Things that you, as a human being, may find interesting (psychology, productivity, health, career, relationships, parenting, …)
I heard someone say the other day that you should switch careers every 10 years. I don’t know if I agree with that, but I am going to bookmark this checklist just in case. Because changing careers sounds hard.
👉 The Ultimate Checklist for Anyone Considering a Career Switch
I used to think of casual friendships as sort of calculating and shallow. Especially way back in high school, it seemed like having lots of friendships was a way to “collect” friends and just try to look cool. So I revolted and embraced only a few close, genuine friends. In fact, I still play video games every weekend with my elementary school friends from 40 years ago. And of course I’m so glad to have them.
But now after a few life adjustments, I’m finally learning that, as with self-confidence, I had things backwards. It’s okay and not shallow to make friends with random people (“neighbors, a barista at the neighborhood coffee shop or fellow members in a spin class”)! It’s fun, and people like it. 🤷🏻♂️ (What was I thinking?)
These two article are a good reminder that it’s good to just be a silly occasional friend with people.
“Take a ton of pictures, text your friends stupid things, check in with old friends as often as possible, express admiration to co-workers, and every day, tell as many people as you can that you love them.”
By the way… It’s not always easy doing this as a single, middle-aged guy. But it can be done. Women in particular may think you’re trying to pick them up. And maybe you are. It gets ambiguous. But that can be part of the fun. 😆
A 2014 study found that the more weak ties a person has (neighbors, a barista at the neighborhood coffee shop or fellow members in a spin class), the happier they feel.
I hate setting aside 8 hours to sleep as much as anyone. If you need some inspiration, consider these benefits of getting 7-8 hours of sleep instead of 6. I’m adding this as a note to myself… Don’t skim on sleep! It’s not a waste of time!
👉 Why Lack of Sleep is So Bad For You
I remember reading that good sleep habits also help maintain a better body weight. I believe that; I know I get the munchies pretty bad when I’m tired. 😪
Follow up… An article on staying up late being tied to health issues including cancer and depression. 😵
Happiness isn’t a choice, or meaningfulness or something that you arrive at once you achieve something; it’s a habit.
10 Habits of Consistently Happy People
Okay, here’s another one of these lists of things that happy/confident/successful people do. I’ve been generally skipping over these since they’re getting repetitive. But I saw this one and liked that it was emphasizing that these are not big, grand things, but little things to do consistently every day. (In that sense, it’s similar to being physically fit and eating right.)
👉 10 Habits of Consistently Happy People
Summary: be optimistic, don’t compare, be grateful, be kind, maintain friendships, cope, forgive, pursue goals, be physically active, cultivate your sense of self.
But remember, pessimism has its place. 🤷🏻♂️
This article digs into studies on the health benefits walking and other moderate exercise.
( Totally anecdotal, but my gramdmother-in-law lived past 100 years old, and she walked every day.)
Most interesting takeaways:
“The people who exercised were testing as if they were about 10 years younger at age 40 and about 20 years younger at age 60,”
Even though this article at first seems the opposite of a recent one on sprinting, I think they’re both related. They both basically say to do a moderate amount of exercise for a short amount of time to get maximum physical and mental benefits.
Mental Break Town 