15 things you should do after work instead of watching tv

I found this article while doing some reading. You may want to try these...


It's common for people to unwind after work with more screen time. However, studies have proven that this behavior can often lead to unhappiness, headache, and a reduced quality of sleep. Engaging in activities such as reading, socializing, or exercising — instead of watching television — will have a positive effect on your mental state.

For the longest time, I would come home from work and immediately pop on the TV. It was mindless — after a day of meetings, intensive heads-down work, and never-ending email chains, the only thing I thought I wanted to do was watch five episodes of some sitcom I'd seen hundreds of times before.

But then last year, I realized I was always ending the day feeling exhausted, or worse with a headache. In addition, I wasn't sleeping well. So, I tried an experiment: Instead of turning on the TV in my free time, I'd pick up a book.

The results were surprising. I have more energy both after work and the next day, and I read 23 books in 2017 (compared to around 10 in 2016). And, most importantly, I discovered a way to relax that didn't make me feel like a lazy couch bum.

So, that got me thinking — if avoiding screens will make you happier, what else can you do to unwind after a day of work?

If you're out of ideas, I've compiled 15 for you:

1. Read
It worked for me! Here are several suggestions for awesome fiction and career books to get you started. (I really need to try this one. I haven't read a good book in awhile. I'm a fan of suspense thrillers)

2. Listen to a podcast
Sure, it requires technology, but after you click play, all you have to do is sit back, close your eyes, and listen. (You could start with The 12Kyle Podcast...lol)

3. Call a friend
Catch up with someone you haven't talked to in a while — you never know what the conversation can lead to. (Phone calls are much better than sending a text)

4. Or meet up in person
Rather than going home right after work, meet up with someone and grab dinner or drinks. Just make sure to put your phone away and give them your full attention. (Seeing a familiar face is always fun)

5. Write
Start a blog, write an article and post it on LinkedIn, journal. Don't worry about composing something spectacular — just get those thoughts on paper. You might feel surprisingly refreshed afterwards (although if you are posting on LinkedIn, might want to run it by someone else). (For me, writing is therapeutic)
6. Cook
Or bake! Find a new recipe and try it out — and if you bring your creation into work I guarantee your co-workers will love you. (I love to cook. Cooking is easy. If you can read, you can cook)

7. Meditate
This doesn't need to take up all your free time. Set aside 10-30 minutes right when you get home or right before bed to calm your mind. Here's how to do it if you're new to the practice. (This will give you a peace of mind)

8. Clean your home
Dirty dishes in the sink? Haven't Swiffered the floors in a month? Need to do laundry? Food going bad in your fridge? Use the time after work to get ahead on your chores — even just one chore. It's not only a great way to practice meditation, but it'll free up your weekends for more fun. (Not fun...but necessary)

9. Exercise
Not a morning person? Substitute the TV for a treadmill, yoga class, or online exercise video. You'll feel like a champion. (It's starting to get warm. Get your "summer body" ready.)

10. Go for a walk
If exercise isn't your thing (I get it), go the more leisurely route and walk around the block — as long as it's not freezing or pouring rain. Maybe take some music or a friend with you. (A nice walk does wonders for your heart)

11. Do an art project
Have a coloring book? Use it. Want to learn how to paint or knit? Now's the time to try. (I don't like projects...but hey)

12. Play with your pets
That is, if you have one. Give your dog or cat some love — I'm sure they could use more of it. (Pets are cool if you have them. Unfortunately, I don't have any)

13. Pamper yourself
Paint your nails, throw on a face mask, take an extra long shower. You work hard, so why not treat yourself to some me time? (Very necessary. You should do this often. It doesn't matter if it's getting a massage, a haircut, getting pedicure, or going shopping...it's very beneficial)

14. Solve a puzzle
Challenge your mind a bit by working on a physical puzzle. Or, play solitaire with yourself. If you have a roommate, play a board game. (I'm gonna try this. I don't think I've done a puzzle since college)

15. Make a list
It can be about anything — maybe you need to lay out your groceries for the week, or want to compile your favorite companies to work for, or have been meaning to jot down your New Year's resolutions. Take the time to write them down, then come up with a plan for how to execute on them. An easy way to motivate yourself to follow through. (Make lists can help you organize things)


article originally posted on business insider

top 12 soft skills employers seek

here's a pretty good article that i found on thebalance.com. Very helpful tips...

Depending on the organization or business, employers are seeking key skills and experience for each job. But even though these skills are extremely important, there are certain “soft skills” that employers also look for when hiring people for their organization. Research has shown that a person’s “soft skills” can be just as good of an indicator of a person’s job performance as the hard skills that they possess.

What Are Soft Skills?

Soft skills relate to a set of skills that individuals possess, which makes them good employees no matter where they work or what they do. When we think of soft skills, we are thinking of personal qualities, attitudes, verbal and nonverbal behavior, and personal habits that make an individual pleasant to work with, and a valuable member of any team. Individuals with impeccable manners and an ability to be understanding, fair and compassionate are the type of people most of us would like to work with. It is also someone who possesses a strong work ethic and will do what it takes to get the work done, that organizations like to hire and employees want to welcome as a new member of their team. We all know people who we like or love as friends or family; but when it comes to actually working with that person on a daily basis, our positive feelings may go out the window and we may find that it’s almost impossible to work alongside them in a job situation.

12 Soft Skills Employers Look for When Hiring for Jobs:

1. Positive Attitude

A positive attitude can do wonders in turning a department or company around. Having employees who possess a positive attitude can also be contagious; and for employers, it’s important for them to seek that kind of energy since it only takes a few negative people to bring down a department or even the organization as a whole.

2. Strong Work Ethic

Hiring people that possess a strong work ethic is key to the success of any employer. First off, a strong work ethic cannot be taught. When individuals begin working in a new organization they either have it or they don’t. There are many contributing factors that go into making a strong work ethic like how a person grows up to the value they place on doing an excellent job. These innate attributes are totally out of the control of an employer no matter what type of training they provide or the type of supervision an employee gets.

3. Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills

The ability to be a good communicator cannot be overrated. To succeed in the workforce, employees need to know how to communicate as well as listen in order to work effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients.

4. Problem-Solving Skills

Since problems are inevitable, employees who are able to find solutions to daily challenges that arise are most valuable to an organization. Employees who are unable to find a solution to a specific problem but are willing to seek out the advice of others, also makes for a competent and trusted employee.

5. Time Management Skills

As a results-oriented employee, good time management skills are key to getting assignments accomplished and finishing them on time.

6. Flexibility
The way company's do business in today’s competitive marketplace, is changing all the time. It is the ability to remain adaptable that helps an organization move forward and stay with the current times.

7. Work Well in a Team Environment

In the past employees would oftentimes seek jobs that aligned with their desire to either work independently or work in a team environment. In today’s workforce, much of the work is often done on teams; but there is also a need for employees to work independently in order to get the daily work accomplished.

8. Computer/Technological Skills

Almost all jobs today require basic computer skills and technological knowledge. Whether it be for record-keeping, spreadsheets, detailed notes, or presentations, employers will want to know a candidate’s level of computer and technological knowledge to establish if they can do the basics of any job.

9. Project Management Skills

Individuals going about the daily routine of their job will need to know how to prioritize and plan each activity to be able to get the best job done in the least amount of time.

10. Self-Confidence

Self-confident employees are able to detach themselves personally from any challenges that they experience on the job. Self-confidence gives employees a sense of strength as they pursue their personal goals as well as those of an organization.

11. Ability to Accept Constructive Criticism

There is always room for everyone to grow and learn and the employee that is able to take constructive criticism and use it to improve their performance will be seen as a valuable team member to any organization.

12. Strong Research Skills

With strong computer and technological skills being one of the top 12 soft skills employers seek, employees who are able to do the basic research and have the ability to gather important information for projects, and identify how and what competitors are doing to make themselves successful, is a sought after skill that many organizations want.

how to get more done at WORK

here's another article that should help you dedicated workers LOL...



Ever have those workdays when you know by 10 a.m. that you won’t be making it home for dinner? Instead of resolving to work after hours, tap into these seven surprising secrets for boosting your productivity. 

1. Work for 52 Minutes, Break for 17

That’s the schedule that super-productive people follow, according to a study conducted by DeskTime, a time-tracking app that monitors your work efficiency. The app analyzed its top 10 percent most productive users and found that on average, they took 17-minute breaks throughout the day. 

That aligns with previous research touting the stress-busting benefits of breaks. One Australian study found that employees who took a short walk at lunchtime felt more enthusiastic and more relaxed in the afternoon than those who didn’t head outdoors.

But breaking every 17 minutes all day long isn’t exactly realistic—according to this formula, you’d be on a break for 2 full hours of your day. Consider saving this strategy for when you’re working on something particularly complicated or draining. 

Research from Singapore also shows that brief “cyberloafing”—i.e. watching funny YouTube videos—provides an instant recovery from the humdrum of day-to-day work, helping people stay productive for longer amounts of time. 

2. Drown Out Chatter with the Right Soundtrack 

When you need to churn out work on a tight deadline, the last thing you want to hear is your chatty cube mate shooting the bull. 

Putting in earbuds to drown him out seems like the obvious fix, but blasting your favorite tunes can actually be counterproductive. Research in Applied Cognitive Psychology found that listening to pop music with lyrics while performing memory and reading comprehension tests led to lower recall and poorer comprehension than doing the tasks in silence. 

But another study from the Acoustical Society of America found that listening to natural sounds, like flowing water, could boost your mood and productivity. 

3. Hide Your Phone 

Sure, you know that browsing Instagram probably won’t help your work performance. But research from the University of Southern Maine found that simply having your cell phone on your desk distracts you during complex tasks.

Is answering the occasional text really all that bad? Science says yes. In a study at Michigan State University, people who were interrupted from a task for just 2.8 seconds made twice as many mistakes when they returned to it—and a 4.2-second disruption led to three times as many flubs. 

4. Find Your Zone

There are certain times of the day where you’re totally in the zone, like after your morning cup of coffee, or maybe right after your lunchtime run. Keeping track of when you’re at your best and capitalizing on that time will help you knock out top to-do list items, says Kathryn McKinnon, Harvard Business School Executive Coach and author of Triple Your Time Today. 

“If you’re spending your most productive time of day doing email or other tasks that aren’t your true priorities, you won’t get your best work done,” says McKinnon. Save the important stuff for when your mind is sharp and your energy is high. 

5. Break Free from Email

One of McKinnon’s clients was drowning in emails and came to her for help. After assessing the guy’s workday, McKinnon found that he was spending an average of 4 hours a day just on email, and 60 percent of the messages weren’t related to his highest priorities. 

It’s 2015—there’s no getting around a digital inbox. But highly productive executives follow the 6-12-6 rule, says McKinnon: They scan their email early in the morning, (6 a.m.), again at lunch (12 p.m.) and at the end of the day (6 p.m.). 

If someone has a really pressing message for you, they’ll give you a call or swing by your office. Otherwise, all emails can wait. 

6. Get a Head Start on Tomorrow 

Prep tomorrow’s to-do list before you head home today, suggests productivity coach Cathy Sexton, founder of TheProductivityExperts.com. 

When you’re already in work mode, it’s only going to take you a few minutes to assess what you really need to get done first thing in the morning. So taking an extra 15 minutes at the end of the day to strategize might save you up to an hour tomorrow A.M., says Sexton. 

Keep your list organized by splitting it in two: Have a master list with tasks you can complete at a comfortable pace, and a must-do list with no more than three top priority items on it, Sexton suggests. 

7. Analyze Your Distractions

Just when you’re making progress on a tricky task, your coworker knocks on your office door. If daily distractions often throw off your workflow, consider the source, says Sexton.

Do an experiment: Every time you’re interrupted, jot down who it was and what it was about. You might find that it’s the same person always interrupting, or the same issue that repeatedly occurs.


In that case, you may be able to nip common problems in the bud before they become distractions, says Sexton. 

5 details you shouldn't give Facebook

Here is some information that I came across a few days ago...

The whole point of Facebook is to share your life with other people. You probably have more than a few friends who fall into the over-sharing category. But don’t snicker. You may be one, too, and not even know it.

Here are five personal tidbits Facebook asks you to share that you’re much better off keeping to yourself.

1. Your phone number

It's a really bad idea to add your home or cellphone number to your Facebook page. Prank callers, stalkers, scammers and identity thieves would love to use this information against you.

Not only that, but there’s a Facebook trick that works pretty much most of the time. Anyone can use your phone number to search and find your Facebook page.

One security researcher, Reza Moaiandin, took it a step further and found he didn't even need to know a specific phone number. He wrote a program to generate every possible number in the U.S., U.K. and Canada, submitted the numbers to Facebook and got back information from millions of profiles that had poor privacy settings. If he had wanted to, he could have turned around and sold the information on the black market to hackers who build and sell "fullz," or packages of identity information.

If you do give your phone number to Facebook, be sure to hide it in your profile.

Go to Facebook and click on your name at the top of the page. When your profile page loads, click the "Update Info" button in the lower-right corner of your cover image. Go to "Contact and Basic Info" in the left column and next to your phone number click the "Edit" link.

Click the "audience selector" icon, which will either be a globe or a silhouette of two people or a lock. If you see the lock, you don’t have to do anything. But if you see the globe or silhouette, change it to "Only me." Now no one can see your phone number, and it won't show up in searches.

2. Your home address

Post a picture of your recent vacation or major new purchase and this puts you at risk. Think for a moment of all the terrible things that might happen if some nefarious person knew your home address. Remove it from your Facebook profile.

Follow the directions in the last section to get into the "Contact and Basic Info" section of your profile information. Look for "Neighborhood," and if there's an address there, click the "Edit" link next to it and wipe out the information. Then click "Save Changes."

One other place you might find your address is under events. If you create an event, it will likely have your address, so people know where to go. If that accidentally gets set to Public, then anyone can see it.

Either delete the event right after it happens, or tell people who are coming to message you for the address. Be sure to check back through your history to get rid of any old events or posts that have your address in them. 

3. Anything work-related

Try not to leave any information on Facebook that reveals where you work. If someone from your workplace tries to search for employees on Facebook, she might find a post or photo she doesn’t like.

Similarly, if a hacker wanted to figure out whom to target if he wanted to break into your workplace's computers, social media would be his first stop. Of course, hackers are more likely to hit LinkedIn first.

Bonus tip: If you're worried about coworkers or employers creeping on your Facebook profile, then change these three basic features.

Again, you can use Facebook's timeline tools to do a scan of your past posts. Remove any information about your current job, especially if it's of a complaining nature. If you have posts about previous jobs, you might want to remove those as well. A current coworker or supervisor you decide to friend might see them and it could color her opinion of you.

4. Your relationship status

Including your relationship status on your Facebook page just invites awkwardness. The number of "likes" that you might get from people after you change your status from "married" to "it's complicated" will creep you out.

Certain relationship statuses are also a draw for cyberstalkers. At one point, there even was a Facebook app that would notify you if friends you flagged changed their relationship status to "single."

Don't forget the scammers out there who specialize in sweetheart scams. They use social media, email and dating sites to create a romantic connection with you and then swindle you out of money. You don't want them to see that you're single on Facebook and get ideas. It's easier just to remove your relationship status entirely.

5. Your payment information
Facebook is free, but it still wants your credit card number. Adding your financial information lets you buy gift cards and other products straight through the website. How convenient!

Of course, one of the best ways to accidentally get your credit card charged for something is to leave your Facebook profile open on your home computer. A small family member or a "joking" friend at your home could use it to spend money on something straight through Facebook. You don't want that to happen, do you?

Open your Facebook, click the upside-down triangle in the top right corner and choose "Settings." In the left column select "Payments," and then on the right go the "Account Settings" tab. You can see if you have any saved payment information and remove it.

This also keeps it out of the hands of any hackers who break into your Facebook profile. 

4 Resumé Secrets That Give You an Edge

Here's another pretty good article from the good folks at Men's Health Magazine. Check it out!

It doesn't take long to leave an impression: Recruiters and hiring managers spend an average of 6 seconds reviewing a candidate's resumé before they make an initial assessment, according to a study from the job-search website TheLadders.

Six seconds.

Now that you’re done shaking your head, give you resumé a 6-second look and ask yourself what you took away from it.

If you scan documents like the majority of hiring managers, your eyes moved over your resumé in an F-shaped pattern, finds a study from the research and consulting firm Nielsen Norman Group. That means you probably read all of the top one or two lines, the first few words of the next lines, and very little of the bottom portion apart from section headlines. And knowing that, you can rework your resumé for better results, the study authors say.

First of all, your most impressive and relevant accomplishments need to find their way into the top-left portion of your C.V., the researchers advise. Applying for a sales job? Consider a headline like “Award-Winning Sales Experience” for the career portion of your resumé. Right away, you’re announcing to the hirer that if he keeps reading, he’ll see something impressive. You could even begin your resumé with one or two bullet points highlighting your greatest professional feats. Just get the good stuff up top and to the left, the study suggests. 

Here are four more gems to help you spit-shine your resumé:

1. Drop in an achievement stat between your former employers’ names and the dates you worked for them, TheLadders study suggests. Hiring managers spend a big chunk of those 6 seconds looking at who you worked for and how long you were with them. So force employers to read about your successes by wedging them into that portion of your resumé. For example:

ABC Labs, New York, NY - Awarded Chairman’s Chemist Honor 2008 to 2013

2. Emphasize numerical rankings if you’re part of an elite list, says Mathew S. Isaac, Ph.D., of the Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University. We’re talking “Top 10” or “Top 25.” Such rankings are inherently impressive and eye-catching. Just make sure you’re not on the outside of a round number. For example, mentioning you’re #11 or #6 will give the resumé reader the impression you failed to make it into the most-successful echelon. In both of those cases, it may be better to say you’re in the Top 15 or Top 10, Isaac suggests.

3. Don’t hide your time off after college. Employers will likely see this break as a sign of your “flexibility," a trait that’s especially valued in creative fields like entertainment, marketing, or architecture, says study coauthor May Ling Halim, Ph.D., of California State University, Long Beach.

4. Present your accomplishments in the simplest, most-flattering context, urges a study from the University of California, Berkeley. For example: If you grew your team’s profits by 10 percent in an industry that averages just 2 to 3 percent growth, don’t assume the interviewer will figure that out. Instead, point out that you “tripled the average growth rate”, the research suggests. On the other hand, if you achieved 30 percent growth in an industry that averages 50 to 60 percent improvement, leave out the context. “Play up the interpretation that shows you in the most favorable terms,” advises study coauthor Samuel Swift, Ph.D.

ask 12kyle

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