints. In order to function properly, our brains can’t work constantly. Our bodies become fatigued and bored after a while. Our brains need a break every hour or so to recharge and rest.

    8. Schedule detailed tasks.

    An explicitly descriptive task will be much more effective on your calendar than a generalized one. For example, let’s say that the project you are creating involves getting a specific product, service, or event mentioned in the media. You can’t just enter in your calendar “get media mentions” and leave it at that. In addition to being vague, that type of entry is obvious, since it only tells you what you already know.

    In an appropriate entry, this task might have been written as, “Reach out to five media publications”, or “Contact Mrs. Waters, the publicist at the local media association.”

    With descriptive tasks, you get ready-to-use tasks that are just waiting for you to complete them. As a result, even if he or she wasn’t originally assigned this task, anyone on the team will be able to fully understand what needs to be done.

    9. Add buffer times.

    Add time buffers to your calendar instead of jumping from one item to the next immediately. In these periods, you can grab a snack, commute, prepare, or just rest. Putting an hour between two meetings, for instance, will accommodate travel time, reflection, and preparation time.

    10. Put controllable tasks on your calendar.

    In life, there are some things that are beyond our control. Although we cannot control everything, there are some things we can control, like scheduling. Creating a calendar as a project manager will be most effective when you schedule tasks you can control, either directly or indirectly. When scheduling tasks that are interdependent and time-sensitive, this is especially true.

    When you control tasks in your calendar, you eliminate instances in which someone who controls the task decides to change its progress. Such instances will do nothing short of disrupting your entire calendar.

    11. Color-code your calendar.

    Due to the large number of items on your calendar, it may be difficult to differentiate them quickly. To make your calendar easier to understand, color code it. For work-related tasks, you can use red, for meetings, and for social obligations, you can use blue.

    Additionally, you can use bold fonts and all caps to emphasize important dates and deadlines. Using your calendar, you can see what your priorities are for the day, week, or month ahead.

    12. High-risk tasks should be scheduled early in the project.

    Almost every project involves a risk that may cause delays when you least expect them. As a result, it is recommended to plan for any contingencies in advance. The earlier they are scheduled, the better the chances are for a successful project outcome.

    Overall, risky tasks should be scheduled early rather than letting nature run its course. As a result, you will have adequate time to resolve any problems that may arise throughout the project.

    13. Share your calendar with others.

    It is important to make sure that your calendar can be shared with others, whether it is with your spouse, business partner, or virtual assistant. By doing so, everyone will know when you are in a meeting, traveling, or available for a quick call.

    Another reason to share your calendar? Imagine that you and your business partner have been invited to meet with a potential investor. You only need to add the event to the shared calendar. It’s now unnecessary to call, text, or email them. In addition to receiving the details of the meeting, they will receive a calendar notification that gives them the option to accept or decline.

    14. Only add new events and tasks if they serve a purpose.

    Consider the purpose of any new event or task before scheduling it. This way, you won’t have time-wasting activities on your calendar. Consider your goals before agreeing to a meeting, for instance. It is also important to have an agenda that outlines the meeting’s purpose, duration, and location. It is also important to have an agenda that outlines the meeting’s purpose, duration, and location.

    15. Schedule nothing.

    Generally speaking, during the day, you should schedule everything that needs to be done on your calendar. However, you should also block out times when nothing is planned.

    LinkedIn’s CEO, Jeff Weiner, schedules between 90 minutes and two hours of these buffers every day. Weiner usually records them in blocks of 30 or 60 minutes. He schedules a time to do nothing instead of only booking appointments. He uses these blocks of time to think about the future, catch up on industry news, walk, or catch his breath.

    A similar method is used by Richard Branson. “Open your calendar and schedule time — just to dream. Put it in your diary like you would a meeting,” Branson wrote in a 2017 blog post. “Far too many people get weighed down in doing, and never take the time to think and feel. Take five minutes, an hour, a day, or even a holiday. If you free up some time to think freely, you’ll be able to see the bigger picture much easier.”

    Warren Buffett is another successful person who leaves their calendar blank. The idea was so effective that Bill Gates adopted it. “You know, I had every minute packed, and I thought that was the only way you could do things,” Gates said during a 2017 conversation with Buffett. In response to Buffett, Gates realized his calendar needed more blank space.

    “You control your time,” says Gates. “Sitting and thinking may be a much higher priority than a normal CEO, where’s there all these demands and you feel like you need to go and see all these people. It’s not a proxy of your seriousness that you fill every minute in your schedule.”

    There is even evidence that when your mind is relaxed and unfocused, you can be more creative. You might have those “aha” moments in the shower or while walking if your mind is free. By doing so, you can come up with fresh ideas.

    Image Credit: picjumbo.com; Pexels

    The post How to Create an Effective Work Calendar appeared first on Calendar.

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    John Hall

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  • A Needle For Your Aches – Effectiveness of Dry Needling

    A Needle For Your Aches – Effectiveness of Dry Needling

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    Image source: pexels.com

    Youth has given us the feeling of invincibility. You feel like you can do anything without getting hurt. Your age as time passes, and so do your joints and muscles. The more you use your muscles, the more they are prone to injury resulting in pain. Pain is debilitating and prevents your body from fully functioning. Simple neck pain can limit your head movement, affecting your driving safety. If you start feeling muscle and joint pain, it may be a sign for you to schedule an appointment with a physiotherapist.

    What is Dry Needling

    Dry needling is a method that uses sterilized needles, solid filiform or hollow-core hypodermic that are inserted into your skin and a muscle trigger point. This, in turn, produces a “twitch effect” to relax tight, tense muscles.

    Dry needling is most times a painless procedure, though some patients experience a light pin-prick sensation. You may feel your muscle start to twitch, which is a normal response, and then it starts to relax. This type of treatment is commonly done with the needle being left on your skin for approximately 10 to 30 minutes. The treatment is often done with the needle being inserted and removed quickly. This is referred to as the in-and-out technique.

    Another technique is inserting a needle around a knot or trigger point, not directly. This is called the non-trigger points technique, which aims to treat the central nervous system.

    Dry needling is performed in tandem with other physiotherapy treatment techniques. It rarely is used on its own as a sole treatment. You may have some concerns regarding your safety during this procedure; however, the risk of being injured is very low so long as you acquire the services of a qualified physiotherapist. Injuries such as nerve damage and damage to internal organs resulting in dry needling are extremely rare.

    Dry Needling versus Acupuncture

    Acupuncture and dry needling appear similar on the surface. They both utilize needles that are inserted into a person’s skin, and they both aim to relieve pain. However, the similarities end there.

    Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine which treats pain by releasing your chi or healing energy. At the same time, dry needling is a modern treatment that targets trigger points and irritable muscles. Acupuncture works by pricking your skin to release endorphins to affect a person’s nervous system, while dry needling focuses on relaxing tense muscle knots and pressure points.

    Effectiveness of Dry Needling

    Dry needling is slowly spreading across the globe, with countries such as the United States, Canada, Ireland, and Spain having this type of physiotherapy since the 1980s. Singapore is also a country where dry needling is accepted as a form of physiotherapy.

    Studies show that dry needling may be at its most effective in pain reduction and pain pressure threshold increase within the immediate to 12-week treatment period.

    In another study, a type of dry needling called Ultrasound Guided Dry Needling has shown good results in treating patients with cancer pain or post-cancer treatment pain. The patients experienced pain relief, reduced swelling, and improved range of motion of affected body parts.

    When to Seek Dry Needling

    There are several conditions that dry needling may solve. This safe technique may reduce or eliminate pain and swelling caused by musculoskeletal issues such as lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and tennis elbow.

    You are a good candidate for dry needling if you are experiencing chronic pain or any movement disorder that has been going on for three months or longer. Dry needling may also help patients experiencing chronic pain from cancer or cancer treatment-related pain.

    Who Should not Undergo Dry Needling?

    Dry needling is not for everyone, and just like any other treatment, there are limitations and considerations. Individuals with certain conditions are advised not to undergo dry needling. Children of 11 years or younger are discouraged from undergoing dry needling. Persons with auto-immune disorders or unmanageable blood clotting should also refrain from this treatment.

    Dry needling is effective

    Image source: pexels.com

    Conclusion

    The everyday use of our body takes a toll on its parts. Your muscles ache from misuse, abuse, or wrong positioning. Bad running gait, wrong posture, or bad sleeping position can lead to muscle pain. Your tense muscles may also be caused by stress. Dry needling is one of the many musculoskeletal treatment techniques that may offer an alternative to drinking pain relievers.

    Dry needling is safe when done by qualified physiotherapists. You should not attempt to perform dry needling on your own. There can be some complications if you continue to practice the treatment at home, so it’s best not to do this. You must contact a qualified physiotherapy clinic in Singapore that offers dry needling to get the proper treatment.

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    Robert

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  • Money Tips that will Keep Your Finances in Check

    Money Tips that will Keep Your Finances in Check

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    Photo by Bich Tran from Pexels

    Money is one of the most significant sources of stress in people’s lives. It seems like there is never enough, and it can be hard to keep track of it all. This blog post will discuss some tips that will help you keep your finances in check. By following these simple tips, you can avoid getting into debt and stay on top of your budget!

    Generate different streams of income

    Generating different streams of income is a great way to keep your finances in check and ensure that you are always able to make ends meet. This can be done through starting your own business, investing in stocks and bonds, freelance work such as feet pics for sale, or side hustles like providing services like dog walking or web design. Different streams of income help by diversifying the type of money coming in so that if one source is not doing well, you will still have other options.

    One way to generate multiple income streams is through passive investments such as real estate rentals or dividend-paying stocks. These types of investments generally require less time and effort than starting a business or freelancing while still allowing you to take advantage of potential profits. With rental properties, for example, you are able to acquire multiple units and rent them out for a steady stream of income over time. Similarly, with stocks and bonds, you can purchase shares of a company and receive dividends on the stock each quarter.

    Be realistic with your budget

    Creating a budget and sticking to it is essential in order to keep your finances in check. However, it’s important to be realistic when creating your budget. For example, it would help if you accounted for all of your expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, groceries, transportation costs, debt repayment plan, and any other necessary expenses.

    Additionally, you should factor in money for savings and any additional spending. When creating a budget, it’s important to be honest with yourself about how much money you can realistically allocate towards each expense while still allowing yourself some room for unexpected costs or entertainment.

    Track Your Spending Habits

    Tracking your spending habits can be a great way to stay on top of your budget and make sure that you are reaching your financial goals. This can be done through a variety of different tracking methods, such as writing down all of the expenses in a journal or using an app to keep track of where your money is going.

    By tracking your spending habits, you will be able to identify any areas where you may need to cut back or adjust your budget. Additionally, this will help you set up long-term goals by showing what type of spending patterns you have been following over time.

    Pay Bills On Time

    Paying bills on time is essential for staying out of debt and avoiding any late fees or credit score damage. Developing a payment plan and sticking to it can help make sure you don’t miss any necessary payments. Additionally, setting up automatic payments for your bills can be a great way to ensure that all your bills are paid on time each month.

    In conclusion, setting up a budget and following these tips can help you stay on top of your finances and keep them in check. By generating multiple streams of income, creating a realistic budget, tracking your spending habits, and paying bills on time, you will be well on your way to achieving financial stability.

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    Robert

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  • Entrepreneur | 7 Writing Hacks Every Writer Must Know

    Entrepreneur | 7 Writing Hacks Every Writer Must Know

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    Anyone who tells you that writing is easy is probably using ChatGPT.

    The truth is being a good writer is a challenging skill to master. It takes practice, discipline, creativity, and a willingness to experiment and screw up.

    But you can use certain tried-and-true hacks to be a more productive and effective writer. Whether you’re struggling with writer’s block or feel like you’re really bad at it, try implementing these strategies to make the words fly off the page.

    Related: This Is What 300 Writers Say Made Them Successful

    1. Write every day

    Writing takes practice. Carving out some time to write every single day, even if it’s just for 10 or 15 minutes, will inevitably improve your writing. Think of it like working out. The more you train, the stronger you become.

    Before writing, give yourself a goal for what you want to accomplish in your 10-minute session. This could be an email to an important client, an essay, a piece of fiction, or a love letter. It doesn’t matter what it is or if it’s good, as long as it gets you in your seat writing something down.

    2. Write for concentrated periods of time

    Many writers swear by the Pomodoro Technique. This involves breaking up your writing time into small, focused intervals or “pomodoros,” typically 25 minutes each, followed by short breaks.

    Why is this effective? The Pomodoro Technique helps fend off procrastination by forcing you to do it for short periods of time rather than long stretches, which can be intimidating. It also helps you manage your time better by scheduling your writing time and breaks==

    One bonus tip: Silence all social media, email, phone, and web browsers during your pomodoros to avoid distraction. It’s only 25 minutes — you can do this!

    3. Read more

    At the risk of sounding like Captain Obvious, you can’t be a good writer unless you read good writing. That’s sort of like trying to be a good tennis player but never playing tennis.

    Reading can be difficult in our hyper-distracted world, with Instagram posts and TikTok videos vying for our attention. Last year a Gallup Poll found that U.S. adults read roughly two or three fewer books per year than they did between 2001 and 2016.

    But reading well-written books and articles can help broaden your vocabulary and expose you to different writing styles and techniques. By reading good writing, you will learn much from what you take in, like osmosis. Your grammar will improve, your word choice will get smarter, you’ll have better ideas, and you’ll have an overall appreciation for writing.

    4. Be done, not perfect

    “Done is better than perfect,” professional freelance writer, David Hochman, told me on my podcast Write About Now. Hochman has written thousands of stories for different publications, and his advice to aspiring writers is to stop worrying so much about your content.

    “Don’t agonize over getting it perfectly,” he says. “It will not happen, especially if you’re the final judge. Sometimes the simple act of just finishing something is enough.

    To hear my entire interview with David about writing hacks, check out the podcast below.

    5. Write first, edit later

    It’s a rookie mistake to edit yourself while you write. Professional writers know the best technique is to let it flow in the first draft, getting your ideas on the screen without worrying about perfection. Later, you can go back and edit.

    When you focus on writing without stopping to edit, you allow your creative side to take the driver’s seat, generating ideas you may not have thought of otherwise. You also avoid getting bogged down in the details such as stopping to do a “quick” internet search, which takes you down a non-productive rabbit hole for 2 hours.

    Related: Want to Be a Better Writer of Books and Essays? Start by Avoiding These Common Writing Mistakes.

    6. Show don’t tell

    One hack that will make your writing stand out from the pack is providing good, sensory details that allow the reader to experience the story rather than simply being told what’s happening. It’s more effective to show what’s happening in a story than simply telling them.

    For example, rather than writing, “the room was a mess,” you might write something more descriptive like, “Dirty clothes were strewn across the floor and papers and books were scattered across the desk.”

    Or as Anton Chekhov, a much better writer than me, once said: “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”

    Related: Ken Follett’s Secret Formula for Writing Success

    7. Avoid overused or filler words

    Good writing is concise. Avoid using unnecessary words that might confuse your readers. A good hack is to go through your writing after it’s finished and slash and burn any words that don’t add to your argument. Here are some common culprits:

    “Very”: This word is often used to add emphasis, but it can be vague and imprecise. Instead, try using a more specific adjective to convey the same meaning.

    “Just”: This word is often used to downplay the importance of something, but it’s often just unnecessary.

    “Really”: Just like “very,” this word is often used to add emphasis, but it can be imprecise. Try getting ride of it or using a more specific adjective or verb to convey the same meaning.

    “So”: Whenever you write so, especially at the beginning of a sentence, ask yourself if it would be just as good without “so.”

    “Moreover; Furthermore; Hence; Therefore” Unless you’re writing a thesis that requires formal, academic language, avoid using puffed-up words that make your writing stiff and boring. Try to write more like you’re talking to a friend.

    Don’t beat yourself up

    Remember, writing is hard—even the best writers complain about it. Ernest Hemingway once said, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”

    Do your best and learn from your mistakes.

    And don’t let ChatGPT do all the work for you.

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    Jonathan Small

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  • How Do Pets Boost Our Motivation?

    How Do Pets Boost Our Motivation?

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    Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels

    Pets can be a great source of motivation and emotional support. They provide unconditional love and companionship, and they can help us stay motivated and on track with our goals. Furry friends can also assist us to get through difficult times and remind us of the joys of life. In this article, we will explore why pets boost our motivation and how we can stay focused and achieve success thanks to them.

    The most common ways pets drive our motivation and inspiration are the following:

    1. Unconditional love: Pets provide us with unconditional love and companionship, which is a huge source of stimulation.

    2. Exercises: Taking our four-legged friends for walks or playing with them encourages us to exercise and stay active, which boosts our energy great.

    3. Sense of responsibility: Caring for someone gives us a sense of responsibility and purpose to work, live or change something around.

    4. Stress relief: Pets are known to be a great source of stress relief. They provide companionship and unconditional love, which can help reduce pressure and anxiety and make it easier to stay motivated.

    5. Socialization: Furry friends provide us with the opportunity to interact with other people. Whether it is taking them to the park or having other pet owners come over to our house, having a pet can help us stay connected to the outside world and stimulate us to be social.

    6. Increased self-esteem: Pet parents often feel more confident and capable when they have a pet in their lives. Having such a friend gives you a sense of living and helps you stay motivated to reach your goals.

    7. Improved focus and productivity: Studies have found that pet owners tend to be more productive and have better focus at work. This can help you stay on track with your tasks.

    8. Sense of accomplishment: Taking care of your pet’s basic needs like food, water, and exercise can help to give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you focused on your goals.

    Impact of Pets on Our Daily Life

    Pets can be also an important part of our daily routine. Studies have shown that having a furry friend can reduce blood pressure, improve self-esteem and social skills, and even help relieve depression. Pets can also provide us with a sense of security and purpose, helping to make our daily life more enjoyable. Let’s see how pets can be beneficial to our routine and motivation every day:

    1. Time management: Pets provide us with structure and routines that can help us stay on track with our daily tasks. Having such a friend keeps us accountable for the time we spend on our goals. With a pet, we can create an effective schedule and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

    2. Taking a pet to work: The presence of the animal in the office can help to reduce stress, boost morale, and increase productivity.

    3. Scheduling breaks: Pets can also help us take a time off from our work and devote time to ourselves. Taking brief breaks throughout the day to spend time with your pet can help to clear your head and refocus.

    4. Accountability: Pets can keep us accountable for our progress by providing a support system. For example, we can talk to our furry friends about our struggles and successes.

    5. Training your pet: Training your dog or cat can be an effective way to stay focused and achieve success. It will require patience and dedication, but the rewards will be worth it.

    6. Breaking routines: Animals can help us break out of routines that don’t serve us by providing us with new activities and responsibilities. For example, taking a pet for a walk allow us to explore and experience something new.

    7. Using pets to remind you of your goals: Consider writing down your goals and placing them in a visible location. Having your pet around can help to remind you of your goals and keep you on track.

    8. Emotional Support: Pets can provide emotional support, which can help us stay positive and motivated. They can make us laugh and keep us company when we are feeling lonely. Having a pet can give us a sense of purpose, which can make us more likely to reach our goals.

    Overall, pets can be great sources of support, comfort, and companionship that can help us stay focused and achieve success. They can provide structure, routine, and a sense of purpose that can help us be motivated and reach our goals.

    All in All

    Pets can be an integral part of our lives, and their ability to boost our motivation is undeniable. Not only do they give us unconditional love, but they also help us stay focused and work hard on our goals. Pets provide us with the emotional support and encouragement we need to keep going, even when the going gets tough. With their presence in our lives, we are more likely to stay motivated and productive.

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    Valeria Litovchenko

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  • Entrepreneur | How to Keep Calm, Focused and Present During Hard Times

    Entrepreneur | How to Keep Calm, Focused and Present During Hard Times

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    There is no lack of stressors in today’s world. Take your pick: bleak economic forecasts, climate change, conspiracy theories; these days, even stray Chinese weather balloons can cause nationwide panic. However, most negative nonsense in the news is often just noise. In particular, the gloomy part is often the attention-grabbing spin predicting the worst possible outcomes, causing unnecessary worry about the future. So how do we combat this noise, stay calm, focused and present for others? Our mindset, self-care and intentional relaxation can get us through just about anything.

    Related: 9 Ways High-Performing Entrepreneurs Handle Stress

    Mindset

    If we set up our mind to focus on the present, including being present for others, we take the focus off the past and the future. Our actions mold the future we can control in the present. If we worry about potential futures, ironically, we are spending precious energy on what we can’t control instead of what we can gain through action. Keeping focused on the present means mindfully preparing for each day and paying attention to the tasks and people we’re interacting with without getting distracted by past outcomes and possible future ones.

    A can-do mindset realized through constant planning, and consistent execution is critical. Building a daily plan encapsulating your key goals is more straightforward than you imagine. Such an approach will help you ignore the harmful noise and focus on the things that move you forward. You’ll need a perspective that anything that doesn’t go according to your plan is good too, and will serve as a learning experience and input for an altered or improved approach. Being grateful for everything that happens as a learning and growth experience is a way to avoid disappointment and becoming discouraged.

    Focusing on gratitude daily is fundamental to a feeling of well-being. Looking at adverse events that directly affect you as pathways to learning and growth – you will revise your plan — instead of life’s way of hurting you means you see everything as positive. Couldn’t avoid it? A lesson for the future. Having this perspective puts the focus back on the journey you’ve defined already; you control the goals and action plans and have simplified and componentized them into a daily checklist. This methodology will keep you on track despite unexpected circumstances that will naturally arise.

    Related: 20 Wise Insights on Gratitude to Spark a Positive Mindset

    Health

    A holistic approach to well-being includes regular exercise as a priority, eating and drinking the right things and getting enough sleep. We may tire of hearing about these fundamental things. However, people often underestimate their importance across all other areas of personal performance and health, including spiritual, mental and emotional health. For example, a good walk or workout in the morning will help your mind get clear and help you get ready for your daily routine. In addition, exercise sends positive chemicals to your brain, making you healthier and happier. However, regular exercise is not enough. You also need to watch what you eat.

    Without getting into specifics – because each person’s dietary needs are different — the healthier you can eat, the better you will think, function, sleep, work and interact with others because how you feel affects those things. General suggestions that apply to us all are avoiding sugar and alcohol, having too much salt, consuming processed foods, fast foods and anything that has a long list of ingredients. Also, going organic when possible and minimizing unnecessary pharmaceuticals will clear your mind and body of toxins. Lastly, getting detailed bloodwork and talking to a doctor or other professional can help you tweak your diet for optimized health.

    Without enough sleep, you won’t be able to focus, your body won’t recover, your mood and emotions can be affected, and your productivity to reach your goals and run your plans will be compromised. So, in addition to regular exercise and diet, getting enough sleep is the third major component of good health. They are all interconnected; exercising and eating clean will make sleeping easier, as your digestion will be easier and better, and being naturally tired will help you get deeper sleep to recharge for the next day.

    Related: 12 Ways to Smoothly Start Waking Up Earlier

    Relax

    Busy people tend not to have the time to get sucked into a lot of the negativity that goes on constantly in the world. Instead, they are focused on what they can control. However, it would be best if you took regular breaks for mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Schedule your breaks and also take them ad-hoc when needed. The pandemic has freed many of us from the 9-5 fixed schedule, and thus knowing when and how to take a break and taking it is critical to keep performing at your best.

    Many people have also found it very healing to connect with nature, whether in the morning, at noon, during breaks or at night. Simply going outside, leaving your tech behind, breathing in the fresh air, and feeling the sunshine are often more than worth the time; you will naturally feel better and more connected with life. There is a lot of evidence that this sort of thing does make a difference, so if you are inside all day and all night, consider it a red flag and something you can change for your benefit.

    Lastly, don’t forget to have fun and laugh alone or with your family, friends and colleagues. Laughter and human connection with those we love, regularly and often, will improve our sense of well-being, help us focus better and be happier. Just a little time with someone you love can be priceless. So don’t forget to prioritize that as part of your day; with health and mindset, you can do it! Never give up trying; revise your plans and keep moving forward.

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    Armand Peri

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  • Entrepreneur | How to Maximize Your Time with a Digital Calendar

    Entrepreneur | How to Maximize Your Time with a Digital Calendar

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    In the 21st century, most people probably have their phones on them more than their paper calendars. It has even been given a psychological name, nomophobia—the fear of not having a phone. Across the globe, Nomophobia is prevalent in 70.76% of moderate to severe cases and 20.81% of severe cases, with university students being the most affected.

    It supports the idea that most people have their phones with them 24/7.

    When you use a digital calendar, you can add any event you need to keep track of to your calendar at any time. Since you always have a phone on you, it’s the easiest way.

    Sure. There are times when people write themselves a sticky note when they don’t have a calendar at hand. The catch is that you might lose it or forget to add it to your calendar.

    Here’s the bottom line. You should keep an eye on your calendar to avoid any misunderstandings when it comes to time-related events. The chances of you forgetting it are always high if it is not on your calendar. If you’re still using paper-based systems, but don’t always have them with you, it might be time to consider switching to digital.

    1. There can only be one (calendar).

    Why do the most productive people live by their calendars? It’s so much easier to keep track and stay organized. In fact, when Kevin Kruse interviewed more than 200 billionaires, entrepreneurs, Olympians, and straight-A students about productivity and time management, all of them used a calendar instead of to-do lists.

    Unfortunately, most people create multiple calendars for different parts of their lives.

    All your work responsibilities may be listed on one calendar, for instance. You might also keep a personal calendar, such as your family’s schedule or doctor’s appointments. It is even possible to create a third calendar for celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries. When you’re constantly switching between these calendars, it’s difficult to stay organized. The most natural solution is by creating a master calendar.

    Utilizing only one calendar can help you avoid double-booking yourself and prepare for upcoming events. As a result, future tasks and appointments can be scheduled more easily. In addition, you can access your calendar from anywhere at any time.

    To put it another way, it is impossible to be in two places at the same time. As such, you should keep one calendar for each place you’ll be at any given moment. By doing so, you minimize confusion and conflicts and ensure that you’re spending your valuable time wisely.

    2. Create structure.

    Our lives are more productive when we follow a routine. There is also evidence that routines and schedules can enhance psychological well-being. As well as improving your sleep, reducing anxiety, and boosting your cognitive function, routines can even affect mental health problems like depression.

    Calendar provides us with exactly that. For example:

    • Ritualize your morning. Establish a morning routine to wake up early and start your day off right. For your morning ritual, you can exercise, clear your inbox, read, and plan your day.
    • Frogs are best eaten in the morning. This is not literal. Your “frog” is actually your most important task for the day. The best time to be alert and concentrated is two hours after waking up, according to studies. Because of this, your morning should be devoted to tackling your biggest priority.
    • Take advantage of your afternoons by doing soft tasks and exercising. As the day progresses, our energy levels decrease. You should therefore spend your afternoons doing physical activities, meeting with colleagues, and organizing your emails rather than doing mental-intensive tasks.
    • Consider brainstorming during your commute. By the end of the day, you’ll probably be exhausted. Despite this, you can come up with great new ideas because your brain is less likely to make connections.
    • Relax in the evenings. Following dinner, relax to recharge for the day ahead. You can spend your evenings walking, reading, meditating, writing, and checking your calendar.

    Your Calendar is also a great tool for scheduling breaks and fun activities to help you unwind.

    3. Set up timeboxes.

    “Timeboxing is a method of time blocking where you limit the amount of time you can work on any particular task,” notes Calendar’s Angela Ruth. “So instead of giving yourself infinite time to work on a single item throughout the day, you’ll limit yourself to 90-minute time blocks.”

    “The psychology behind “timeboxing” has to do with time scarcity and deadlines, where your limited time forces you to do things more efficiently and get more done,” Angela explains. When was the last time you procrastinated on a task and then finished it? There are some who thrive off of this, but it can be extremely stressful for others. By using timeboxing, we no longer need to defer tasks until the deadline is near.

    “Timeboxing is a great way to “trick’ your brain into thinking you have less time than you actually have, getting you moving,” she states. However, if we want to achieve our biggest life goals, we must take one step at a time.

    “As an additional bonus, timeboxing lets you schedule breaks between focus blocks,” adds Angela. Why does that matter? It guarantees that “you get adequate rest and feel refreshed going into the next “timebox.’”

    4. Make preplanning a habit.

    Taking the time to plan your schedule is a fundamental but frequently overlooked time management technique. Whether it’s planning the day’s events at the end of the day or planning the week ahead on a Sunday evening, it’s an easy way to stay organized.

    Simply put, controlling time is a matter of managing how it is allocated. It is possible to schedule a time to send emails, for example. Also, setting up meetings or phone calls beforehand lets you see ahead how much time will be free for extra commitments the following day or week.

    5. Color code tasks and meetings.

    Put some color on your calendar to help you visualize your goals and differentiate between events. It’s ok to use a few colors to categorize different types of calendar items, but don’t use too many.

    The following is an example of an effective color-coding system:

    • For the most urgent tasks, use red.
    • Use blue for easy tasks or breaks.
    • Personal appointments are in purple.
    • The green color indicates that you have blocked time for deep work.
    • To-do items with tentative deadlines are highlighted in yellow.

    6. Add entries immediately.

    Organize your schedule early by scheduling meetings, appointments, and time blocks. However, maintaining your calendar should not take precedence over completing actual work. But, at the same time, you don’t want to lose sight of it either.

    Whenever you learn about an urgent deadline or appointment, add it to your calendar right away, and set aside a few minutes each day or week for time management. This prevents calendar conflicts and less important tasks from taking over your priorities.

    7. Navigate between different calendar views.

    The advantage of using an online calendar is that you’ll have multiple views available at all times. You will be more efficient and effective if you can navigate these different views and understand how they can benefit you.

    Why? Each calendar view is divided into time increments. Here’s a quick breakdown:

    Monthly

    Your online Calendar probably has the monthly view selected by default. With this view, you can see your entire calendar without being overwhelmed by events too far in the future. As such, your upcoming events and responsibilities can be better planned if you use your monthly view as a guide.

    Weekly

    Need some more focus? Switch to a weekly view. Using this view, you can focus on everything that needs to be done before the weekend. For instance, if you need to schedule calls or meetings with clients before the upcoming Friday, this view is a great place to start.

    Daily

    Check out the daily view for the most detail. For those who want to concentrate only on the day’s events, this view is for you. You can then expand to the more comprehensive views after you clock out for more comprehensive scheduling and planning.

    Depending on your preferences, you can rely on one of these views at a time. The takeaway is that it’s important to know that your Calendar can help you schedule your time in multiple ways.

    8. Set calendar reminders.

    Have you ever forgotten about a meeting until your teammates ask you if you are coming? In that case, adding reminders to your calendar will revolutionize your life.

    Consider setting a timer for 15 minutes before your meeting so you can review your prepared notes and focus on something else. If you want a minute or two to get a coffee and snack, adjust accordingly. In this busy world, it’s okay to give yourself a nudge from time to time.

    9. Add your time zone.

    There is a possibility that you will work for an organization with global or even national operations that has individuals spread across multiple time zones. Even if your company has a single location, you may have clients or stakeholders around the world. So, when planning your weekly schedule, remember this.

    With that in mind, here are some time management tips when working in different time zones:

    • Immediately inform people of your time zone.
    • No matter where your people are located or whether they’re on a hybrid team, you need to help them communicate their preferred work hours and set boundaries.
    • Set fair meeting times.
    • If possible, use asynchronous communication, like email, when working remotely.
    • Dates and times should be as precise as possible.
    • Use an online calendar. If you want to schedule a meeting, Calendar searches your connected calendars for open times. You can add or remove times and select the length of the meeting. In addition, you can provide physical addresses, phone numbers, or links to Zoom for the meeting location.

    10. Assign names to calendar slots and downtime.

    Whenever you add a calendar entry or have blank spaces, you should still assign a label to them. When it comes to taking breaks, for example, you should not set a vague, undocumented goal.

    “Instead, schedule at least a one-time slot per day and decide in advance how you want to spend that time—as long as it is not work-related,” advises Calendar co-founder John Hall. It is helpful to give each break a specific name, such as “Tuesday a.m., break 15 min walk,” in order to make sure that the time is used for your own personal goals. In addition to reminding you to grab your gym shoes first thing in the morning, your calendar may also remind you to get them out of the car.

    “Be sure to avoid the two equal and opposite errors of (1) taking too much time for a break and (2) not taking one at all,” adds Hall. “Put a hard start and stop time on your downtime, and bring the same level of discipline to your daily break that you bring to meetings, phone calls, emails, etc.”

    11. Leave room for unexpected events.

    Make sure your calendar has plenty of white space. There is always the possibility that an important client will ask you to move your Tuesday meeting to Friday. It’s not good for your rep or business to respond with, “I’m booked until next month.”

    In short, making a block of time for the unexpected helps keep your schedule from spinning out of control.

    12. Review your calendar analytics.

    You can access time analytics specific to your schedule and events using Calendar as your go-to calendar app. Based on these analytics, you will be able to see a detailed picture of your current schedule. As a result, you can adjust your time management practices to make them more effective.

    Specifically, with Calendar Analytics, you can see how much time you’re spending in certain meetings or locations. You can also track who you spend your time with. Additionally, Meeting distribution lets you see how much time is spent on different types of meetings.

    From there, Calendar provides smart suggestions. For example, it will notify you’re spending too much time with a colleague or that you need to cut back on unnecessarily long meetings. Even cooler, Calendar will automatically suggest meeting locations and times when scheduling a meeting.

    Image Credit: Brett Jordan; Pexels; Thank you!

    The post How to Maximize Your Time with a Digital Calendar appeared first on Calendar.

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    John Rampton

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  • A Short Guide to Long Distance Relationships

    A Short Guide to Long Distance Relationships

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    A list of fun and useful ways to keep any long-distance relationship fresh, loving, and rock-solid.

    When I mention my fiancé, or I tell someone that I recently got engaged, I get nothing but happy and excited reactions. That is until they find out how far away my fiancé lives. He and I are about six hours apart, we’re both in college, and he’s the only one with a car. The most we can see each other is every two or three weeks, and it’s usually only for about four days at a time. Since the beginning, I could tell that some people thought we were too young to understand and too naïve to make it work. Even after he proposed, I can still tell that some people are just waiting for it to fall apart. We’ve been going strong for over a year now, and it hasn’t been easy. We still have over another year until we’ll live within an hour of each other. In an attempt to assist those in long-distance relationships, and to silence the cynical downers, I’ve compiled a list of things that have helped us keep things romantic, exciting, and stable.

    Take Advantage of Technology

    When you decide to commit to being in a long-distance relationship, the first thing each of you should do is invest in a webcam. Some computers have them built in; if yours doesn’t, pick up a cheap one at a garage sale, flea market, or local electronics store. They can be expensive, but some of the most basic ones shouldn’t cost more than about fifty dollars.

    The Way To A Man’s Heart is Through His Stomach

    Cooking breakfast or dinner together is the best way to start or end the day, especially with a brand-new recipe. It allows you to try something new, and spend quality time together. Cooking breakfast or dinner for each other is a classic romantic gesture that is underrated these days. Food is a great way to bond with anyone, and putting in that kind of effort to do something for your partner is something they’ll find very special.

    Just the Two of Us

    Make sure you have alone time. You spend very little time together as it is, so make every second count. Make time to just sit on the couch and cuddle while watching TV or a movie, go for walks together, sit and do homework together, go see a movie that just came out, etc. The little things that most people take for granted can be some of the most precious moments that you spend together.

    The More, the Merrier!

    Have relationships with friends and family that your partner is especially close to, i.e. their parents, siblings, and friends that they hang out with a lot. Chances are when the two of you are together, you’ll be around some of these people, as well. Talking to them occasionally will help you feel even closer to your partner, and in a serious relationship, building solid relationships with your partner’s loved ones is extremely important.

    I Made It Just For You

    Give each other gifts just because you feel like it. For occasions when gifts are expected, give them something homemade or something with a special meaning that only the two of you understand, especially for anniversaries or holidays that are significant for the two of you. Homemade gifts are often less expensive and always receive the best reactions.

    And the Winner Is…

    Play games. When you’re together, play cards or a board game, or ask each other random trivia questions. When on a webcam, ask each other random questions about each other’s beliefs, opinions, tastes, etc. Doing this can allow the two of you to get to know little fun tidbits about each other, and it can also spark up some interesting conversations. Raise the stakes if you’re feeling adventurous and bet on something, i.e. the loser has to cook a meal for the winner.

    Blast From the Past

    When visiting your hometown, give an exclusive tour. Take them to your favorite restaurant or ice cream shop, tourist destinations, or unique features in the area, even on a tour of your old middle or high school. Share pictures, home movies, and stories from your childhood. Giving your partner a look into your past and how you grew up is a wonderful insight into how you became the person you are today: the person that they love so much.

    Guess What I Did Today?

    When you’re apart, there are going to be a lot of little moments when you wish your significant other were there with you. Times like when you go out and do something fun when you get a piece of good news or a good grade when you get dressed up for a special occasion, etc. Share these moments, even if it’s just by sending a text or a picture.

    Always On My Mind

    Keep pictures of your partner and the two of you together in places where you’ll see them every day. Carry a keychain, wear a piece of jewelry, or wear something of theirs that they gave to you or something they bought for you. Have something of theirs that you can keep close to you when you miss them a lot, like a hoodie, a warm hat, or a stuffed animal. These are great ways to feel like your partner is with you all the time.

    A Little Chit, A Little Chat

    Make time, at least a solid hour or two, every single day to devote to talking to each other, either on the phone or on a webcam. I’ve found that this is most convenient at night before each of you is going to sleep. You’re both free, and relaxed, and you can talk about your entire day with each other. It’s also very comforting to hear your partner’s voice right before you lay down to sleep.

    ‘Til We Meet Again

    The goodbyes are especially hard. They’ll never get easier, and there will probably be tears. Having a planned date of when you’ll see each other next can make it less difficult; you can start a countdown together to when you’ll be seeing each other again. Don’t focus on the time you’re not together; instead, focus on the time you are together.

    Long distance is not for everybody, and love isn’t enough to make it work. It’s going to be hard, really hard. Make sure you truly are in love with the person, and that you can see a future with them. There’s no sense in getting into something this complicated if both of you aren’t willing to put a lot of effort into it and work hard at it.

    If you’re unsure of what you’re doing, talk to your partner (or potential partner, depending on what stage the relationship is at). If either one of you isn’t sure about your feelings or whether you can handle the distance, or isn’t willing to put in the effort, it’s probably better that you stay just friends. But if you do decide that you want to give it a shot, it can be one of the most rewarding, fulfilling experiences of your life, especially when you’ve found that special person.

    Any relationship takes work, and long-distance relationships take a little bit more work than others. However, with a little help, a lot of patience, and plenty of trust and effort, it can be completely worth it. Who knows? You may just end up finding the person you’re meant to spend the rest of your life with.

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    Helen B Dolan

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  • Entrepreneur | Organize a Family Reunion With These Planning Ideas

    Entrepreneur | Organize a Family Reunion With These Planning Ideas

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    Everyone loves a good family reunion, but no one really enjoys planning one. Not all on their own, anyway. There is a lot of work that goes into organizing a reunion, and as the family gets bigger every year, it becomes an even greater logistical challenge.

    If you’ve drawn the short stick or even volunteered to organize the next family reunion, you’re going to need all the support you can get. All of your success starts in the planning stage. If you set out with a good plan, it won’t be a full-time job to organize and execute a high-quality family reunion.

    If you have no idea where to start, you wouldn’t be the first. This article aims to point you in the right direction, so that family reunion planning doesn’t drive you mad:

    Consider All Ages

    A family reunion will gather people of all ages, from the littlest tykes to the oldest of grandparents. There are a number of activities that everyone can participate in, but interests will vary greatly from age group to age group. You need to keep this in mind when you start planning your next family reunion.

    Let’s say your next family vacation will be in California, next to a renowned vineyard. The adults in your party would love to go wine tasting as part of the festivities. However, this excludes anyone under the age of 21 from participating. This is fine as long as you’re also compensating with an equally exciting activity for the younger group. Perhaps during the wine tasting, the younger squad can be sent to a local theme park to pass the time.

    As a general rule, if you’re struggling to come up with ideas of things to do, just ask! Send out a quick poll to the family and ask for suggestions on things to do. You’ll hear straight from the kids and the adults what they’re interested in, and you can use those ideas to create a plan that works for everyone.

    Delegate Responsibilities

    One person shouldn’t be put in charge of every aspect of a family reunion, especially if you have a large extended family. All of that pressure and stress can be too much for one person to bear if they also hope to enjoy the reunion to the fullest.

    There are plenty of people who would like to be involved in planning and organizing if you simply ask them. An uncle might have a really fun game that he’s been itching to teach everyone. Grandma might be ecstatic to hear that the family wants her to be in charge of weekend desserts. They will feel happy that they could contribute something, and the designated organizer won’t have to do everything by themselves.

    Even some of the little ones can be given some responsibilities. Smaller children can help set the table for any meals that you prepare and eat together. They can also be encharged with picking up a certain number of toys and garbage before bed each night, so the need to clean doesn’t get out of control.

    Leave Some Time Unscheduled

    Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all. Some family members haven’t seen each other in a long time and just want some time to catch up. Kids can come up with all sorts of games and activities without instruction. These periods of unstructured time can create some of the most enjoyable family reunion memories.

    The best part about this unscheduled time is that it requires little to no work. You can concentrate your planning and organizing on other activities without being spread too thin. You may even consider planning one major activity per day and letting the family use the rest of the time the way they want.

    Don’t go overboard on the unstructured playtime. Organized activities and events are what bring the whole reunion together. When making your final plans, try to strike the perfect balance between the two.

    Have a Back-up Plan Ready

    No matter how well you plan and organize an event, something is bound to go wrong. It will never be a bad idea to have a backup plan in place for the various events and activities you have planned for a family reunion. This way, a plan falling through will never end up in complete chaos and can be quickly replaced with an appropriate fallback plan.

    For example, some of your planned activities may occur outdoors. If that’s the case, what will happen to your itinerary if it happens to rain? A rainy-day backup plan will ensure that some unfortunate weather doesn’t completely derail the reunion as a whole. Think about having some board games stocked up or all the fixings for a game of charades while you wait for the rain to pass.

    Pretty much everything can use a backup plan. Have preparations ready for when meal plans fall through, shows get canceled, or flights get delayed. When it comes to a large-scale trip like this, it’s always better to be safe than to be sorry.

    Plan Out a Budget

    Family reunions can get expensive. Not all families at the reunion have the same income to work with. You can’t reasonably plan a family reunion in Hawaii, knowing full well that you’re excluding certain people from being able to attend. As you go about your planning, you should keep a general budget in mind that can accommodate everyone as best as possible.

    Any time you talk about food, travel, or an activity, attach a dollar sign to it. Make sure you are aware of what everything costs before you make any purchases or bookings. You may even consider running certain things by family members before making bookings, like for hotel stays or excursions. Stress over finances can quickly sour what would otherwise be an enjoyable reunion.

    Budgets can be flexible. You don’t have to stick to a hard cap if you don’t want to. However, it’s sound financial practice to at least keep a running total of what costs should be and what to expect. Perhaps make certain activities that may cost a lot of money optional and provide sufficient substitutions for anyone who opts out.

    Latch Onto Traditions

    Every family comes with its own unique traditions. Some are simple, like hosting an annual barbeque for the Fourth of July. Others are a bit more strange, like hiding a pickle in the family Christmas tree. When all of the extended family comes together, there are more opportunities to create long-lasting traditions.

    Think of any family traditions that are already in place. Incorporate these into your family reunion schedule. These traditions are an easy way to take up some time when you’re trying to fill up several days’ worth of excitement. It doesn’t matter if the tradition is a chili cook-off or going to see a movie together; each tradition counts.

    If you’re feeling up for it, try dabbling in some new tradition-type ideas. These can turn into permanent additions to future family reunions. It also gets you to try some new things that you may not have considered before, like having an old-timey photo shoot or going mini golfing together.

    When prepared properly, a family reunion can easily become the highlight of everyone’s year. Even if there’s no set a date for your next reunion, it’s never too early to start making plans. The earlier you start, the less stressed you feel when the scheduled dates come up on the calendar.

    Featured Image Credit: Photo by Askar Abayev; Pexels; Thank you!

    The post Organize a Family Reunion With These Planning Ideas appeared first on Calendar.

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    Matt Rowe

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  • Entrepreneur | How to Unlock the Power of Critical Thinking

    Entrepreneur | How to Unlock the Power of Critical Thinking

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Great entrepreneurs are able to question wide-held beliefs, make connections between seemingly disparate ideas, and essentially see what no one else can see.

    This is what is called critical thinking, and you don’t have to be born with it — it is a skill that can be learned. There are many experts available for one-on-one mentor sessions who can help you to look at things differently, whether that is coming up with new ideas or solutions to old problems. Allie Webb, founder of Drybar, and Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine, are two experts in this arena who are available now for one-on-one video calls through the Intro expert platform.

    Related: Search our database of business experts available for one-on-one video calls to help you find success

    Why Critical Thinking is Important

    Critical thinking allows individuals to analyze information objectively, identify and evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions.

    Problem-Solving: Critical thinking helps you approach problems in a structured and systematic way. This is when you put on your consultant hat with a systematic process: Define the problem -> gather info -> analyze the info -> identify possible solutions -> implement -> evaluate -> make adjustments. By evaluating different options and weighing their strengths and weaknesses, you can arrive at an effective solution.

    Decision Making: Effective decision-making requires the ability to evaluate information, weigh pros and cons, and arrive at an informed conclusion. Critical thinking skills are essential for making informed choices in both personal and professional settings.

    Effective Communication: This starts with active listening. By analyzing information and arguments, you can articulate your thoughts and ideas more clearly and persuasively.

    Tips for Improving Your Critical Thinking Skills

    Practice questioning: The 5 Why’s is a problem-solving method used to uncover the root cause of a problem by asking “why” questions. The idea is to keep asking “why” until the root cause is found. Here’s how to apply the 5 Why’s:

    1. Clearly define the problem: Identify what’s happening and what needs to be fixed.
    2. Ask “Why” questions: Ask “Why” the problem is occurring and record the answer. Repeat this step five times.
    3. Analyze the answers: Evaluate the answers and see if they provide insights into the root cause of the problem.
    4. Identify the root cause: Use the answers to identify the root cause of the problem.
    5. Develop a solution: Use the understanding of the root cause to develop a solution to the problem.

    Seek out new information and diverse perspectives: Stay informed and exposed to different opinions, perspectives, and sources of information. This will help you broaden your understanding of the world and refine your critical thinking skills.

    Analyze arguments: When evaluating arguments, look for logical fallacies, flaws in reasoning, and biases. This will help you to identify the strengths and weaknesses of an argument and arrive at an informed conclusion.

    Reflect on your own thinking: Take time to reflect on your own thoughts and beliefs. Consider how your experiences and background may impact your perspective.

    The ability to think critically is rare. And vital. By developing this skill, you can raise your ceiling. You can become a better problem-solver, a more effective communicator, and a more valuable employee. The world is constantly changing and evolving, and by embracing critical thinking, we can adapt and thrive in the face of new challenges.

    Let’s make critical thinking a cornerstone of the modern workplace.

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    Brad Klune

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  • Entrepreneur | Style Tips for Zoom Meetings You Attend Virtually

    Entrepreneur | Style Tips for Zoom Meetings You Attend Virtually

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    Now that we’ve jumped into the age of continual Zoom meetings and virtual hangouts, there’s a whole new universe of fashion and beauty problems to consider.

    Your go-to look is great in person — but are there obtrusive or mediocre visions of you on-screen with your co-workers or friends?  Does your wardrobe suggest signs of Zoom fatigue?

    Several fashion experts spoke on how to dress for virtual meetings at a fashion show with producer Amy Olson, designer Lagi Nadeau, and stylist Lisa Marie McComb. And Zoom itself has given some great help and tips on how to look better on screen.

    Experts have given us time hacks, and early prep for your Zoom meetings is one way to hack your day.

    Getting things started for your Zoom days

    Open your blinds and drapes, and allowing the light to stream in can help you present your best self on Zoom. According to Amy Olson, the optimal lighting is towards the window because natural light illuminates your whole face.

    The producer suggests that you test the lighting on camera before your video conference. Testing will ensure that the venue seems bright and that you get your meeting started properly. She suggests putting a lamp behind your computer or phone to brighten the room if you need extra light. She even suggests removing a lampshade to increase the amount of light. Olson also suggests framing the photo ahead of time by noting what’s behind you in the camera’s perspective and clearing the backdrop of any clutter.

    Nowadays, you can even purchase great-looking “fake” backdrops that you can change up pre-meeting.

    Outfit suggestions for a Zoom meeting

    For virtual meetings, our experts recommend using vivid jewel tones. The more brilliant the color, the better. Sapphire blue, emerald green, and amethyst purple are all great choices — the brighter, the better.

    Lisa Marie McComb adds that she’s generally dressed in basics — navy, grey, black, camel, and white. But she’s changed her mind about “waist-up” meetings. Wearing a magical hue boosts your mood. People see your attitude on Zoom.

    Bright patterns and designs also perform well on camera, according to the stylist. She adds bold stripes to bring positive attention.

    According to Olson, choose form-fitting shirts and sweaters for the most beautiful video apparel shape.

    If your shirts still seem loose on camera, try tucking extra fabric behind your back and into your waistband.

    Experts say the public would be surprised at how many pins people use. Pins create a shape on the body when styling professionals for photo shoots, says Olson. For Zoom meetings, the same thing might happen — you may decide to use a clothespin to drawback excess fabric and create a waistline.

    Because the camera focuses on your face and neckline, Nadeau suggests using unusual clothing features. Something like a bow blouse or a camisole with a jacket and scarf.

    Before your Zoom appointment, the designer suggests having a practice run on camera. When you’re on camera, things will read differently, she explains.

    Wear slacks or a dress with shoes. According to insiders, you would for an in-person professional meeting or job interview. According to Olson, even if the camera doesn’t catch your lower half, it’s crucial to wear head to toe. Wearing shoes help you feel more grounded and put together.

    Although it’s fashionable to wear stacked bracelets and chandelier earrings, they may cause interference with the video microphone. Stick to essential accessories to be safe, adds Olson.

    Getting to know your cosmetics for Zoom screentime

    You may need to add extra makeup for Zoom since the video camera may wash out your complexion.

    According to Olson, the cheekbones, highlighters, and bronzers may contour the face and provide depth for the camera. Meanwhile, top eyeliner and mascara can open up the eyes.

    Apply concealer beneath the eyes, on top of the eyelid, and just below the brow from the center to the edge as a highlighter. According to McComb, it will make you appear well-rested for your meeting.

    According to the stylist, choose a foundation shade that is one shade brighter than your skin tone and mix it in with your makeup. Afterward, lightly dust a small layer of face powder over the T-zone to diffuse any shininess, since the camera has a tendency to magnify shine on the face.

    Apply a splash of lip color, such as coral red lipstick, to complete your look. Alternatively, McComb recommends using a tinted lip balm to give your lips natural color and keep them from looking dry.

    Before your meeting, comb any stray hairs back into place. The light always seems to grab and highlight wild hair flying around — “so use a hair treatment or pomade to smooth out dry or flyaway hair,” explains Nadeau.

    Finally, Olson recommends using the face-correcting filters on Zoom, such as Touch Up My Appearance, to soften your appearance and level out your skin tone.

    Conclusion

    Whatever look you are going for, make sure to try it out ahead of time for your Zoom meetings. You want to leave the type of impression you have decided on for yourself. You won’t need to fuss with your backdrop, lighting, and work-look items once these decisions have been made and you have your Zoom studio set.

    Featured Image Credit: Photo by Jack Sparrow; Pexels; Thank you!

     

    The post Style Tips for Zoom Meetings You Attend Virtually appeared first on Calendar.

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    Angela Ruth

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  • 10 Promotion Hacks For Referral Marketing On Social Media

    10 Promotion Hacks For Referral Marketing On Social Media

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    Referral marketing is one of the best ways to market your business. The extensive digitalization of today allows you to promote your referral program through various marketing channels. One of the most powerful channels is social media. You can make the most out of it by following certain hacks.

    This blog reveals some of the best referral marketing hacks you should use on social media to make the most of it. But before that, let’s get to understand why referral marketing on social media works.

    Why is referral marketing on social media powerful?

    Referral marketing has been practiced since time immemorial. Nevertheless, it has never lost its charm. With the extensive usage of the internet today, modern-day referral marketing has moved online, a large part of which is social media. Here are the reasons why referral marketing on social media is powerful.

    • With more than 4.7 billion people using social media today, promoting your referral program on social media would give you a wider reach to an enormous audience.
    • Referral marketing on social media increases brand awareness. For, it expands the chances of people who were previously unaware of your brand to know your brand’s existence.
    • Widens the chances of conversions among both existing and former customers. You’d be getting in front of them right where they’re on the internet. Besides, it gives you an opportunity to interact with them directly.
    • Your interaction with your customers and prospects on social media channels bears a more humanized touch.
    • Your brand’s visibility on social media gets people to talk about your brand. And this builds your credibility, which gradually leads to your success.
    • It increases your inbound traffic significantly. Otherwise, your inbound traffic would be restricted strictly to your closed circles.
    • Requires the spending of lesser money than that on traditional marketing. Besides, it is relatively effortless- only requiring some content development and syndication strategy.
    • Your social media presence improves your site ranking.

    10 tactics for referral marketing on social media

    The combination of social media and referral marketing is extremely effective in promoting a brand. Here are ten techniques to effectively enable integration referral marketing with social media.

    1. Promote your referral program on social media

    Run a referral program using a tool like InviteReferrals and make people aware that you are having a referral program. Regularly promote your program on your accounts on various social media platforms. It should be accompanied by a short explanation of how users can earn an incentive for sharing your brand. Ensure that the post is enticing, visually appealing, and easy to follow.

    2. Include social sharing buttons for your customers

    Make social sharing an integral part of your referral program. This will encourage customers to send links directly to their friends on social media. They should be able to share you on social media in one single click. You can simplify it further by providing them with pre-written content with the link. As referrers will receive their reward each time someone buys through their link, they’ll be motivated to share more.

    3. Share reviews as social proof

    Not everyone will be ready to take part in your referral program without knowing its credibility. You can ensure this by sharing social proof in the form of reviews, stories, and testimonials. These can serve as “proof” that your products or services are good, and hence, give them the assurance that they’re referring to a trustworthy brand. You can even turn positive reviews into graphics to make them visually attractive.

    4. Request loyal customers to promote the program

    Your loyal customers can become your brand ambassadors upon your request. So, ask them to refer your brand to their circle on social media. But make sure that you ask at the right time- the time when he/she is extremely happy with your brand. It can be soon after purchase, immediately after they leave a glowing review, or after a positive customer service event.

    5. Run a social media ad campaign

    You can reach your referral program to a new audience by running a social media ad campaign. Sponsored or boosted posts can be tailored to reach a particular audience. That is, you can determine who’ll see your ad. You can do this by setting your preferences with respect to the audience’s gender, age, geographic location, educational qualification, interests, etc. Social media ads can be cheap and highly effective in promoting your referral program.

    6. Host an early-launch program

    You can consider your referral program to be just like any new release. Come up with an early-launch offer for the program. This can make it exciting to join your brand. So, hype the early access to your program over social media. You can add to its momentum by allowing just a small group of influencers or loyal customers to join early.

    7. Use entertaining videos

    Videos are wonderful hacks to promote your referral program on social media. Video marketing statistics have proved this. Through a video, you can capture your audience’s attention and make them aware of your referral program. It can also feature how your referrers are happy to earn by referring you around. Additionally, you can also highlight your brand value and offerings in it.

    8. Ask current program participants to spread you further

    Your current referrers are more likely to repeat referring you. By asking them for the same, you’ll be propelling the spread further. When more people hear about how your referrers are enjoying the work and earning through it, they’ll be more likely to participate. So, keep asking. And do ask for reviews as well. For, positive reviews from genuine customers are powerful! You can also encourage them further by featuring top advocates on your social media pages.

    9. Refrain from remaining the same

    We told you it’s important to regularly promote your referral program on social media. When you do so, don’t use the same template every time. Instead, change the referral message and images. This will make it interesting and appealing. You may even choose to vary the referral incentive or conduct contests with limited-period rewards such as bonuses and discounts.

    10. Tailor your message to the traditions of each platform

    Multi-channel marketing is important. But you should know that each social media platform is different and requires a different approach. So, use a referral message that is tailored to each platform. Customize the design, imagery, and tone of your message to suit the audience there. Besides, make sure that the message has a personal feel. And allow referrers to customize the message before sending.

    Wrapping up

    Referral marketing on social media has immense potential in taking your business to the next level. You just need some hacks up your sleeve. In this blog, we’ve discussed ten of the ways you can integrate your referral marketing into social media. Do use them to widen your customer base credibly in a world where trust for brands is declining significantly.

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    Shivani Goyal

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  • Exploring the Impact of Robotics on Manufacturing and Beyond

    Exploring the Impact of Robotics on Manufacturing and Beyond

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    Image by user6702303 on Freepik

    In the modern age, robotics engineering, and automation have changed the face of manufacturing. Robotics engineering companies are paving the way for a new era of industrial production. From robotic welding to assembly line automation, robots are being used in an ever-growing variety of applications. This article will look at the impact that robotics has had on manufacturing and beyond, exploring how this technology is changing industries worldwide.

    Impact on the Global Economy

    Robotic engineering is an increasingly vital part of the global economy, and companies are turning to robotic engineering services for a range of applications. From manufacturing to healthcare, robotics technology is being used to revolutionize how we work and live. As robots become more advanced and sophisticated, their impact on the global economy continues to evolve.

    Robotic welding has made significant contributions to the manufacturing sector, with its ability to automate processes that were once done by hand. It has improved efficiency by reducing production time and costs while providing greater accuracy than manual labor could provide. In addition, robotic welding can be used in hazardous environments such as extreme temperatures or radioactive materials where it would be too dangerous for human workers. This makes robotic welding a powerful tool for companies looking to enhance their production capabilities while boosting safety standards.

    Expansion into New Industries

    For decades, robotic engineering companies have been leading the charge in manufacturing and production, but now they’re expanding into new industries like healthcare, education, and hospitality.

    This shift towards robotics engineering is driven by advancements in both machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). With AI-driven robots capable of more complex tasks than ever before, robotic welding has become commonplace in many sectors. As robotic engineers continue to refine their technologies and explore new applications for robotics, they are creating opportunities for businesses to increase efficiency while reducing costs.

    From carrying out tedious or dangerous tasks with precision to providing human care with empathy and understanding, robots are becoming an essential part of our lives—and it looks like they’re here to stay.

    Robotic welding innovations

    Robotic technology has revolutionized the manufacturing industry. Companies that specialize in robotic engineering have made it possible to create robots with a wide range of capabilities and functionalities, including robotic welding. This type of automation has enabled workers to produce higher-quality products at a faster rate than ever before.

    Robotic welding is an advanced form of automated welding. It utilizes computer-controlled equipment to weld metals together, creating powerful and precise connections quickly and efficiently. The robotics engineering company works closely with manufacturers to design custom robots for specific tasks, such as welding aluminum or steel parts, increasing productivity on the production line while reducing human error.

    The advancements in robotic welding are transforming the way companies approach their manufacturing processes – from automotive manufacturing to medical device production – with increased safety standards and improved efficiency creating a more profitable business environment for all involved.

    Takeaway

    Robotics technology is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry, and that impact is expected to expand beyond the existing applications and into many other industries in the near future. With its ever-evolving capabilities, robotics technology provides a unique opportunity to create more efficient, accurate and cost-effective ways to produce goods more quickly than ever before. It is clear that robotics technology has a lot of potential for improving our lives and creating new opportunities for businesses around the globe.

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    Robert

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  • Different Types of Skin Cancer Types Explained

    Different Types of Skin Cancer Types Explained

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    Image by Freepik

    Skin cancer is a major health concern, and it’s important to understand the different types of skin cancer in order to seek the right treatment. In this article, we will discuss the different types of skin cancer and provide information on melanoma removal, basal cell carcinoma removal, and finding a skin cancer specialist in Huntsville. Whether you’re seeking answers or looking for a professional opinion, this article has all the information you need to be aware of your options.

    Basal Cell Carcinoma

    Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer and is caused by the uncontrolled growth of basal cells in the skin. It is usually slow-growing and occurs on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and arms. BCC is treatable and curable, but if left untreated, it can cause serious damage to the surrounding skin and tissues.

    Squamous Cell Carcinoma

    Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that affects the squamous cells in the top layer of the skin. SCC is more aggressive than BCC and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. It is often found on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and arms, but it can also occur in other areas of the body.

    Melanoma

    Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can be life-threatening. It is caused by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells in the skin. Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on the face, neck, arms, and legs. Melanoma is highly treatable if detected early, but it can spread quickly and become difficult to treat if left unchecked.

    Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma

    Sebaceous gland carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that affects the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, an oil that helps to keep the skin moisturized. This type of skin cancer is often misdiagnosed as a cyst or an infected gland and can be difficult to treat if not detected early. Sebaceous gland carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that results from the uncontrolled growth of the sebaceous glands, which produce oil and sweat. This type of skin cancer is typically found in people over the age of 50. It is important to seek treatment for sebaceous gland carcinoma as soon as possible, as it has a tendency to spread quickly.

    Treatment for sebaceous gland carcinoma includes surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Treatment must be tailored according to each individual’s unique circumstances and can involve a combination of treatments. A skin cancer specialist should be consulted in order to determine an effective treatment plan. In some cases, melanoma or basal cell carcinoma removal may also be necessary.

    Merkel Cell Carcinoma

    Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer. It’s more common in people with weakened immune systems, older adults, and those with fair skin. MCC often looks like a firm, shiny bump on the skin that’s pink or purple in color. Though it can occur anywhere on the body, it typically occurs in areas that are less exposed to sunlight such as the head and neck.

    MCC is diagnosed by a physical examination followed by a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for MCC may include surgery to remove affected tissue, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy drugs depending on its size and stage at diagnosis. Patients should see an experienced skin cancer specialist to ensure prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment plans for their individual cases.

    Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

    The risk factors for this form of skin cancer include prolonged exposure to UV radiation from sunlight or tanning beds, fair complexion, family history, and weakened immune system.

    In conclusion, skin cancer is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding the different types of skin cancer, the causes, and the risk factors can help you take steps to prevent it from happening to you. If you notice any changes in your skin, it is essential to see a dermatologist as soon as possible to ensure that any potential skin cancer is detected and treated.

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    Robert

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  • Entrepreneur | 3 Proven Ways to Achieve Superhuman Focus in 14-Days

    Entrepreneur | 3 Proven Ways to Achieve Superhuman Focus in 14-Days

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    Have you ever considered your inability to focus is due to your nutrition, not your lack of willpower?

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    Ben Angel

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  • Entrepreneur | 15 Tips to Create Good Habits and Actually Keep Them

    Entrepreneur | 15 Tips to Create Good Habits and Actually Keep Them

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    What if everything ran on autopilot? This includes chores, exercise, healthy eating and completing your work. They just happen on their own. The problem is that unless they invent robots, all your work won’t disappear overnight.

    It is possible, however, to create a new habit that requires little effort to maintain, with a little bit of initial discipline.

    What are habits?

    Before going on further, let me quickly explain what habits are.

    In short, habits are learned behaviors that become reflexive over time. In many cases, a specific context triggers the behavior. After eating breakfast, for instance, you may brush your teeth automatically.

    There are three types of habits: healthy, unhealthy and neutral. For example, taking ten minutes a day to stretch or meditate when feeling stressed can be classified as a healthy habit. An example of an unhealthy habit would be smoking a cigarette whenever you’re stressed. Taking the same route to work or eating the same breakfast each morning are neutral habits.

    A habit is a learned behavior, whereas an unconscious behavior, like breathing or blinking, does not count.

    Related: 3 Things That’ll Make You a Master of Forming — and Keeping — Great Habits

    What’s the difference between habits and routines?

    A habit is different from a routine because you’re aware of it. In other words, habits are repeated actions on autopilot, whereas routines are planned.

    Unless you practice routines deliberately, they will eventually disappear. Habits, however, are formed unconsciously.

    Intention and effort are necessary for gratitude practice, for example. It won’t run automatically. Exercise is no different. Exercising isn’t going to happen by itself. You will, however, grab a cigarette on autopilot if you have the habit.

    To become a habit, a routine should be carried out without conscious thought. For example, say you begin your morning routine by drinking green juice. You can consider it a habit when you start making your juice daily without thinking about it.

    How are habits formed?

    The majority of habits begin as intentional, goal-directed actions. As an example, a parent may instruct a young child to wash their hands before eating. In the beginning, a child may only wash their hands to get praise from their parents. It is possible that they need a reminder every time they eat to do the task.

    In time, the child will get used to the washing routine and no longer need reminders. Even if the parent doesn’t reward the behavior, the child will wash their hands before meals. Because the behavior is driven more by context than concrete rewards, it can be described as a habit.

    It is possible to think of habit formation as the creation of a mental shortcut. For example, a child must take many steps to wash their hands before dinner. To wash their hands, they need to go to the sink, turn on the water, lather on soap and then dry them off. Once the habit forms, the brain begins to group these steps together as a single “chunk.” To put that another way, it interprets these steps as a single behavior.

    The good thing about habits? They can save your mental energy. For you to focus on more complicated choices, you may save energy if you repeat certain behaviors automatically. The problem with reflexive behavior is that it is harder to notice and stop them. It can be hard to interrupt habits such as nail-biting at the moment since the brain identifies them as one action.

    Now that you have more clarity on what habits are, how they’re formed and the difference between habits and routines, here are a few tips to help you develop good habits and keep them:

    1. Choose an easy habit that you will not be able to resist

    “The most important part of building a new habit is staying consistent,” says James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. “It doesn’t matter how well you perform on any individual day.” Consistency is the key.

    Because of this, new habits should be so easy that you cannot resist them.

    • Would you like to build a habit of exercising? Today, you will exercise for one minute.

    • Do you want to get into the habit of writing? Make a goal of writing three sentences today.

    • Want to start eating healthy? This week, you should eat one healthy meal.

    “It doesn’t matter if you start small because there will be plenty of time to pick up the intensity later,” Clear adds. “You don’t need to join a CrossFit gym, write a book or change your entire diet at the very beginning.”

    “It’s easy to compare yourself to what others are doing or to feel the urge to optimize your performance and do more,” he says. “Don’t let those feelings pull you off course.”

    Demonstrate your ability to stick with something small for 30 days. After you are consistently on track, you may want to increase the difficulty. Performance is irrelevant at the beginning.

    Related: The First Step to Creating Healthy Habits Is Smaller Than You Think

    2. Think positively

    When you decide to develop good habits in yourself, staying optimistic is one of the most essential elements. In addition to helping you overcome negative feelings, positive thinking enables you to deal with stress effectively.

    In order to think positively, you do not ignore all the unpleasant things in life and carry on with your daily activities. Instead, you react positively to them all.

    If you think mostly negatively about changing your habits, you will have a hard time adopting the new, good one. But, on the other hand, it is easier for your mind to accept something if you view it positively.

    So, instead of focusing on the negative, be positive. Remember, with the right attitude, the sky’s the limit.

    3. Reduce triggers and cravings

    Find out which people, places and activities are connected with bad habits in your mind. After that, you should change how you behave toward them.

    Those with shopping addictions should avoid shopping malls, for example. Also, when your friends take a smoke break, don’t go outside with them if you’re trying to quit.

    There is also a link between chronic stress and poor behavior. As such, managing your stress levels will help you avoid triggers.

    In the same way, cravings are driven by a desire to change your internal state of being. In other words, you can reduce cravings by identifying how you want to feel. Then, once that feeling is achieved, take an action that is healthier.

    Instead of smoking when you want to relax, take a bath. Rather than drinking your third cup of coffee, eat a banana when you need energy.

    4. Do it every day

    Researchers from the University of Bristol investigated how people form habits in the real world, asking participants to take a walk before dinner or drink water at lunch. In the study, published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, it was found that it took 18 to 254 days for a task to become automatic. However, the median time was 66 days.

    What is the lesson? Creating habits takes time. The more often we practice them, however, the quicker they become, so start with something little and simple.

    For example, it’s more effective to do a small amount of exercise every day, rather than trying to go to the gym thrice a week to stick with an exercise habit. Then, as you become accustomed to daily exercise, you can begin exploring more intense forms.

    5. Swish – a technique from NLP

    Swish Patterns are used to break unwanted habits and limiting behaviors. In this method, you imagine a situation that is undesirable or triggers you, as well as a version of the situation that would result in a perfect outcome. After that, you swish the two images so that the desirable one occupies more mental space.

    The first thing you need to do is visualize yourself doing a bad habit. After that, visualize yourself letting go of the bad habit and taking on a new one. Then end that sequence with a highly positive image of yourself.

    Think of how you would feel if you picked up a cigarette, put it down and snapped your fingers. Last but not least, visualize yourself running and breathing freely. You should repeat the process a few times until the new habit becomes automatic.

    Related: Form Lasting Habits Using These 4 Strategies

    6. Make the habit fun to repeat

    Most of us overestimate our willpower when trying to build a new habit and set a course for the most efficient method to accomplish our goal. For example, suppose you want to become fit through regular exercise. In most cases, you’ll look for workouts that yield quick results, such as running on a treadmill.

    However, research suggests that finding ways to make goal pursuit fun will help you persist longer and ultimately accomplish more.

    For exercise, this might mean going to Yoga or Zumba classes with a friend, hiking or joining a team sport. For those trying to eat more fruits and vegetables, smoothies can combine multiple servings of fruits and vegetables in one tasty drink.

    Overall, a positive experience is critical to habit formation. But it’s often overlooked since repetition is key to sticking with something you enjoy.

    7. Consider failure while planning for success

    Again, it takes time to build a new habit, so don’t expect success overnight. A good habit could require many failures before you become habitual.

    As a result of your guilt after your failure, you may stop incorporating that good habit into your daily routine. A solid plan, though, will make it easy for you to get back on track quickly.

    You should remember that slipping up is not a failure. It’s a normal part of the process. However, to develop good habits, it’s important to have a plan for dealing with failure. So, make sure you don’t start building a good habit without a plan.

    8. Motivate yourself intrinsically

    There are two things you need to believe to build intrinsic motivation:

    • First, as long as you act according to your own preferences, you have the freedom to do so.

    • The work you do will make you a better, more knowledgeable person.

    It is essential to learn how to deal with negative emotions to believe these two things. Additionally, you’ll need a way to measure your progress. After all, progress is an important motivator. The simplest method is to write it down and stick it on your mirror. Writing in a journal or creating a more detailed spreadsheet might also be options.

    9. Make sure you’re flexible

    As soon as we put something on autopilot, we fall into pretty consistent routines, exercising, studying or taking our medication at the same time and place every day. However, research suggests you should deliberately introduce some variability into your routine when you’re just beginning to form habits.

    There’s still no substitute for having a first-best plan. For instance, establish a mindfulness habit, perhaps meditating at 7:00 a.m. every day. Likewise, you should also consider mixing in a meditation session around and another at 6:00 p.m.

    As you recall, it’s essential to repeat a behavior frequently to build a habit. However, the less brittle your routine becomes, the less likely you will follow through. If you have a flexible habit, you can still accomplish what you need to, even when things go off track. For example, let’s say that a traffic jam prevented you from meditating in the morning; you can still practice mindfulness at noon.

    The key to being flexible is to provide yourself with “emergency reserves.” You’ll have these cards on hand for those days when you can’t meditate, for instance. Think of them as your Get Out of Jail Free card in Monopoly.

    A challenging goal, like meditating daily, for instance, can motivate you more than an easier one. But if you miss multiple targets, it can be demoralizing. If an emergency arises, having a few emergency reserves each week allows you to miss a day without losing sight of your goal.

    10. Work on your environment

    Environment plays a huge role in developing good habits. For example, let’s say you decide to eat a clean diet. However, when you open the fridge door, you see all the junk food inside. You’ll have a hard time resisting that, won’t you?

    You will have difficulty getting rid of your bad habits if you do not change your environment. It is, therefore, better to alter your environment according to your goals.

    Related: 5 Ways to Set Good Habits That Actually Stick

    11. Adopt healthy routines

    Good habits are built through lifestyle choices. So, what is the best way to change your lifestyle? By improving your daily routine.

    In other words, take the time to plan out your day and incorporate healthy practices where appropriate.

    Eat vegetables and fruits as soon as you wake up, for instance. Then, you can take a restorative nap during your lunch break. In the evenings, go for a stroll. Just remember to select realistic and healthy practices when choosing them.

    12. Get the social support you need

    Sometimes, this step is overlooked despite being obvious. As you set goals, let your friends and family know about them since they can serve as cheerleaders and hold you accountable.

    Evidence suggests that the behavior of those around us strongly influences our behavior. For example, are you interested in starting a regular running routine? It’s probably better to join a running club than ask a few friends who don’t jog to join you. After all, members of the running club already have the habits you’re looking for. As a result, you’ll learn what works and gain friends who will keep you on your toes when you fall behind.

    If you want to pick up good habits, try hanging out with people who are a few steps ahead of you. However, don’t overextend yourself. The experience of training with marathoners can be disheartening if you only want to improve your 5K speed.

    Overall, it has been shown that socializing with people who are already successful and being inspired by them is crucial for success. The added bonus is that it’s more fun to achieve your goals with the people you like.

    13. Keep a journal

    In general, journaling is considered a good habit. Why? As well as helping you learn from your mistakes and wins, it enables you to improve your ability to communicate.

    You are likely to achieve many victories as well as some mistakes when you implement a good habit into your life. Keeping a journal in which you list all your wins and errors will allow you to easily see all the mistakes at a glance that were not in line with your habits development strategy.

    Furthermore, it can help reduce these mistakes so you can remove obstacles to developing a positive habit and replace it with a negative one. In addition to identifying the obstacles, this method accelerates your habit-building progress.

    14. Set calendar reminders

    It can be hard to remember to maintain a habit at first. As discussed above, habituation takes time.

    One solution would be using an online calendar, such as Google Calendar, iCal, or Microsoft Calendar. With these calendar tools, you can schedule the habits you want to develop. You can also set notifications to remind you when it’s time to start working on a task. And you can even make events that recur monthly, weekly or daily.

    Related: Science Says Healthy Scheduling Habits Make People Happier

    15. Practice self-compassion instead of self-judgment

    The probability of you having a bad outcome is much higher if you think that you can’t do the good habit you want to incorporate into your life. The reason? Because it’s hard. When faced with a difficult task, motivating yourself with a can-do attitude is better than judging yourself.

    Self-judgment creates a sense of guilt and shame because you take responsibility for your mistakes when you are working on them. In turn, you begin to feel guilty and ashamed. Negative consequences often accompany these feelings.

    Because of this, it’s important to think about forming a good habit with self-compassion rather than self-judgment to give yourself some empathy and love, making it easier to do so.

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    John Rampton

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  • Slideshows in Education – Useful Tips

    Slideshows in Education – Useful Tips

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    Education is a tricky process for students and teachers alike. Thankfully, there are ways to make learning more engaging and effective for both sides. Some are already integrated into the education system, while others don’t stick so easily. Slideshows, as effective as they are, tend to fall into the latter category.

    Teachers and students usually struggle with getting a clear idea of why and how to use slideshows. And that is what we want to help you figure out. With a little imagination and a handful of tips below, this method will help you greatly!

    For Students

    Slideshow as it is

    Making a slideshow is a great way to squeeze out the essential information from a topic and give it a clear structure. It is also an effective form of group work, since it helps you to get to the bottom of things as a team. Regardless of the subject, making a slideshow is a great exercise in general, even if no one will see it in the end.

    Presentation as a visual aid

    Slideshows in Education

    Sometimes a subject that you have to present is so vast, that neither your speech nor the slides can hold it in its entirety. All the more reason to use both! Slides can show supplemental images and points that you are elaborating on, thus helping both you and your audience to keep track of your thoughts.

    Studying by yourself

    You don’t have to make a slideshow to reap the benefits of it and boost your understanding of a subject. Since a presentation contains information in a digestible form, you can find slideshows made by other people online to help wrap your head around anything. This is extremely helpful when you have to learn a lot in a short time.

    For Teachers

    Interactivity in learning

    Slideshows in Education Tips

    Learning through playful interaction is in general more effective than boring lecturing and cramming. Slideshows can help you introduce more interactivity into your lesson, be it in the form of a quiz or any other fitting game format. Making your classes fun greatly contributes to faster and better learning!

    Graphs and numbers

    Numbers belong on paper. In case you need to convey something that involves a lot of, for example, statistics, it is preferable to show the graphs and digits on a screen, while focusing your speech on core ideas. Providing data visually, while using the speech to tie it all together, helps learners comprehend the material better, as long as everything is to the point.

    Lab work instructions

    Sometimes you need to have some information on display for the duration of a class. For example, a lab session requires quickly accessible and clear guidelines. Not only does it benefit the learning process, but it also is good for safety, since mishandling any science equipment may result in an accident.

    For Presenters

    Write as little as possible

    Remember – the more text there is on your slide, the lower the chances that anyone will read it at all, let alone get the point. So don’t write too much text on your slides and use images whenever possible. The slideshow should supplement your narration, and not serve as its replacement.

    Avoid visual noise

    Slideshows in Education Useful Tips

    A presentation spiced up with a pinch of embellishments, transitions, or animations can be more engaging. However, it is best to not overdo it, or you may end up with a design that is distracting. So, stay focused on substance rather than style, but don’t ignore the latter completely.

    Give people some time

    When people have to read and listen simultaneously, they get worse at both. And this harsh truth is confirmed by extensive scientific research. So, to make your presentation as effective as it gets, make breaks in your speech every once in a while to let the audience give undivided attention to your slides. This way, the information will sink in much better.

    Final Words

    Slideshows can truly be useful in a variety of situations. When utilized properly, it inspires students, enables teachers to include more creativity and interaction in the classroom, and increases students’ enjoyment of the learning process.

    As useful as they are, slideshows are actually not so difficult to create. There are plenty of tools that will help save a lot of time and effort. For example, an automatic slideshow maker lets you create a presentation in a snap. With a collection of 60+ themed templates, 200+ built-in music tracks, comprehensive guidelines, and “Slideshow in 5 minutes” feature, you’ll be able to quickly achieve great results.

    The final piece of advice we have, however, could seem a little counterintuitive: be familiar with the subject enough to present it without any slides at all. You’ll be more at ease, and less tempted to read from slides, and your lesson will flow much more smoothly.

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    Robert

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  • How Do Students Can Write Better Essays

    How Do Students Can Write Better Essays

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    Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash

    You can write better essays than you think. Modern tools can significantly improve the writing skills of any student. You don’t have to be a creative genius or a professional writer to write top-notch essays that your teachers will love.

    All you need is the desire to understand the issue and our advanced guide. Using the tips in this article, you can write essays that are as good as professional writers from such a reliable essay writing service as Essay Shark.

    1. Master Your Writing Style

    Although modern tools can significantly improve the quality of the text, do not forget: the better your writing style, the better your command of the word. Don’t despair; there are several ways to improve your writing style natively and effectively. You do not have to put in a lot of effort: all that is required of you is to spend a little time on self-improvement constantly.

    • Read More Literature: One of the most effective ways to improve your writing style is to read works by eminent authors. This will help you understand how to structure the text and what language to use to achieve the desired effect. It is crucial to read not only classics but also modern texts to stay abreast of new trends.
    • Develop an Understanding of Grammar and Punctuation: Even the most experienced writers make mistakes. It is vital to have a good command of grammar and punctuation to avoid them. Fortunately, many excellent guides will help you improve your knowledge. One of the most popular is “The Elements of Style” by Strunk and White.
    • Subscribe to Expert Writer’s Personal Blogs: Your favorite authors have their style, which is why it is so important to read their work. But it is also helpful to find out what influenced their writing. To do this, you can subscribe to the personal blogs of famous writers and learn about their experiences, favorite tools, and inspirations.
    • Watch Guides and Tutorials on YouTube: If you want to improve your writing skills, finding reliable sources of information is crucial. Luckily, many guides and tutorials on YouTube can help you. These guides and tutorials are created by professional writers and provide invaluable advice on how to write better.

    2. Research Is a Key

    Seventy percent of the success of a quality essay is advanced academic research. Regardless of the topic you choose, you must conduct in-depth academic research before writing. High-quality research will increase the depth and significance of your essay in the eyes of the teacher and support your thesis with weighty arguments.

    Proper academic research necessarily implies the following steps:

    • Identify and Develop Your Topic: Before you start writing, you need to choose a topic. Ideally, it should be something that interests you and that you are passionate about. Once you have selected a topic, you need to narrow it down and develop a clear thesis. Your thesis should be arguable and present your point of view on the chosen topic. Remember that a good thesis should be debatable; it should be possible to argue for and against it.
    • Do a Preliminary Search for Information: Before doing in-depth research, it is vital to do a preliminary search for information. This will help you understand what is already known about your topic and identify the gaps in existing knowledge. You can use the Internet, library catalogs, and databases to do a preliminary search.
    • Locate Materials: After you have done a preliminary search and identified the sources you need, you need to locate the materials. Depending on the source type, this can be done in different ways. For example, if you need a book, you can find it in the library or order it online. If you need an article from a journal, you can find it in a database or the library.
    • Evaluate Your Sources: Even if you find relevant and credible sources, you must ensure they are appropriate for your research. To do this, you need to evaluate your sources. You need to consider several factors when evaluating your sources, such as reliability, currency, and objectivity.
    • Make Notes: Once you have located and evaluated your sources, you need to make notes. When making notes, you should record all the relevant information about your sources, including the author, title, publication date, and page number. This will help you keep track of your sources and cite them correctly in your essay.
    • Cite Your Sources Properly: When you use information from sources in your essay, you need to cite them properly. Otherwise, you will be accused of plagiarism. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense that can lead to a failed grade or even expulsion from school. To avoid plagiarism, you need to cite your sources correctly.

    3. Explore the Right Writing Tools

    There are many software programs and apps that can help you write better. Some are designed to check grammar and spelling, others to help you find the right words, and others to help you structure your text.

    • Ginger Software: Ginger is one of the most popular grammar-checking tools. It can be used as a browser extension or a mobile app. Ginger will help you find and correct grammatical errors.
    • Hemingway Editor: Hemingway Editor is an excellent tool for those who want to improve their writing style. It highlights long, complicated sentences and suggests ways to make them shorter and more straightforward. Hemingway Editor is also helpful for finding and correcting errors.
    • Evernote: Evernote is a versatile tool that can be used for taking notes, organizing, and collaborating. Evernote can be accessed on any device, which makes it an excellent tool for students.

    A great way to improve your essay-writing skills is to use templates. Templates can help you structure your essay and organize your thoughts. They can also give you an idea of how to format your paper and what information to include. There are many different templates available online, so you can find one that suits your needs.

    The only way to improve your writing skills is to practice. The more you write, the better you will become at it. Start by writing simple essays and gradually move on to more complex ones. It is also essential to get feedback on your writing. You can get feedback from your friends, family, or teachers.

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    Michael Fowler

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  • What is VPN and How Does it Work?

    What is VPN and How Does it Work?

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    Image by Stefan Coders from Pixabay

    If you’re a regular netizen, you may have heard the word “VPN,” as it’s a popular subject of debate among internet users, especially gamers and developers. But do you know what it is and how it works?

    What is VPN?

    VPN is the abbreviation of “Virtual Private Network.” It’s a software service (or a tech solution) that helps you protect your online privacy and security. A VPN creates a secure, private connection between your computer and the internet. In layman’s terms, a VPN hides your online identity to protect you from cybercrimes and data breaches. It also protects you from being discriminated against based on your geographical location. Microsoft was the first organization to create VPN in 1996 for its employees.

    How does a VPN work?

    When you surf the internet without a VPN, your computer directly connects to the website or the server you’re trying to access. Such communication leaves your online privacy, data, and identity visible to hackers. That’s because the websites or servers you access and your internet provider can see your IP address, track your location, and check your identity.

    On the other hand, when you use a VPN, it reroutes your internet connection through a secure, encrypted tunnel. VPN creates this tunnel between your computer and the website or server you are trying to access. So, instead of direct communication, like internet surfing without a VPN, data exchange between the computer and the internet takes place through VPN. The encrypted tunnel consists of a remote server that acts as a protection bridge between your device and the internet. In that way, your IP (Internet Protocol) address, online privacy, location, and identity remain hidden. With an active VPN, your online activities cannot be traced because it’s the remote server of the VPN that interacts with the website you access, not your computer.

    Why should you use VPN?

    VPN ensures your privacy, security, and anonymity, especially when using unsafe Wi-Fi networks in public places. By using a good VPN, you can keep yourself safe from cybercrimes committed by online hackers, geographical restrictions, and spy activities. It provides you with a kind of invisibility cloak when you go online.

    What are the different types of VPNs?

    Although VPN has many different types, the following are the most popular ones:

    Remote-access VPN

    By using a remote-access VPN, internet users can connect their devices to another network. This type of VPN is mostly used by organizations to provide their employees with access to the internal system.

    Site-to-site VPN

    Site-to-site VPN (or router-to-route VPN) is tailor-made for companies and organizations with headquarters at multiple locations. Such VPNs allow companies to create a closed internal network that interconnects their business locations. This type of network is also called an intranet.

    SSL VPN

    SSL VPN allows the employees of a company to access the main network located at the headquarter or workplace via their private devices (laptops, PCs, or Smartphones).

    Pros and Cons of using a VPN

    Pros

    • Encryption of your online identity and privacy
    • Security of your data
    • Mask your physical location and IP address
    • Offer access to the regional or geographically restricted content
    • Secure data transfer
    • Online streaming benefits
    • Avoid censorship
    • Avoid tracking

    Cons

    • Slow internet speed
    • Lack of cookie protection
    • VPN blockages
    • QoS (Quality of Service) Challenges

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    Robert

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  • Entrepreneur | 5 Ways to Stay Active During the Winter Months

    Entrepreneur | 5 Ways to Stay Active During the Winter Months

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    Fewer sunny days, colder temperatures and long winter nights do not have to be a recipe for depression.

    If you have short winters, you could get away with slight modifications in your routine. However, you’ve got to put in more effort if you live in a region that is mostly cold. If you don’t, both your mental and physical health can suffer. Seasonal Affective Disorder is real — and can be prevented or minimized if we understand it.

    These lifestyle changes don’t have to cost a ton of money or take a lot of effort. Small and consistent is the key to seeing results. Here are a few ways you can make sure the winter does not turn you into a couch potato.

    1. Bring the Gym to You

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should workout for at least 25 minutes daily. If the roads are slick or you don’t want to layer up, bring the gym to you. Look on Facebook Marketplace and other neighborhood groups to see if someone is getting rid of their equipment. Promise yourself you’ll only watch the new show on your list while on the treadmill. So if the episode ended on a cliffhanger, you better get on the cross-trainer to see what happens next.

    Get a virtual reality (VR) headset to take your fitness routine up a notch. You can choose from different settings and trainers for your workouts. The best part is that you might not even feel like you are actually exercising. It can feel more like a video game, but you’re moving more of your body than just your thumbs. Get the kids involved, too, so it’s a family bonding activity at the same time.

    If you’re short on space or on a budget, you can work out without any fancy equipment. Search for home fitness workouts on YouTube, and you will be amazed at the plethora of options. Dozens of fitness experts can help you reach your goals by just using a chair, a ball, or a yoga mat.

    2. Get Creative at Work

    Apart from working out in your free time, you can squeeze in some activity during work hours as well. If it gets dark too soon or it’s cold for a walk during lunch, you can still make it happen.

    According to a Mayo Clinic Professor, Dr. James Levine, “Sitting is the new smoking.” Sit for an extended period of time, and you could suffer from health issues. Whether you’re working in an office or from home, try using a standing desk. Standing comfortably while working helps with posture and back pain. It can regulate blood sugar levels and prevent obesity.

    This is even more important after lunchtime. Studies have shown that blood sugar spiked by 43% for those who sat down for hours after lunch. This was in comparison to those who were standing. Standing desks are also linked to lower heart disease, better mood, and productivity. With all these benefits, they are a win for both employers and employees.

    Once you get used to the standing desk, try out a treadmill workstation as well. Try walking slowly between meetings or during phone calls. Some people get used to typing while walking too. It’s far better than sitting on your chair for hours at a time. Some employees feel less stressed when using their treadmill desk for at least part of the day. This is because exercise produces cortisol, a hormone that can reduce anxiety and depression.

    3. Stay Active with the Family

    After work, get the family on board too. Some sports can be off-limits in the winter. But, you can still stay active with the children — if you choose to. It’s tempting to sink into a comfy couch with some sugary snacks, and that’s fine sometimes. But it shouldn’t be the only way you bond as a family. Get a pre-owned air hockey or pingpong table for the basement. Watch the kids cringe at first but then enjoy a family dance night together. Anything that gets you all moving.

    Kids are sponges, and if you make a big deal out of the weather, they will too. If you take them sledding or try ice hockey early on, they won’t be cooped up inside all winter. Safety comes first, but just a snowball fight outdoors is good exercise for the whole family. Your grandma might disagree, but playing outdoors in the winter can boost the kids’ immune systems. They will get a much-needed dose of sunlight and vitamin D.

    This may seem like more “work” for the parents, but the benefits of keeping kids away from excessive screen time is so worth it. Creativity sparks, they are healthier, and they’re less likely to fall prey to cyberbullying. They will not seek validation from strangers online when they have quality bonding time with their family.

    4. Make the Most of AI

    You might be able to rope the kids in with technology. New gizmos and gadgets can be a blessing when used correctly. Smartwatches and apps can keep you on track. Newer models of wearable fitness don’t just track steps. They can even monitor heart rate, calories burned, oxygen saturation, and more.

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is also making its mark in the fitness industry. With AI, strength training apps can monitor your reps and weights and customize your workouts with increasing challenges. Some fitness equipment options, including smart TVs, can also analyze your form and make recommendations like a personal trainer would.

    The app records data from millions of workouts and optimizes it for your body. With a webcam or built-in camera, it keeps track of your reps. It can even tell you how long to rest between sets. Some TVs give you a side-by-side option too. You can compare your form with a trainer on the other half of the screen. That way, you can focus on lifting, curling, pressing, and stretching your muscles without guessing if you’re doing it right.

    5. Put it on the Calendar

    You could use hi-tech AI or play a simple game of tag — but schedule it. When you prioritize something, it happens. When you leave it to chance, it usually slides. Whether your family uses a fridge calendar or syncs schedules on devices, add one weekly physical activity together. Sign up for an indoor sport or use your local park district gym to shoot hoops together. If it’s on the calendar, everyone knows in advance and will try to make it. Just like relationship experts say about date night — schedule it and see it happen.

    Instead of competing in binge-watching popular shows, keep tabs on how many steps you each get daily. If the weather cooperates, take a brisk walk around the neighborhood to reach your step goal. If it’s pouring or freezing, window shop at the mall and get your heart rate up. Many park districts have free indoor walking tracks too. Choose a workout buddy, so you both motivate one another to show up. Time will fly when you’re brisk walking and enjoying some chit-chat with a friend.

    Life Skills

    Everyone has the same 24 hours each day. The person who makes time to work out regularly doesn’t magically get an extra hour. They make that time. When you prioritize a healthy lifestyle by scheduling weekly racquetball, you’re teaching your kids two life skills. They are learning the importance of staying active and how to manage time.

    The number of options in choosing online trainers, fitness routines, and equipment is endless. You can mix and match different permutations. However, the equation will only show results when you add consistency. Make this the year you put in that effort!

    Featured Image Credit: Photo by Julia Larson; Pexels; Thank you!

    The post 5 Ways to Stay Active During the Winter Months appeared first on Calendar.

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    Angela Ruth

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