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Jay White2008-03-24T08:10:23.141-05:00How to Boost your Afternoon Energy with a Power Nap</h3><content type="html"><div id="write"><h7 class="write">Written on 3/24/2008 by <a href="http://www.slowdownfast.com/about/">David B. Bohl</a>, the author of <a href="http://www.slowdownfast.com/">Slow Down Fast</a>.</h7> </div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cell105/2270394597/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_dH0q9hvpVHg/R-ejW4p0EtI/AAAAAAAABlU/AUSZuLCGcdM/s320/nap.png" alt="nap" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181289509873259218" title="Post Lunch Siesta" border="0" /></a><blockquote>"When I was at NASA we gave the pilots a planned nap in the cockpit," says Rosekind, who is a board member of the National Sleep Foundation. "While two pilots flew the plane, the third would have 40 minutes to nap. We found they would sleep for 26 minutes, which boosted their performance by 34% and their alertness by 54%." - Mark Rosekind, PhD. <a class="snap_shots" href="http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/power-of-napping-feature">Source</a></blockquote><a class="snap_shots" href="http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/power-of-napping-feature"></a>Power naps are a great way to give yourself a shot of physical and mental energy in the middle of your day. Even when you get a good night’s sleep, sometimes your body just <a href="http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/01/how-to-stay-awake-at-work-or-school.html">needs a rest</a> in the middle of the day. The beauty of power naps is they do not have to be long, they can be done on your break at work or during your lunch hour, and they usually leave you feeling energized. Adding this one small change to your workday could boost your afternoon productivity, or give you that extra motivation to make it through your son’s baseball practice with enthusiasm. Do not use a nap as a way to make up for a <a class="snap_shots" href="http://www.diethack.com/2007/11/22-simple-tips-to-get-out-of-sleep-debt.html">sleep deficit</a>. Your body needs to be in deep REM sleep for a minimum amount of time so it can repair and rejuvenate itself. Rather, supplement your regular sleep schedule with a short, mid-day power nap that gives you a quick and easy shot of energy. Here are the points to remember: <ul><li>Short Naps are Best: If you have tried afternoon napping in the past only to find it leaves you feeling groggy, try sleeping for less than a half-hour. Twenty to thirty minutes is the ideal length for a power nap because your body does not have the chance to fall into any kind of <a class="snap_shots" href="http://www.sleepdisorderchannel.com/stages/index.shtml">deep sleep</a>. This will allow you to wake up feeling energized rather than fuzzy. It is also short enough so that it will not interfere with your nightly sleep schedule. Do not take a nap that is going to prevent you from going to bed at night. If you need an instant pick me up, try closing your eyes for just five minutes. Even a couple of minutes of rest can give you increased energy and clear your mind. </li><li>Make it a Habit: Working in a nap as part of your normal daily routine will allow your body to expect it and incorporate it into its natural rhythms. In fact, try scheduling it into your calendar or using half of your lunch break. By keeping it regular, you will find it easier to doze off quickly and easy to wake up again. </li> <li>Get Comfortable: Some people are lucky enough to be able to fall asleep anywhere, anytime. All they have to do is stop moving for just a few minutes and bam – they are out. Unfortunately it is not that easy for all of us. If you work at home and want to try napping, get comfortable in a familiar location. Go lay in bed or on your couch. Others are able to fall asleep in the car (but do not sleep in a hot car with the windows rolled up – find a safe place to stop and crack your windows), or even behind the desk. While this isn't ideal for cubicle workers, If you have an executive’s style chair, many times you can kick your feet up, lean your head back, and close your eyes. If you are nervous about people pulling pranks on you, find an empty conference room or a vacant office with a door you can lock. If, after several attempts, you are not able to pull it off, try a quick <a href="http://www.dumblittleman.com/2007/12/meditation-techniques-for-busy-or.html">meditation break</a> instead. It's not sleeping, but it sure is a great way to restart your afternoon. </li></ul>Do not feel guilty about indulging in an afternoon nap. You are doing your body a great service by keeping it rested and energized. If you are afraid of getting too comfortable, <a class="snap_shots" href="http://www.nakedalarmclock.com/">set an alarm</a> to ensure you do not oversleep. Oversleeping during a nap is going to destroy your sleep schedule and can make you feel more tired. Keep it short. If you are not used to napping, you may wake up feeling groggy. Go into the restroom and splash some cool water on your face, or run your wrists under the tap. Your blood vessels are very close to the skin in your wrists, which is why tap water running over the wrists can help raise or lower body temperature. Holding them under the cool water for a couple of minutes should help clear out the cobwebs. Supplement this with some foods that will naturally <a class="snap-shots" href="http://www.diethack.com/2008/03/8-delicious-foods-to-boost-up-your.html">boost your energy</a>. Once you wake up from your nap, do <a href="http://www.dumblittleman.com/2007/10/simple-stretches-you-can-do-at-your.html">something physical</a> as well. Even if you go for a short stroll around the office, the act of moving will clear your mind and get you back into the right frame of mind to work. -David <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~a/DumbLittleMan?a=k1eMy5"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~a/DumbLittleMan?i=k1eMy5" border="0"></img></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?a=F3E4Msf"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?i=F3E4Msf" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?a=rcZLDof"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?i=rcZLDof" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?a=g4dkbBf"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?i=g4dkbBf" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?a=L8jCXXf"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?i=L8jCXXf" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?a=6B3ChqF"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?i=6B3ChqF" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DumbLittleMan/~4/257022152" height="1" width="1"/></content><author><name>Jay White</name></author></entry><entry><updated>2008-03-21T13:40:14.239-05:00</updated><title type="text">Revel and Grow with Your Uniqueness</h3><content type="html"><div id="write"><h7 class="write">Written on 3/21/2008 by <a href="http://www.slowdownfast.com/about/">David B. Bohl</a>, the author of <a href="http://www.slowdownfast.com/">Slow Down Fast</a>.</h7></div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hamed/327939900/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_dH0q9hvpVHg/R-O-84p0EsI/AAAAAAAABlI/do0oX49C7ug/s400/my+way.png" alt=" " id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180193949615395522" border="0" /></a>In the pursuit of self improvement, personal development or whatever you want to call it, losing sight of the gifts we already possess is very easy to do. We seek change, attempting to enhance our lives by becoming somehow different or improved over what we happen to be at the time. So much talk about making positive change, about becoming better versions of ourselves, can distort our views and allow us to forget that we are already amazing, talented people. Sometimes we lose sight of the fact that we each possess our own talents, abilities, knowledge, and sense of humor that make us unique. Occasionally, we take it to the extreme and totally change our persona and end up acting and thinking in ways that we're not even comfortable with. In a society where so many people try to fit into a preconceived mold of what is considered “normal” or “appropriate,” dare to be different, be you. Explore your own quirkiness and relish the experience. Enjoy the fact that you were not made from a cookie cutter, that you have rough surfaces and jagged edges that add character and interest to your personality. Love the fact that you have your own mind, your own thoughts, your own opinions, and that you are strong enough to express them. <ol><li>Explore Your Talents: Do not give up your dreams, no matter how many people might tell you they are a waste of time. If underwater basket weaving is your preferred hobby, engage in it with glee. If you want to be a dancer, a skater, an actor, or an artist, find a place where you can explore those desires and freely express yourself. Who cares if you are not the next Michelangelo, as long as you have fun. </li> <li>Dare to be Different: Do not be afraid to look different from the rest of the crowd. Dare to wear pink when everyone else is wearing black. Voice your opinions with conviction, even if they are contrary to popular belief. Go ahead and march to the beat of a different drummer, even if you are the only one who can hear the music. Most importantly, just be yourself. Be the person who makes you happy to be alive. </li> <li>Do not Get Sucked Into Society’s Definition of "Normal": Just because everyone else you know has a house in the suburbs, a fenced yard with a dog, a minivan in the garage, and the requisite two children, do not become pressured into thinking that those things are right for you. If they do make you happy, then that is fantastic – go for it. If not, explore what would give you satisfaction and fulfillment. If you long for a loft in the city, that is where you should be. Conversely, if you crave solitude and prefer a home in the country, then move out of the city and chase your dream. Do not pass up those things that would provide you with tremendous happiness just because the majority of society feels otherwise. Society’s wants may not be your wants. Society’s needs may not be your needs. As long as you are not harming anyone else, indulge yourself by exploring your differences.</li></ol>If you work in a corporate environment and wish to achieve greater success within the company, there will be certain criteria which must be met. Appearing in the office with a <a class="snap_shots" href="http://images.costumesupercenter.com/images/en_US/customViewLarger//local/products/detail/6574320P.jpg">purple mohawk</a> and a leopard print dress will certainly get you noticed, but probably not at promotion time. In those cases, save those moments for when you are alone or on your weekend. One of the most important aspects of developing your self confidence is realizing your uniqueness is a gift. Imagine, if everyone was exactly alike, we would never have to talk to anyone else – ever again. We would not be interesting or attractive to others. They would not view us as strong, intelligent, funny, or naïve. There would be no reason to get to know other people, or to develop relationships.. There would be no sharing of information, no variety, no spice to life. Our interactions with those who differ from us are what encourage us to try something new, see something differently, or even make major changes in our lives. Take the opportunity to find your unique qualities, explore them, expand them, and take pride in them. After all, they are what make you interesting. -David <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~a/DumbLittleMan?a=ulkVb5"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~a/DumbLittleMan?i=ulkVb5" border="0"></img></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?a=x9r54yf"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?i=x9r54yf" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?a=X3k94Bf"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?i=X3k94Bf" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?a=j3bfMAf"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?i=j3bfMAf" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?a=tntBtCf"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?i=tntBtCf" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?a=BzSdfBF"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?i=BzSdfBF" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DumbLittleMan/~4/255537223" height="1" width="1"/></content><author><name>Jay White</name></author></entry><entry><updated>2008-03-21T12:56:43.031-05:00</updated><title type="text">5 Reasons You Should Quit Your Job</h3><content type="html"><div id="write"><h7 class="write">Written on 3/20/2008 by <a href="http://www.theratingblog.com/about/">Alan Johnson</a> of <a href="http://www.theratingblog.com/">TheRatingBlog.com</a>.</h7></div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fuzzcat/22019163/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_dH0q9hvpVHg/R-KBcIp0ErI/AAAAAAAABlA/NP528fiPOfs/s400/work.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179844841788674738" title="Rusty at work" border="0" /></a>Everyone that I know has a job; some are good some are bad. I'd imagine that most of you have jobs as well. At some point or another, you will get the itch to storm into your boss' office and leave, once and for all. However, is there a good reason aside from the, "I don't like it" mantra repeating itself in your brain? Perhaps. Today we'll discuss some reasons why it may be acceptable to leave your current job. Next week, we'll flip the script and discuss reasons why you won't quit. So with that, let's go through five situations that may cause you to quit. While none of these may be strong enough to hold water on its own, those of you that go 3 outta 5 may be at the tipping point. <ol><li>You Hate What You're Doing Do you really want to spend the next years doing something you absolutely hate? Will that make you happy? Sure, your paycheck could be decent, but I'll tell you this much: if you currently hate what you're doing then, as far as your potential is concerned, you are leaving a lot on the table by not quitting your job. </li> <li>It's Not Challenging Enough A lot of folks, due to the fact that they're as lazy as it gets, prefer to limit themselves to a job that allows them to coast through each day unchallenged. You cannot be one of these people (could you?). Look deep down inside yourself. Challenging doesn't equal stressful to don't be afraid to open yourself up to more responsibility. </li> <li>You Don't Like The People You Work With As your personal productivity level is concerned, it will be very difficult to maximize results if you are not exactly thrilled about the people you work with. We all have quarrels with people at work but if going to work becomes a chore simply because of the people, it's time to give it some thought. We could be talking about fellow employees or we could be talking about your boss, it really doesn't matter. The bottom line is that if you are not able to get along with them then you are most likely better off trying something else on for size. </li> <li>You Are Not Satisfied Financially Are you not satisfied with your current paycheck? Do you know how it stacks up with other people in the industry doing the same thing? While money is not the key to happiness, it's nice to know if the company across the street would pay you an extra $10K for doing the same thing. A site named <a class="snap_shots" href="http://www.indeed.com/salary">Indeed</a> has a comparison tool that will give you some preliminary data comparison for your position. Check that out but the point is that you should never make the mistake of sticking around simply because you are afraid or lack the confidence. When it comes to this point, knowledge is power. </li><li>There Are No Promotion Opportunities Does the thought of doing the same thing over and over again and never taking things to the next level sound all that appealing? Of course not, and you can rest assured that, if there's absolutely nothing which motivates you to become better at what you're doing, you simply won't. No matter what angle you choose to view the situation from, you will never be truly happy with a job which doesn't motivate you enough. As a result, I'm sure that it's more than obvious what you should be doing next. </li></ol>So what do you think? How many of these apply to you? If it's 4 or 5 are you already looking for a new job or planning to start a business? If not, what is holding you back? -Alan <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~a/DumbLittleMan?a=7Oszev"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~a/DumbLittleMan?i=7Oszev" border="0"></img></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?a=SbdLOSf"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?i=SbdLOSf" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?a=5spJr7f"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?i=5spJr7f" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?a=pfS9gqf"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?i=pfS9gqf" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?a=HixfR4f"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?i=HixfR4f" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?a=XKtpouF"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/DumbLittleMan?i=XKtpouF" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DumbLittleMan/~4/254977674" height="1" width="1"/></content><author><name>Jay White</name></author></entry><entry><updated>2008-03-21T13:28:50.226-05:00</updated><title type="text">You Can't Look Miserable if You Want to Meet People</h3><content type="html"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/damek/286843931/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_dH0q9hvpVHg/R-Jgeop0EqI/AAAAAAAABk4/30PTKDE3H-Y/s320/cubes.png" alt="cubicles" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179808600854631074" title="cubicles" border="0" /></a>I spend a lot of time at the offices of some huge companies. Every time, without fail, I walk past huge cubicle farms. An occasional balloon may be hovering over some birthday boy's workstation, but aside from that, it's a sea of muted faces. If I had to guess, I'd say that less than 10% of the people I see actually smile, let alone say "HI!". Who can blame them; I am a guy in a suit. Suits scare people but us sales guys have to dress the part when we're meeting with executives. Maybe it is me. Maybe I not the giving off the warm and fuzzies either. Who knows? What I do know and what I have learned is that everyone can and should do what it takes to become more approachable. John Wesley of <a class="snap_shots" href="http://www.pickthebrain.com/">Pick the Brain</a> thinks the same thing. <blockquote>"Maybe you’re tired, nervous, or a person who doesn’t enjoy big crowds. In these cases, you can actually put yourself into a more likable mood by assuming more likable body language."</blockquote>Heck, I am so introverted I don't even 'reply to all' in email. For me, these tips are critical to my existence because I chose a very social occupation. John's article today was good as he shares some ideas on becoming more approachable as well as learning how body language plays a part in communicating. Give it a read and then consider how you act at work or even at home. What vibes are you sending out? <a class="snap_shots" href="http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/rock-the-party-how-to-appear-friendly-and-approachable/"> Rock the Party: How to Appear Friendly and Approachable</a> at Pick the Brain. -Jay <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~a/DumbLittleMan?a=JlPyU8"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~a/DumbLittleMan?i=JlPyU8" border="0"></img></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=66b2c05330304248a29f2f3cb0c4f3b6&u=%%UNIQUEID%%"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=66b2c05330304248a29f2f3cb0c4f3b6&u=%%UNIQUEID%%" border="0"/></a> </td></tr> <td> <a href="/dmoz/"> Top</a> | <a href="http://www.ba.net/dmoz/Arts/"> Arts</a> | <a href="http://www.ba.net/dmoz/Business/"> Business</a> | <a href="http://www.ba.net/dmoz/Computers/"> Computers</a> | <a href="http://www.ba.net/dmoz/Games/"> Games</a> | <a href="http://www.ba.net/dmoz/Health/"> Health</a> | <a href="http://www.ba.net/dmoz/Kids_and_Teens/"> Kids</a> | <a href="http://www.ba.net/dmoz/News/"> News</a> | <a href="http://www.brujula.net/dmoz/Recreation/"> Recreation</a> | <a href="http://www.brujula.net/dmoz/Reference/"> Reference</a> | <a href="http://www.brujula.net/dmoz/Regional/"> Regional</a> | <a href="http://www.brujula.net/dmoz/Science/"> Science</a> | <a href="http://www.brujula.net/dmoz/Shopping/"> Shopping</a> | <a href="http://www.brujula.net/dmoz/Society/"> Society</a> | <a href="http://www.brujula.net/dmoz/Sports/"> Sports</a> | <a href="http://www.brujula.net/dmoz/World/"> World</a> | <a href="http://www.ba.net/dmoz/World/"> Languages</a> | <a href="http://www.ba.net/news/"> News</a> | <a href="http://www.ba.net/news/"> Blogs</a> <HR NOSHADE> <center> <!!--#exec cmd="/cgi-bin/banner"--> <table><td> <script type="text/javascript"> GA_googleFillSlot("news-banner-bottom"); </script> <td> <a href="http://www.ba.net/about/"> <img src="http://ba.net/gifs/adbrite-your-ad-here-banner.gif" style="background-color:#CCCCCC;border:none;padding:0;margin:0;" alt="Your Ad Here" width="11" height="60" border="0" align=right></a> </table> <form method="POST" action="http://www.brujula.net/cgi-bin/buscar"> <input name="text" size="45"> <input type="submit" value="Search"> <input type="hidden" name="buscador" value="categorias-en"> </form> BA.net Brujula.Net © 2008 <A HREF="http://www.ba.net/acerca/" STYLE="text-decoration:none;font-size:xx-small">advertising</a> <A HREF="http://www.ba.net/" STYLE="text-decoration:none;font-size:xx-small">english</a> <A HREF="http://www.brujula.net/" STYLE="text-decoration:none;font-size:xx-small">español</a> <A HREF="http://www.ba.net/italia/" STYLE="text-decoration:none;font-size:xx-small">italiano</a> <A HREF="http://www.ba.net/germany/" STYLE="text-decoration:none;font-size:xx-small">germany</a> <A HREF="http://www.ba.net/japan/" STYLE="text-decoration:none;font-size:xx-small">japan</a> <A HREF="http://www.ba.net/france/" STYLE="text-decoration:none;font-size:xx-small">france</a> <A HREF="http://www.ba.net/world/" STYLE="text-decoration:none;font-size:xx-small">more</a> <A HREF="javascript:window.external.AddFavorite(window.location.href,document.title)" STYLE="text-decoration:none;font-size:xx-small">bookmark</A> </center> </td> </TABLE> </TD> <TD valign="top"><IMG src="http://www.brujula.net/gifs/sep3horiz.gif" width="23" height="1"></TD> <TD bgcolor="#333366" valign="top"><IMG src="http://www.brujula.net/gifs/sep3horiz.gif" width="3" height="1"></TD> </TR> <TR bgcolor="#ffffff"> <TD colspan="2" bgcolor="#FFCC66" valign="top"><IMG src="http://www.brujula.net/gifs/sep3horiz.gif" width="1" height="24" border="0"></TD> <TD colspan="3" valign="top"><IMG src="http://www.brujula.net/gifs/sep3horiz.gif" width="1" height="24" border="0"></TD> <TD rowspan="2" colspan="2" bgcolor="#333366" valign="middle"> <CENTER> > </CENTER> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD colspan="5" bgcolor="#333366" valign="top"><IMG src="http://www.brujula.net/gifs/sep3horiz.gif" width="1" height="3"></TD> </TR> <TR bgcolor="#666699"> <TD colspan="8"><IMG src="http://www.brujula.net/gifs/sep3horiz.gif" width="1" height="10"></TD> </TR> </TABLE> </BODY></HTML>