1. "The only part of your reflection you can lick is your tongue."2. "The best part of a cucumber tastes like the worst part of a watermelon."3. "Drinking water with a minty mouth is the cold version of spicy."4. "It must suck to be an air conditioner repairman. You spend your day working in buildings that have no air conditioning. When it's fixed and finally cool, you leave."

5. "I have seen more of the surface of the Moon with my own eyes than I have of Earth."6. "Security at every level of an airport is absolutely ridiculous. Until you get to the baggage claim. Then it’s just, like, take whatever bag you want."7. "At special occasions, girls with curly hair straighten it and girls with straight hair curl it."8. "Watching a graduation ceremony is like sitting through a movie that's entirely end credits."

9. "There is no physical evidence to say that today is Wednesday, we all just have to trust that someone has kept count since the first one ever."10. "At the age of 60, Snoop Dogg will be 420 in dog years."11. "Dragons would think it's cool that we create water in our mouths."12. "The first person who inhaled helium must have been so relieved when the effects wore off."

13. "Pets are the one-percenters of animals."14. "When medication says 'do not operate heavy machinery,' they're probably mainly referring to cars, but my mind always goes to a forklift."15. "If wookies have a 400 year life span, then Han Solo is basically like Chewbacca's third dog."16. "If you drew a dick on a vampire's face while they were sleeping, they'd never find out about it."

17. "The movie industry considers you to be an adult when you're 17 to see an R-rated movie, but they conveniently lower that age to 13 when they are deciding who pays adult ticket prices."18. "Imagine how rich you would've had to be 200 years ago to have music playing in the background while you cook dinner."19. "College students are simultaneously stereotyped for not getting enough sleep and for sleeping all the time."20. " Bob's Burgers would also be an appropriate title for SpongeBob SquarePants ."

21. "When we're young, we sneak out of our houses to go to parties. When we're old, we sneak out of parties to go home."22. "You know you've reached adulthood when your bed is in the middle of the wall instead of in the corner."23. "A different version of you exists in the minds of everyone who knows you."24. "It’s weird to think that nighttime is the natural state of the universe, and that daytime is only caused by a nearby, radiating ball of flame."

25. "Water is a beverage whose flavor is its temperature."26. "'Based on a true story' movies are all part of the same series."27. "An underrated perk of being an adult is you no longer outgrow your clothes."28. "Making a typo in an online argument is the equivalent of voice cracking in a verbal argument."

29. "All the curves and ups and down of an ear would make for a great skatepark."30. "Fitbits are just like Tamagotchis, except the stupid little creature you have to keep alive is yourself."31. "Accidentally liking someone's post while snooping through their profile is the digital equivalent of stepping on a twig while sneaking through the forest."32. "I hate to spend $6.50 on six pieces of raw chicken, but don't hesitate to spend $5 on one chicken sandwich."

33. "Corrupt cops are just undercover criminals."34. "The brain not only named itself, but it also recognized that it named itself and was surprised when it realized that."35. "If you drive a new car, you are rich. If you drive an old car, you are poor. But if you drive a super old car, you are super rich."36. "There is probably a tree somewhere out there now that is growing the wood for your coffin."

37. "Your eraser dies slowly because of your mistakes."38. "If you see someone wearing a $20,000 watch, it's hard to know if they're really good with money or really bad with money."39. "If your identical twin got plastic surgery, it would be hard not to feel a little insulted."40. "When you're sick, the advice you get is to literally do drugs and stay out of school."

41. "We use tables to keep food off the floor, tablecloths to keep food off the table, placemats to keep food off the tablecloth, and plates to keep food off the placemats."42. "It kinda makes sense that the target audience for fidget spinners lost interest in them so quickly."43. "An origami flower is fake vegetation made from real vegetation."44. "Technically, almost every mirror you buy at a store is in used condition."

45. "A successful marriage ends with watching the other person die."46. "The person who invented audio recording probably thought it didn't work right when their voice sounded different in the recording."47. "If you're 25 years old, you've already been around for more than 10% of American history."48. "Most orchestras are just 1800s cover bands."

49. "Cars make such good weapons that you have to learn how not to kill people with them."50. "Whenever you buy and eat half a chicken, you are secretly sharing a meal with a stranger."51. "It's crazy that something like a Walmart gift card is printed on plastic, but my social security card is printed on the flimsiest piece of paper I've ever handled."52. "The object of golf is to play the least amount of golf."

53. "It's always easy to fall asleep on a couch unless you're actually trying to fall asleep on a couch."54. "Your belly button is just your old mouth."

54 𝖀𝖓𝖘𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝕱𝖆𝖈𝖙𝖘 𝕿𝖍𝖆𝖙'𝖑𝖑 𝕱𝖗𝖊𝖆𝓀 𝖄𝖔𝖚 𝕺𝖚𝖙

1. Seeing an old friend2. Hearing a song that reminds you of your past3. A bit of good news for a loved one/friend4. Getting a thank you from someone5. Doing something that makes someone else laugh/smile6. Eating comfort food7. Getting into bed with freshly washed sheets8. Finding a ten pound note in an old pair of jeans9. Looking back at old photographs10. Seeing a funny video online

REVEALED: The top 50 things most likely to make YOU smile

11. Winning a tenner on the lottery12. Walks in the country13. Getting a nice message from a loved one14. Waking up on a sunny day15. Sitting in the sun16. Cuddles17. Listening to your favourite song18. Booking a holiday19. Landing at the holiday airport20. Being surprised with flowers or chocolates

21. Someone offering an elderly person their seat on the bus/train22. Someone giving you their car parking ticket when you arrive in a car park23. Fitting in to a pair of jeans you thought were too small24. Finding a bargain in the sales25. Old people holding hands26. Someone telling you you’ve lost weight27. Bumping into someone you haven’t seen for ages28. Getting a quiet moment to myself29. Chocolate30. The smell of freshly baked bread

31. Sunday dinners32. Finding out your children have done well at school33. People carrying their babies34. Making a new friend35. Hearing your child say their first words/smile36. Waking up to find out it has snowed overnight37. Driving a car with the window down on a sunny day38. Finding out someone likes you39. Getting a new hair-do40. A good hair day

41. Passing a driving test42. Getting praise from your boss after working hard on something43. Getting spontaneous kiss or cuddle from your children44. Getting the answers right when watching a TV quiz45. Sleeping children46. Babies47. Swimming in the sea48. Waking up on a Saturday morning and realising it is the weekend49. Having a girlie/lads night out50. Being made a cup of tea

SEEING an old friend, hearing a song that reminds you of your past and getting into a pair of jeans you thought were too small are among the 50 things that make us smile, new research reveals.

𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝟻𝟶 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚎:)

Sometimes it can be hard to separate fact from fiction, especially when so many of the "facts" we've spent our whole lives believing are actually enduring <a href="https://bestlifeonline.com/tag/myths/">myths and misconceptions</a>. These common myths seem true because we've heard them time and time again—we may have even learned them from our parents, or been taught them at school. Nevertheless, it's more important than ever to call out the false facts that far too many people still believe, whether they're related to our <a href="https://bestlifeonline.com/cow-tipping-animal-myths/">furry friends</a> or the <a href="https://bestlifeonline.com/coronavirus-myths/">current pandemic</a>. Read on to discover the truth behind some of the most persistent common myths

50 Well-Known "Facts" That Are Actually Just Common Myths

1 Bulls get angry when they see the color red.You're hardly alone if you believe that it's the bright color that incites their anger. But, according to the American Science Guide, <a href="https://www.asgmag.com/news/raging-bull-how-to-survive-a-bull-charge/">bulls are red-green colorblind</a>. What actually triggers the bull's anger is the movement of the cape.2 Goldfish only have a three-second memory.Goldfish have a reputation of having bad memories. But not only has <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/4158477/Fishs-memories-last-for-months-say-scientists.html">this false fact been debunked</a> by several studies throughout the years—some research even indicates goldfish could have a memory span of up to five months long.

3 We only use 10 percent of our brains.Neurologist Barry Gordon told Scientific American that humans "use virtually every part of the brain" and most of the brain is "active almost all the time."4 George Washington had wooden teeth.It turns out our nation's first president wasn't rocking a pair of wooden chompers. The historians at the Washington Library say that while George Washington did suffer from dental problems, his dentures were composed of ivory, gold, lead, and even other human teeth—but never any wood.

5 Women accused of witchcraft were burned the stake during the Salem Witch Trials.The <a href="https://www.history.com/news/were-witches-burned-at-the-stake-during-the-salem-witch-trials">myth that they were burned at the stake</a> is most likely due to the fact that during the Medieval witch trials in Europe, it was common practice to execute the accused by savagely setting them on fire.6 You need to drink at least eight glasses of water every day.If you're struggling to get to your eighth glass of water every day, don't feel bad—the quota isn't really a hard and fast <a href="https://bestlifeonline.com/100-ways-to-be-a-healthier-man/">rule for healthy living</a>. The <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256">amount of water you need daily</a> depends on many other factors.

7 You'll get cramps if you go swimming right after you eat.Yes, the body requires extra blood in order to digest, but not nearly enough to prevent the muscles in your arms and legs from working as they should.8 In the days of Christopher Columbus, everyone thought the world was flat.Allegedly, around 500 B.C., the Ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras was the first person to <a href="https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/200606/history.cfm">propose the theory that the Earth was flat</a>. But not long thereafter, in the middle of the third century B.C., Aristotle declared with certainty that the Earth was, in fact, spherical.

9 Dogs only see in black and white.No, your pup isn't seeing the world in black and white. Veterinarian Barbara Royal explained to HuffPost that dogs "don't see all of the colors that we see, but <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pet-myths-barbara-royal_n_56b91658e4b04f9b57dad537">they can actually distinguish between colors</a>."10 Adding salt to water makes it boil faster.Chemistry professor Lesley-Ann Giddings explained to LiveScience, "The temperature of saltwater will get hotter faster than that of pure water, but it still has a higher boiling point, and the mass is still greater when you add salt to the same volume of water. This <a href="https://www.livescience.com/56214-does-salt-make-water-boil-faster.html">doesn't mean that the saltwater boils faster</a>."

11 It takes seven years for your body to digest gum.You no long longer have to fret over that piece of gum you accidentally swallowed a couple years back. You see, gum doesn't stay in your stomach—it just moves quickly through your digestive system and exits through your stool.12 You swallow eight spiders a year while sleeping.According to Scientific American, they don't intentionally try to come into contact with humans, and the vibrations that come from a sleeping person would probably frighten a spider.

13 The Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure visible from space.According to Snopes, this <a href="https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/great-wall-from-moon/">false fact</a> most likely developed as an attempt to convey the grand scale of the wall. From low space at 180 miles high, the Great Wall is not the only visible object, nor is it the most distinguishable. 14 Marie Antoinette said "let them eat cake" to spite the poor.She's long been a loathed symbol of royal decadence for replying to the news that French citizens had no bread in 1789 with the callous phrase, "Let them eat cake." But historians aver that the Queen of France made no such comment.

15 Napoleon Bonaparte was extremely short.However, <a href="https://www.history.com/news/napoleon-complex-short">Bonaparte was most likely average height</a> at just over 5'5" tall, History says. Historians suppose the <a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/367748">myth that he was uncommonly small</a> is derived from a series of caricatures of the general by British cartoonist James Gillray in the early 1800s.16 A penny dropped from the top of the Empire State Building could kill someone.According to Scientific American, <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/could-a-penny-dropped-off/">a penny is too small and flat for it to gain enough natural momentum</a> to make any kind of fatal impact. At most, if you were hit, it might feel like being flicked in the forehead.

17 Albert Einstein failed math class.It's fun to imagine that Albert Einstein was a poor student. Einstein himself claimed that he was at the top of his class in primary school. "Before I was 15, I had mastered differential and integral calculus," he added.18 You have to wait 24 hours before submitting a missing person's report.Fortunately, this is only a "fact" in the fictional world of entertainment. Apparently <a href="http://childfindofamerica.org/my-child-is-missing/">there is no time period in which someone must wait before reporting a person missing</a>. In fact, acting within the first 48 hours is crucial to successfully locating a missing person.

19 Touching a toad will give you warts.Sadly, kissing a toad won't turn it into a handsome prince. But the good news is, touching one won't give you unsightly bumps. National Geographic says <a href="https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/nature/animal-myths-busted/">this rumor probably originated from the fact</a> that toads themselves have wart-like bumps on their skin.20 The forbidden fruit in the story of Adam and Eve is an apple.The <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/04/30/526069512/paradise-lost-how-the-apple-became-the-forbidden-fruit">apple depiction was the result of some confusion</a> with the Hebrew Bible being translated into Latin, using the term "malus," which translates to both "evil" and "apple."

21 Your hair and fingernails continue to grow after you die.It's true that a person's hair and nails may appear longer after their death. But, according to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, that's only because the skin around a person nails and hair retracts over time due to dehydration of the body, <a href="https://uamshealth.com/healthlibrary2/medicalmyths/dohairandnailsgrowafterdeath/">not because their hair and nails are actually growing</a>.22 If you touch a baby bird with your bare hands, its mother will reject it."In general, wild animals bond with their young and do not quickly abandon them," Laura Simon of the Humane Society of the United States explained.

23 Drinking alcohol raises your body temperature.While you may feel warmer when you drink alcohol, that's the booze and your brain getting together and playing tricks on the rest of your body. In reality, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16377461">alcohol actually lowers your core body temperature</a>.24 Cracking your knuckles too much will cause arthritis.Knuckle crackers of the world can rest easy, at least on the arthritis front, because, according to Harvard Medical School, <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/does-knuckle-cracking-cause-arthritis">cracking your knuckles doesn't increase your risk</a> of developing the painful joint condition. That <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/knuckle-cracking-annoying-and-harmful-or-just-annoying-2018051413797">cracking noise actually comes from collapsing gas bubbles</a>.

25 Georgia produces the most peaches of any state in the U.S.According to the <a href="https://www.agmrc.org/commodities-products/fruits/peaches">Agricultural Marketing Resource Center</a>, California grew 541,000 tons of peaches in 2017. Meanwhile, Georgia wasn't even in the top three, even though <a href="https://www.todayingeorgiahistory.org/content/georgia-peach-official-state-fruit">peaches are its official state fruit</a>!26 Sugar causes hyperactivity in children.Many parents will blame their children's rowdy behavior on an overabundance of sugar, but there's no actual evidence to support those claims. A definitive 1995 meta-analysis found that <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/391812">sugar in children's diets does not affect their behavior</a>.

27 Bats are blind.Contrary to popular belief—and the idiom "as blind as a bat"—these nocturnal creatures can absolutely see. In fact, as Rob Mies, former executive director for the Organization for Bat Conservation, <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/11/141031-bats-myths-vampires-animals-science-halloween/">told National Geographic</a>, bats "can see three times better than humans." So joke's on us!28 Lightning never strikes twice.You've probably heard someone say that "lightning never strikes twice," but, it's not true. NASA <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/news/topstory/2003/0107lightning.html">debunked this myth</a> in 2003, reporting that "lightning definitely strikes more than one place." In fact, it does so about a third of the time!

29 Humans only have five senses.Many of us were taught that humans have five senses: touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing. But those are only the five basic senses. While this concept of the "five" senses <a href="https://aeon.co/videos/aristotle-was-wrong-and-so-are-we-there-are-far-more-than-five-senses">originated with Aristotle</a>, many scientists argue that <a href="https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/question242.htm">humans actually have between 14 and 20 senses</a>.30 Shaving your hair makes it grow back thicker.<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/hair-removal/faq-20058427">Shaving your hair doesn't make it change</a> in color, rate of growth, or thickness, says the Mayo Clinic. All it does is give the hair a blunt tip, which might feel more coarse as it grows out.

31 Chameleons change colors to blend in with their surroundings.Yes, chameleons do have the ability to change colors, but the falsity here lies in why they do so. According to Wired, <a href="https://www.wired.com/2014/04/how-do-chameleons-change-colors/">chameleons change colors to regulate their temperatures</a> or communicate with other chameleons, not to camouflage themselves.32 The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th.﻿While Congress indeed approved the final declaration on July 4, 1776, the <a href="https://www.constitutionfacts.com/us-declaration-of-independence/fascinating-facts/">document wasn't signed until Aug. 2</a> of that year.

33 Bananas grow on trees.We all know that money doesn't grow on trees, but many of us believe that bananas do. Sadly, we're mistaken again. Though they may look similar to trees, the <a href="https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/pictures/bananas-from-bunch-to-breakfast">Rainforest Alliance</a> says that the plants bananas grow on are in fact "giant herbs related to lilies and orchids."34 Dogs sweat through their tongues.﻿But, according to the American Kennel Club, <a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/do-dogs-sweat/">dog's merocrine sweat glands function similarly to humans'</a> and are located on their paw pads. They also have apocrine sweat glands, but these are located all over the body, not solely on their tongues.

35 It's safe to eat food that's been on the floor for five seconds or less.When researchers at Clemson University left bologna and bread on a surface contaminated with salmonella in a 2017 study, they found that "<a href="https://newsstand.clemson.edu/clemson-researcher-5-second-rule-means-food-is-safe-right-dont-bet-your-life-on-it/">a substantial amount of bacteria transferred to the food within five seconds</a>."36 All deserts are hot.﻿Deserts are not defined by their temperatures, but by their lack of precipitation. And while most of the world's most famous deserts are indeed hot, <a href="https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-and-where-are-the-polar-deserts.html">there are some deserts that also experience brutal cold</a>.

37 Fortune cookies originated in China.But the <a href="https://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/2010/07/origins-of-a-fortune-cookie.html">National Museum of American History</a> points out that the creator of the fortune cookie was Suyeichi Okamura, a Japanese immigrant who ran a confectionary store in Northern California during the early 1900s. 38 The sun is yellow.﻿In reality, "the sun is essentially all colors mixed together, which appear to our eyes as white." The reason we see the sun as yellow or orange most of the time is because those colored wavelengths, which are longer, are the only ones that make it to our eyes.

39 Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's independence day. On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army successfully defeated France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. Though the country's victory was short-lived, people all around the globe partake in celebrations commemorating this battle each year with fireworks and fiestas.40 You should urinate on someone if they get stung by a jellyfish.﻿According to the Cleveland Clinic, the <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17821-jellyfish-stings/management-and-treatment">proper way to treat a jellyfish sting is with hot water</a>. Not only is urine not an effective treatment method, but it can even <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/summer-myths-such-as-one-shouldnt-swim-for-30-minutes-after-eating-are-bunk/2012/06/18/gJQAKLKwlV_story.html">worsen the sting</a>!

41 President Richard Nixon was successfully impeachedOfficial impeachment hearings against Richard Nixon began in May 1974, but the 37th <a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/house-begins-impeachment-of-nixon">president announced his resignation</a> on Aug. 8 before anyone could successfully force him out of office.42 Brown eggs are more nutritious than white eggs.﻿Brown eggs are no healthier than white eggs. The color of an egg's shell is simply <a href="https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/why_are_chicken_eggs_different_colors">determined by the type of chicken laying them</a>. And here's a fun fact: Chickens with white earlobes typically lay white eggs!

43 Going outside with wet hair makes you sickStepping outside in <a href="https://bestlifeonline.com/coldest-temperature-ever-recorded/">sub-zero temperatures</a> right after you wash your hair might make you chilly—and it might cause your hair to freeze—but it won't get you sick. <a href="https://bestlifeonline.com/difference-between-cold-and-flu/">Colds are caused by a virus</a>, and they don't care whether your hair is wet or dry.44 Peanuts are a type of nut.Despite the misleading name, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/peanut">peanuts are actually a type of legume</a>. Though they're commonly served with nuts like walnuts and almonds, they are more closely related to clovers and chickpeas.

45 Twinkies have no expiration date.As Theresa Cogswell, former vice president for research and development at Interstate Bakeries Corp, told The Washington Post, the sweet <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A46062-2005Apr12.html">snack only has a shelf life of 25 days</a>.46 There is one universal sign language.Sign language is a manual form of communication, and there are variations depending on the country you're in. In the U.S., for instance, you'll find American Sign Language (ASL), which uses a one-handed finger-spelling alphabet, whereas British Sign Language (BSL) in the U.K. is a different language altogether that <a href="https://www.startasl.com/british-sign-language-bsl/">uses a two-handed alphabet</a>.

47 Sugar causes headaches.It's <a href="https://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/trigger-factors/hypoglycaemia/">not the sugar itself that's causing your headache</a>; it's a rapid drop in your blood sugar levels that wreaks havoc on your head. For some people, eating a carbohydrate-heavy meal causes excess production of the sugar-regulating hormone insulin, which in turn makes glucose levels drop and results in that throbbing headache you so often experience after consuming one too many cupcakes.48 Putting your laptop on your lap will cause infertility.This <a href="https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(11)02678-1/abstract">myth gained traction</a> in 2011 when Argentinian researchers published a study in the journal Fertility and Sterility.

49 The odds are always 50-50 in a coin toss.Stanford University researchers <a href="https://statweb.stanford.edu/~susan/papers/headswithJ.pdf">proved this wrong</a> in 2007 when they flipped a lot of quarters and found that a coin was more likely to land on the face that it started on. The researchers put your actual odds at closer to 51-49.50 Every living thing dies.While yes, most living things do die eventually, there is one species of jellyfish that doesn't technically perish. Known as the Turritopsis dohrnii, this essentially <a href="https://www.amnh.org/explore/news-blogs/on-exhibit-posts/the-immortal-jellyfish">immortal sea creature reverts back into a juvenile state after adulthood</a>—so it can live out yet another life alongside its offspring!

You may have gone your whole life believing these false facts, but discover the truth about some of the most common myths that just won't go away.

𝟓𝟎 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 "𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬"

Life is not easy.We are all evolved primates that occupy a massive planet.We possess only abstract ideas on why we ended up here.However, we are primates that constantly evolve. And it is through this evolution that we can improve our living conditions.Through constant trial and error, we have managed to reach a state where we can orient ourselves better within this ominous landscape that we inhabit.Below, you will find 10 life lessons predicated on primate wisdom – primate wisdom that can definitely help you enhance your understanding of the mechanics of life.

Life Lessons – 10 Ideas That Will Help You Understand the Mechanics of Life

Once you decide what you want to pursue, embrace the fact that knowledge never ends. Create a strict schedule that “forces” you to read blogs, books, and websites relevant to the area you want to focus on.When I decided to embark on my blogging journey, I started reading literally everything that exists out there. I made it a constant practice and it became a crucial part of my everyday life.

1. Find the perfect balance between theory and practice

At the same time, I was capitalizing on the newly acquired knowledge by testing different styles and by trying to understand what works and what doesn’t. This resulted in my finally discovering my personal blogging style that is constantly evolving and being refined. Do that with any skill you want to cultivate.

Most of us live our lives totally reliant upon forces that dictate our success or failure. This “attitude” unfortunately contradicts to the antifragility argument raised by the great Nassim Taleb.We need to be ready to face adversity and unpredicted events. In order to do that we need to possess a diversification-oriented mindset.

2. Diversity is golden – always have an exit strategy

If you are an entrepreneur or an investor, for example, I would strongly advise you to not rely only on one project. You should always have a diversified portfolio. If you are an employee, always evolve your skill repertoire and stay up to date with new trends and technologies.Chaos and complexity urge us to accept that risk should be a crucial parameter of our interactions and decisions. So, embrace it, be strategic, and check out point 9 for further elaboration on the topic of risk.

If you introduce John to Steve and then Steve manages to help John in any way then you made a great connection. Think of this event as another string in the tight network you are constantly trying to build. This network is like a bonus in your video game called life that will eventually help you stand up when you are about to fall down.It is the invisible power that creates once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and opens new doors in your pursuit of success, they might include:Finding great employeesLanding difficult interviewsMeeting potential business partnersExtending your social circle

Life Lessons – 3. Networking is the ace under your sleeve

Expanding from the above point, we all need to understand that building a network has never been an easy thing. Nobody wants to help for free. When you embrace this idea, internalize it and always have something to offer. Tangible or intangible, it doesn’t really matter. You can give away anything. Things like:IdeasAdviceHelpSmall giftsAnything that will show others that you actually care for them. When you get used to this mindset by making it a regular practice, you will start building the foundations of your network.

4. Understand that people love free goods
 

Don’t betray anyone. Don’t backstab anyone. Don’t step on anyone’s toes. Don’t gossip. All these behaviours imply a scarcity mentality and won’t help you get far. You know how they say that you are what you eat? By the same token, you attract what you are. If you want success and abundance, learn how to behave in a successful and abundant way.

5. Never say a bad word about anyone


There is enough out there for everyone. Your competition is not other people. Your competition is: Your procrastination.Your ego.The knowledge you neglect to learn.The antisocial behavior you are nurturing.The unhealthy food you constantly consume.Your lack of creativity.The wrong people you surround yourself with.

I like writing because it helps me discover myself and dive deep into complex topics. And you know what I discovered recently? That once you care too much about what other people think, you lost the game. I’ll support my point with an example. Check out this video of 2 cute babies talking to each other.Now focus on the dislikes. Way too many dislikes. Why would someone dislike 2 babies that talk to each other? For many reasons. Why would people dislike you? Also for many reasons. Reasons that shouldn’t be of your concern

6. Ignore ill-intentioned criticism

Whether you are an entrepreneur, a doctor, a lawyer, a young professional, a college student, or you are sitting at home in your sweatpants dreaming of getting that perfect job, you are a brand. Give me a second to illustrate my point.I know that, normally, when people hear the word brand they naturally think of huge corporations like Apple, Coca Cola, Pepsi Cola, Sony, Toyota etc. These huge conglomerates are bombarding you with commercials and subliminal messages on a daily basis in order to increase their brand awareness and stay in your head as an established, well-respected existence.

7. You are your own personal brand
 

What does this have to do with you? Everything! The way the above-mentioned companies try to increase their value as a brand, in the same way, you should be doing that too. Examples of people who have managed to do this successfully among others are: Elon MuskTim FerrissRussell Brand (even his name includes the word brand!)

They are their own personal brand and they do that by focusing on 4 major principles:<ol><li>Their Expertise. What is your expertise? What is your competitive advantage? What do you know more than others?</li><li>Their Image. How do you dress? How do you speak? How do you treat others? What does your body language convey?</li><li>Their Message. What message do you want to pass to others? How do you want to influence them?</li><li>Their integrity. Are you truly saying what you believe or are you acting just to please others? Is your belief and value system aligned with your words and actions?</li></ol>

Luck? What is luck? Can you please define it for me? According to www.oxforddictionaries.com, luck is defined as follows:Success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one’s own actions.I always hated vague terms. Terms that are defined by intuition rather than reason. So let’s shed some light of reasoning on luck’s definition. It seems that luck is defined by using the words “apparently” and “chance.”

8. Create your own luck

Chance: “A possibility of something happening.”Apparently: “As far as one knows or can see.”Both terms have something in common. In order for them to exist, they require a person’s action to be initiated. Chances and apparent situations are created by your willingness to pursue them. They are happening when you know where they are. Same does luck. When people use the term luck in the wrong context, always have one thing in mind: They have no idea what luck really means.

Risk is an instance that involves exposure to dangerous situations. It is this fragile factor that can bring you from the bottom to the top and vice versa. It is the partner you really want in your life but you are afraid that will cause trouble anytime.

9. Make risk your partner in crime

You are being gentle with them, enjoying them, nurturing them, but, at the same time, you don’t want them to get too excited. You don’t want to let them expose you to their volatility. They know that you can have each other on very strict terms but when you see that these terms are close to jeopardy, you need to know when to let them go.Success doesn’t come without risk. Learn to embrace it.

People will respect you if you know how to succeed, but at the same time, they will respect you if you know how to fail. Be strategic when it comes to failure. Learn from your mistakes and capitalize on the lessons you learned.Furthermore, in order to make this idea a practice, you need to be honest with yourself and also with your surroundings. Say what you really believe and express yourself in a confident and elegant manner. Nobody can be an advocate for you if you don’t know how to promote yourself first.

10. Take responsibility for your failures, be honest, be patient

But most importantly be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Similarly, your new brand needs time to be sculptured. Go slow, take risks, be strategic and enjoy the ride.

I know that I was a bit straightforward and assertive in this article. I know that I have evoked mixed feelings. But I also know that these feelings were hidden deep inside you and for various reasons you were suppressing them and weren’t helping them emerge.Trust me, it is good that these feelings came out. They are the first step toward your complete awakening. Whether you will really wake up or not, that I don’t know.The choice is always yours.

CONCLUSION

Life lessons are usually learned the hard way. It doesn't always need to be like that. Read this article and life will make more sense than ever before.

ʟɪꜰᴇ ʟᴇꜱꜱᴏɴꜱ - 10 ɪᴅᴇᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ʜᴇʟᴘ ʏᴏᴜ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀꜱᴛᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴇᴄʜᴀɴɪᴄꜱ ᴏꜰ ʟɪꜰᴇ

Self-sabotage, as it’s often termed, isn’t always obvious. It manifests in covert and unconscious ways that deliberately hinder our own success and wellbeing by undermining our personal goals and values.It’s the idea that we say yes even when we want to say no and feel the need to agree with others even when we don’t. It can also look like following the crowd, not praising yourself for your achievements or overindulging in things you know aren’t good for you.

According to Rochelle Knowles, founder of Mindful Eyes coaching, it all boils down to fear.“There is a part of our brain, the ‘critter brain’, also known as the brain stem, which doesn’t like change, which prompts our compulsion to slip into destructive patterns and essentially self-sabotage,” she tells Stylist.“When it senses change, the critter brain has the limbic system load up feelings of fear and worry, so the cortex (or ‘human brain’) has to come up with a logical reason to justify those emotions.”

Why do we self-sabotage?

In many instances, we self-sabotage because we desire acceptance. We don’t actually want to go out, but we do because our friend needs a wing-woman and she doesn’t want to go alone. We put ourselves forward for extra responsibilities at work because we know that our boss wants us to.“Our critter brain just wants to keep us safe,” Knowles continues, “so if we’re socially anxious, we’re likely to do something that makes us feel accepted again. ”So what can these behaviours look like?

Whether it’s constantly staying late to please your manager or always letting yourself be trauma-dumped on, these may seem like positive actions that prove your value as a colleague or friend but people-pleasing behaviour can actually end up contributing to self-sabotage.“As humans, we want to be accepted and be part of the pack,” Knowles explains. “If you want a job promotion that your friend also wants, your need to be liked and accepted may sabotage you so that you don’t go for it and push her forward for it instead.”

You fail to set boundaries

We’re all guilty of putting off important tasks from time to time, but procrastination can also be a way of not taking responsibility for your actions and avoiding rejection.

You procrastinate extensively

When an individual is self-sabotaging, their internal narrative is overwhelmingly one of “I can’t do this,” or “I don’t deserve that.” Believing you’re not good enough – for your partner, in your job or any other realm of your life – reinforces the feelings of worthlessness or incompetence that can, if left unchecked, lead towards a sense of self-hatred.

You regularly experience imposter syndrome

There’s a big difference between being realistic about your chances of something happening and constantly catastrophising that nothing is going to go your way.Not only does it reinforce negative behaviours that eat away at your potential for success, feeling like a “failure” or “disappointment” allows guilt and frustration to spiral.Those who self-sabotage are likely to use things like “I’ll probably fail anyway” as an excuse not to try and therefore avoid any potential rejection or embarrassment.

You’re always expecting the worst

Those who are in the throes of self-sabotage are often actively looking for and picking out not just their own faults, but the faults of others.Whether it’s gnawing self-doubt or a praise complex linked to your childhood conditioning, the idea of putting yourself down before someone else is able to is both a protective instinct and a survival reflex.

You’re overly critical of yourself and your work

Knowles believes that every self-sabotaging behaviour has a positive intention. “But it’s about taking a moment to think: ‘Is this the right action for me?’ ‘Is what I’m doing self-supporting?’” she explains.She suggests using prompts such as “What do I really want for myself?” and “What did I do that I didn’t actually want to do?” to help begin to unpick the coping mechanisms we’ve learned but are perhaps no longer serving us.

How to overcome self-sabotage

Once you have a better understanding of what patterns of thinking cause those emotions, you can begin to challenge them with positive self-talk, affirmations and self-supporting behaviours.“Remember that you’re the one in control, and you’re the one that’s got to be ultimately accountable,” Knowles reminds us.

From the workplace to your relationships, how to spot even the most subtle signs of self-sabotage. 5 signs you're self-sabotaging without realising, according to a holistic coach.

𝟝 𝕤𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦’𝕣𝕖 𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕗-𝕤𝕒𝕓𝕠𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕚𝕥

1. Think Before You SpeakWords can carry a lot of weight. Think about the first time your significant other told you that he or she loved you. How awesome did that feel? However, words can also be hurtful. Have you ever told an inappropriate joke or called someone a bleeping-bleep? You probably felt pretty lousy afterward.Always take the couple extra seconds to think about the impact of your words before you say them out loud.

15 Simple Life Changes You Can Make to Become a Better Person

2. Embrace ChangeChange helps us grow as individuals. Instead of resisting change, you should be open to trying new things, even if they scare you. For example, you may be nervous about trying that new Thai restaurant in town, but you might discover your new favorite restaurant.Besides embracing change, you should also advocate for positive change. You could start a food drive or recycling program at the office, which would both make your community a better place.

3. Be GratefulAccording to research, those who have gratitude journals are more optimistic and feel better about their lives. Additionally, those who discuss gratitude are less envious of wealthier people, are more willing to help others, and can prevent health concerns like coronary artery disease.

4.Do the Right ThingAs an adult, you should definitely know the difference between right and wrong. Let’s say you don’t clean up after your dog after taking it for a walk. You don’t need someone to remind you that you should clean up the mess. You know that it’s your responsibility and that it’s not fair to leave it there for someone else to step in.

5. Use Your StrengthsRemember, your skills and talents are a gift. Don’t let them go to waste. If you know how to play the guitar, then share it with others. It will bring joy to you and the people in your life. 6. Address Your WeaknessesAt the same time, you also should be aware of your weaknesses. It’s another way that helps us grow as individuals. Take the time to make a list of your weaknesses and set goals to work on them.I am a hard person to deal with. I realize this. Learn to admit and address your weaknesses and then find ways to make them better.

7. Take Care of YourselfExercise. Eat healthy. Get enough sleep. You’ve heard that advice a thousand times before. But taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to make yourself a better person. For example, how can you go outside and play with your kids when you always feel lethargic? How can you be more productive at work when you’re exhausted? Not only will you be happier and more productive, your loved ones and colleagues will also appreciate it.

8. Be a HeroThat doesn’t mean that you have to put on a pair of tights and cape. It means helping an elderly neighbor with the groceries. Opening doors for others. Buying a cup of coffee for the person in front of you when her card gets declined. Listening to a friend when his relationship just ended. 9. Pay Attention to OthersDoesn’t it feel great when someone asks how your day went? Try and do the same for others. Even if you have to jot down reminders in your calendar, it can make all the difference in the world to someone when you follow up with them on important events.

10. Stop Being WastefulJust because you can have five plates of food at an all-you-can-eat buffet doesn’t mean that you have to—waste is a problem for the food service industry. You can also reduce water usage by taking shorter showers and create less trash by recycling. And, don’t forget that unplugging devices when not in use can save electricity. During your part, no matter how small it may seem, can be really important for the environment.

11. Be CuriousEvidence, shared via The Huffington Post, found that curiosity can help strengthen relationships, keep your brain stimulated, lessen anxiety, keep you happy, and help you learn—even uninteresting subjects. 12. Forgive Yourself and OthersHumans make mistakes even when it’s you who makes the mistake. And sometimes those mistakes really sting. However instead of devoting your energy holding onto that mistake or feeling guilty, forgive that individual or yourself and focus on the future. Remember revenge isn’t good for your health, and the best revenge is your is success and happiness

13. Don’t Be ImpatientWhen we get impatient, we get aggravated and may do something we’ll regret. Ask yourself, how do you feel if you yelled at your child or a colleague because you’re in a rush to get out the door in the morning or finish a project? By practicing patience you’ll not only make better decisions, you’ll feel better about yourself every day. 14. Be YourselfWhen you’re authentic, you’ll be more focused, build courage, establish your own identity, and be able to define your values and beliefs.

15. Stop Pointing FingersI’ll never forget a grade school teacher telling the class, “When you point one finger, there are three fingers pointing back to you.” We all face obstacles in life, but you can’t use that as an excuse to hold you back or to grow as person.“Remember, you and you alone are responsible for maintaining your energy. Give up blaming, complaining and excuse making, and keep taking action in the direction of your goals—however mundane or lofty they may be.” Jack CanfieldPart of life is growing and becoming a better person—each and every day.

𝟣𝟧 𝒮𝒾𝓂𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝐿𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓃𝑔𝑒𝓈 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒞𝒶𝓃 𝑀𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝐵𝑒𝒸𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝒶 𝐵𝑒𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒫𝑒𝓇𝓈𝑜𝓃

There are hundreds of surprising, perspective-shifting insights about the nature of reality that come from neuroscience. Every bizarre neurological syndrome, every visual illusion, and every clever psychological experiment reveals something entirely unexpected about our experience of the world that we take for granted. Here are a few to give a flavour:

7 Cool Brain Facts That Neuroscientists Know

We hear voices and meaning from air pressure waves. We see colours and objects, yet our brain only receives signals about reflected photons. The objects we perceive are a construct of the brain, which is why optical illusions can fool the brain.

1. Perceptual reality is entirely generated by our brain

We think we see the whole world, but we are looking through a narrow visual portal onto a small region of space. You have to move your eyes when you read because most of the page is blurry. We don't see this, because as soon as we become curious about part of the world, our eyes move there to fill in the detail before we see it was missing. While our eyes are in motion, we should see a blank blur, but our brain edits this out.

2. We see the world in narrow disjointed fragments

Our brain can be fooled into thinking a rubber arm or a virtual reality hand is actually a part of our body. In one syndrome, people believe one of their limbs does not belong to them. One man thought a cadaver limb had been sewn onto his body as a practical joke by doctors.

3. Body image is dynamic and flexible

even though we think we are controlling it. The fact that we can operate a vehicle at 60 mph on the highway while lost in thought shows just how much behaviour the brain can take care of on its own. Addiction is possible because so much of what we do is already automatic, including directing our goals and desires. In utilization behaviour, people might grab and start using a comb presented to them without having any idea why they are doing it. In impulsivity, people act even though they know they shouldn't.

4. Our behaviour is mostly automatic

In Capgras syndrome, familiar people seem foreign (the opposite of deja vu). One elderly woman who lived alone befriended a woman who appeared to her whenever she looked in a mirror. She thought this other woman looked nothing like herself, except that they seemed to have similar style and tended to wear identical outfits. Another woman was being followed by a tormenter who appeared to her in mirrors but looked nothing like herself. She was fine otherwise.

5. Our brain can fool itself in really strange ways

Our thinking feels fast and we are more intelligent than computers, and yet neurons signal only a few times per second and the brain's beta wave cycles at 14-30 times per second. In comparison, computers cycle at 1 billion operations per second, and transistors switch over 10 billion times per second. How can neurons be so slow and yet we are so smart?

6. Neurons are really slow

In split-brain patients, each side of the brain is individually conscious but mostly separate from the other. In post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), memories of a traumatic event can become a compartmentalized inaccessible island. In schizophrenia, patients hear voices that can seem separate from themselves and which criticize them or issue commands. In hypnosis, post-hypnotic suggestions can direct behavior without the individual's conscious awareness.

7. Consciousness can be subdivided. 

Your body image is dynamic; your neurons are slow; your behavior is automatic, and other neuroscience insights about how you perceive the world.

7 ᴄᴏᴏʟ ʙʀᴀɪɴ ꜰᴀᴄᴛꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɴᴇᴜʀᴏꜱᴄɪᴇɴᴛɪꜱᴛꜱ ᴋɴᴏᴡ

Artificial intelligence is drastically important to our future because AI forms the very foundation of computer learning. Through AI, computers have the ability to harness massive amounts of data and use their learned intelligence to make optimal decisions and discoveries in fractions of the time that it would take humans. Artificial intelligence is becoming responsible for everything from medical breakthroughs in cancer research to cutting-edge climate change research.

The Future of AI: How Artificial Intelligence Will Change the World

IFM is just one of countless AI innovators in a field that’s hotter than ever and getting more so all the time. Here’s a good indicator: Of the 9,100 patents received by IBM inventors in 2018, 1,600 (or nearly 18 percent) were AI-related. Here’s another: Tesla founder and tech titan Elon Musk recently donated $10 million to fund ongoing research at the non-profit research company OpenAI — a mere drop in the proverbial bucket if his $1 billion co-pledge in 2015 is any indication.

The Evolution of AI

And in 2017, Russian president Vladimir Putin told school children that “Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere [AI] will become the ruler of the world.” He then tossed his head back and laughed maniacally.OK, that last thing is false. This, however, is not: After more than seven decades marked by hoopla and sporadic dormancy during a multi-wave evolutionary period that began with so-called “knowledge engineering,” progressed to model- and algorithm-based machine learning and is increasingly focused on perception, reasoning and generalization, AI has re-taken center stage as never before.

There’s virtually no major industry modern AI — more specifically, “narrow AI,” which performs objective functions using data-trained models and often falls into the categories of deep learning or machine learning — hasn’t already affected. That’s especially true in the past few years, as data collection and analysis has ramped up considerably thanks to robust IoT connectivity, the proliferation of connected devices and ever-speedier computer processing.Some sectors are at the start of their AI journey, others are veteran travellers. Regardless, artificial intelligence has a huge impact on us.

The Future Is NOW: AI's Impact Is Everywhere

Transportation: Although it could take a decade or more to perfect them, autonomous cars will one day ferry us from place to place.Manufacturing: AI powered robots work alongside humans to perform a limited range of tasks like assembly and stacking, and predictive analysis sensors keep equipment running smoothly.Healthcare: In the comparatively AI-nascent field of healthcare, diseases are more quickly and accurately diagnosed, drug discovery is sped up and streamlined, virtual nursing assistants monitor patients and big data analysis helps to create a more personalized patient experience.

Sectors

Education: Textbooks are digitized with the help of AI, early-stage virtual tutors assist human instructors and facial analysis gauges the emotions of students to help determine who’s struggling or bored and better tailor the experience to their individual needs.Media: Journalism is harnessing AI, too, and will continue to benefit from it. Bloomberg uses Cyborg technology to help make quick sense of complex financial reports. The Associated Press employs the natural language abilities of Automated Insights to produce 3,700 earning reports stories a year — nearly 4X more than in the recent past

Customer Service: Last but hardly least, Google is working on an AI assistant that can place human-like calls to make appointments at, say, your neighborhood hair salon. In addition to words, the system understands context and nuance.

AI is hailed as the ultimate future technology. The future of AI and how it will change every aspect of our lives is a hot topic. We spoke to several experts about an artificial intelligence future.

𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈: 𝟕 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝

The critical inner voice is a well-integrated pattern of destructive thoughts toward ourselves and others. The nagging “voices,” or thoughts, that make up this internalized dialogue are at the root of much of our self-destructive and maladaptive behavior.The critical inner voice is not an auditory hallucination; it is experienced as thoughts within your head. This stream of destructive thoughts forms an anti-self that discourages individuals from acting in their best interest.

What is the Critical Inner Voice?

The critical inner voice is an internal enemy that can affect every aspect of our lives, including our self-esteem and confidence, our personal and intimate relationships, and our performance and accomplishments at school and work. These negative thoughts affect us by undermining our positive feelings about ourselves and others and fostering self-criticism, inwardness, distrust, self-denial, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20161024002451/https://www.psychalive.org/addictions/">addictions</a> and a retreat from goal-directed activities.

How Does the Critical Inner Voice Affect Us?

Some common voices include thoughts like “You’re stupid,” “You’re not attractive,” or “You’re not like other people.”Some people have voices about their career, like “You’ll never be successful,” “No one appreciates how hard you work,” or “You are under too much pressure, you can’t handle this stress.”Many people experience voices about their relationship, such as “He doesn’t really care about you,” “You’re better off on your own,” or “Don’t be vulnerable, you’ll just get hurt.”

What Are Some Examples of Common Critical Inner Voices?

These inner voices usually come from early life experiences that are internalized and taken in as ways we think about ourselves. Often, many of these negative voices come from our parents or primary care takers, as children we pick up on the negative attitudes that parents not only have towards their children but also toward themselves. Our voices can also come from interactions with peers and siblings, or influential adults.

Where Do Critical Inner Voices Come From?

Many people think if they stop listening to their critical inner voice, they will lose touch with their conscience. However, the critical inner voice is not a trustworthy moral guide like a conscience. On the contrary, the critical inner voice is degrading and punishing and often leads us to make unhealthy decisions. These negative voices tend to increase our feelings of self-hatred without motivating us to change undesirable qualities or act in a constructive manner.

How is the Critical Inner Voice Different Than a Conscience?

In order to take power over this destructive thought process, you must first become conscious of what your inner voice is telling you so you can stop it from ruining your life. To identify this, it is helpful to pay attention to when you suddenly slip into a <a href="https://www.psychalive.org/bad-mood/">bad mood </a>or become upset, often these negative shifts in emotion are a result of a critical inner voice. Once you identify the thought process and pinpoint the negative actions it is advocating, you can take control over your inner voice by consciously deciding not to listen. Instead you can the actions that are in your best interest.

How Can I Conquer My Critical Inner Voice?

The critical inner voice is a pattern of destructive thoughts toward ourselves and others. This inner voice often leads to self-destructive and harmful behavior.

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕 𝙸𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝚅𝚘𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝙴𝚡𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍

The best nap is the one in which you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for the shortest amount of time, while still waking refreshed. You can experiment with the napping techniques below to see what works for you. Here are six ways to become a successful power napper:

Top 6 Power Nap Tips

Assuming that you follow a fairly normal nighttime sleep schedule, prime time for power naps is typically in the middle of the day from about 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. when your energy level dips due to a rise in the hormone <a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-take-melatonin-3015192">melatonin</a>. Try to schedule your dedicated nap time during those hours.

Choose the Best Time for a Nap

You might not always be able to get your power nap in during the optimal mid-day hours, and that's okay. But if you miss your prime nap time window, be sure not to take your nap within three hours of bedtime as it may <a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-do-naps-affect-sleep-at-night-3014731">interfere with important night time sleep</a>.

Avoid Napping Before Bed

When taking a nap longer than 30 minutes, you run the risk of heading into deep sleep, which can leave you feeling tired and groggy. Most people find that their optimal power nap is achieved somewhere between 20-30 minutes. Some people even find naps as short as 1 to 2 minutes to be effective. Experiment with power naps of different durations to find what works best for you.

Commit to a 30-Minute Maximum

When you're tired, it can be easy to sleep past your 30-minute maximum. To avoid <a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/effects-of-sleeping-too-much-4580614">oversleeping</a> (and the grogginess that can follow), set an alarm to wake you. While many dedicated power nappers claim that they have trained themselves to nap only for the amount of time they set aside, it's always best to have a backup plan.

Set an Alarm

In most areas of the world, mid-day naps occur during sunlight hours, which is not the most conducive atmosphere for effective sleep. To provide optimal darkness during daylight hours, use a face mask or eye pillow. Opting for darkness can not only help you fall asleep faster, but it can make your sleep more effective.

Opt for Darkness

Just as darkness can make for more effective naps, a quiet napping space is also a must. Some people find that they need complete quiet to nap effectively, while others enjoy the hum of white noise which can not only be calming but can also help block out other disturbances. It's also best to assure that you will not be disturbed for the duration of your nap.

Find a Quiet Place

While most experts agree that effective naps can be a healthier option than relying on another cup of coffee, some people swear by using the power of a quick snooze and some caffeine together. A "<a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-does-a-caffeine-nap-work-3014978">caffeine nap</a>," or as some affectionately call a "nappuccino," entails getting a quick caffeine boost followed by a power nap immediately after. The theory behind caffeine naps is that the alertness boosting effect of caffeine kicks in somewhere between 10 and 20 minutes after its ingested leaving just the right amount of time for a power nap.

BONUS: Try a Caffeine Power Nap

A power nap can turn your day around, make you more productive, and even improve your health. Try these naptime tips to make the most of your nap.

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54 𝖀𝖓𝖘𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝕱𝖆𝖈𝖙𝖘 𝕿𝖍𝖆𝖙'𝖑𝖑 𝕱𝖗𝖊𝖆𝓀 𝖄𝖔𝖚 𝕺𝖚𝖙

𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝟻𝟶 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚎:)

𝟓𝟎 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 "𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬"

ʟɪꜰᴇ ʟᴇꜱꜱᴏɴꜱ - 10 ɪᴅᴇᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ʜᴇʟᴘ ʏᴏᴜ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀꜱᴛᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴇᴄʜᴀɴɪᴄꜱ ᴏꜰ ʟɪꜰᴇ

𝟝 𝕤𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦’𝕣𝕖 𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕗-𝕤𝕒𝕓𝕠𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕚𝕥

Bite-sized knowledgeto upgradeyour career

𝒜 .@a.15

54 𝖀𝖓𝖘𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝕱𝖆𝖈𝖙𝖘 𝕿𝖍𝖆𝖙'𝖑𝖑 𝕱𝖗𝖊𝖆𝓀 𝖄𝖔𝖚 𝕺𝖚𝖙

𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝟻𝟶 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚎:)

𝟓𝟎 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 "𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬"

ʟɪꜰᴇ ʟᴇꜱꜱᴏɴꜱ - 10 ɪᴅᴇᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ʜᴇʟᴘ ʏᴏᴜ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀꜱᴛᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴇᴄʜᴀɴɪᴄꜱ ᴏꜰ ʟɪꜰᴇ

𝟝 𝕤𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦’𝕣𝕖 𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕗-𝕤𝕒𝕓𝕠𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕚𝕥

Bite-sized knowledge
to upgrade
your career

𝒜 .
@a.15