All posts in Lifehacking

Researchers at the University of Britain at Loughborough tested several ways to improve the alertness of drivers and found the “caffeine nap” to be the most effective method. You down a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage and then immediately hunker down for a 15-20 minute nap. Again, don’t go any longer than that or you’ll awaken with sleep inertia. The caffeine clears your body of adenosine, a chemical which makes you sleepy. It takes awhile for the caffeine to circulate through your system, so it doesn’t effect the quality of the nap. Instead, it kicks in in tandem with the refreshment you would feel upon awakening from a normal power nap. I’ve personally found the caffeine nap to be effective, especially when you’re crunched for time; it’s easier to get up and keeps you from the temptation of turning a 20 minute nap into an hour and a half session.

http://www.textileaffairs.com/lguide.htm

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Practical-Arduino-Projects-Hardware-Technology/dp/1430224770/ref=pd_sim_b_3

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0596510519/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i4?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1C26E52G009S5DPQAW48&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Electronics-Learning-Through-Discovery/dp/0596153740/ref=pd_sim_b_2

http://www.amazon.co.uk/30-Arduino-Projects-Evil-Genius/dp/007174133X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1

Resources:

http://www.corbettbarr.com/64-ways-location-independent-people-earn-a-living

http://locationindependent.com/

http://www.businessbackpacker.com/is-this-you/

http://www.lifeofjustin.com/what-is-a-digital-nomad-1889/

http://www.thrillingheroics.com

http://www.virtualbusinesslifestyle.com

http://www.workshifting.com/

http://www.fluentin3months.com

http://www.wisebread.com/location-independent-career-basics

Examples:

http://www.quarteryear.com/

Voluntary Work:

http://www.vso.org.uk/volunteer/STV/it-specialists.asp#0

Ever been in a situation where you would really like to talk to someone but have no clue how to start the conversation? Let’s make sure that doesn’t ever happen again shall we? Here are three tried and tested tips that will get you talking to anyone!

1. Whatzit technique
   A whatzit is any object that the other person is wearing which is a bit strange or interesting. So look for such things and then just go up to the person and ask “I like this, what is it?” or “What an interesting piece of jewellery, where did you get that from?”. Chances are the other person will be happy you asked about it and will gladly start a conversation with you. You should also wear a whatzit to draw people’s attention and give them something that inspires them to talk to you.
2. Whoozat technique
   Another great technique is one that is frequently used politicians. Ain’t it funny how these guys always seem to know so many people. Well one of the main techniques they used is in fact the whoozat technique. Let’s say that you are at a party and you only know a few people. These few people that you know probably know alot of others that you don’t know yet. So just go to one of your friends and say “That man/woman over there looks interesting. Who is he/she?”. Your friend will probably say something along the lines of “Oh that’s Francesca, she’s really nice and she’s really into sports”. So there, you’ve just been given the icebreaker you need, now all you have to do is go up to Francesca and say “Hi, you’re Francesca, aren’t you? James was just telling me how good you are at sports. Do you have a preferred sport?”. That’s the idea.
3. Eavesdrop in technique
   Ok so let’s say that the person you want to talk to is not wearing any whatzit, and none of your friends happen to know him/her. Furthermore the person is engaged in conversation with some others, so you would think that the situation’s hopeless. Not so, there is always the useful eavesdrop technique you can use. Just stand in the vicinity of the group and when you hear something you can comment on just say “Excuse me, I just heard you talking about Rome, I’m going there next month, any suggestions?”. That’s it, you’re in the group now

There they are, three top techniques that will get you talking in no time at all. Also remember to match the mood of the other person in the opening phase of the conversation. If a person looks tired don’t go happily shouting and full of body movements, likewise if a person is really in a great energetic mood you won’t score any points if you talk with a boring voice and tired look. If you ever want to bring people around to your thoughts, you must match their mood and voice tone, if only for a moment.