Faster Streaming

If you are one of those people that love to stream movies or music, the worst thing you can see on your screen is that buffering sign. Having a faster internet is also necessary for internet phone service to have a good quality sound and video. Fortunately, there are a couple things that you can do that will increase your speeds without having to tinker with the web application. First of all, our lives and devices are more and more connected so make sure to check what else is one the network because that will slow you down. Just disconnect the devices that you are not using. Before you stream, go into your browser's settings and clear the recent history and all temporary Internet files to ensure you're allowing it to work unrestrained. If you are on a computer, you should try using an ethernet cable because the router actually tends to slow down the speed. You could also turn off the hardware acceleration because then your machine will allow applications to select hardware resource requirements instead of using the computer’s universal settings.

Your Brain on Tetris

Did you know that one of the best games ever invented is not even on a mobile application? Nope, it is not Candy Crush although it should be a close second. Tetris was created in 1984 and it is still going strong. There have been many different studies that looked at the brain and what Tetris does to it. Some of the reasons that it is so addicting is that it appeals to our natural desire to organize things, complete tasks and achieve goals. There's always a new block to consider and place in the game, which keeps your brain hooked. Studies have also pointed to evidence of Tetris being able to change the way people dream after playing it for so long. There is this idea called the Tetris effect which refers to the way that we think about the world around us. Have you ever tried packing your trunk or a box and found yourself thinking of the best way to place things with minimal empty space?

Show Your Trustworthiness

So you are running a software development company that just started up less than a year ago and you need clients. Like pronto and you do not know why the prospective people fall through. One of the reasons might be that you do not appear trustworthy regardless of the fact that you go a perfect credit score and are the best person for the job. Some of the things that could undermine the perception of your trustworthiness are where you put your hands and how you stand. Make sure that you keep your hands apart because clasping them sends a signal that you are hiding something or that you lack confidence. It also puts up a barrier between you and the people you are speaking with. Crossing the arms tends to communicate that your true feelings will remain undisclosed, and that you are not open for collaboration. When you lean in, you express the desire to be close. When you lean away, you could very well be seen as someone who is running away, disengaged, or avoiding contact. With a bit of practice, you will be able to get it down right and be able to get more customers.

The Gratitude Challenge: You Will Never Be the Same

I recently read an article about a guy who had a wrestling coach that never gave up on him and always pushed him to be better. He never thanked him until several decades later. There are people in everyone's life that deserve a simple thank you and we are just carrying it around with us like some museum piece. The challenge that he proposed is to make a list of 30 people that you are grateful for and for the next thirty days, take the time to contact them using whatever communication service works to say thank you. It does not have to be long or anything, just be direct. It will transform you, I guarantee it. You will never look at life the same way. You will feel better, lighter, and never again underestimate the power of a simple thank you. Another great aspect is that you will start looking for more opportunities to pay it forward. So, get up right now and give the first person a call.

Color of Your Office

It turns out that the color of the office really does matter and it impacts moods and productivity. There are plenty of research to back this up such as the resident study at the University of Texas. Even if you are working at a computer doing web development for most of the day, the colors around you can have a serious impact. Low-wavelength colors, like restful green and calming blue, improve efficiency and focus. They also lend an overall sense of well-being, especially for those that work long hours. While the color red is active and intense, it should only be used when something urgent is demanding the employees attention. Things that are painted yellow are energetic and fresh and it is thought to trigger creativity and innovation. That is important to keep in mind when developing a space for creative professionals.

Be More Mindful, Be Less Stressed

It may feel like the only reason we make to-do lists is to check things off of them. There is more that goes into them than that. When you get something done, you feel pride in accomplishing it and being productive. Instead of jumping to the next thing, take a minute to celebrate what you have done. It is the lingering in the moment of contentment from doing great that actually retains your focus and lowers stress. Stress also has to do with how you respond to different situations. It is important to trace your emotions back to the thoughts so that you can be in control of how you are feeling. Another great way to lower stress is to give without any conditions. It will remind the rest of the world that good things do happen and for no reason. You could also try having a meal without any distractions. I mean really savor the food and turn off all those communication services. Lastly, make sure that you laugh every single day. It will lighten the mood and you will feel the stressful tensions just slip away.

Eating Better: It is About Building Habits

How are those New Year's resolutions going? Are you still sticking to them? Many people have tried to be "healthier" in the new year. One of the worst things about this type of resolution is that it is very vague. It seems like it needs to specify how to be healthier physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Eating better is one of the best ways to get started. If you are one of those people that works in an office all day, either crunching number or taking care of content management systems for your client, you must have heard all the articles about what sitting will do to and your health. Add that to a horrible diet and we have a cocktail for disaster. First the easiest way to start to is to eat produce at every meal. Eating at least five serving a day will be a tremendous benefit to your overall health. When you need something to drink, make sure that you reach for water. It will be able to curb appetite and improve your metabolism. It is a great choice all around. If you do not like how it tastes, add lemons, mint leaves, or some sort of berries.