5 Tips That Will Help You Thrive While Working From Home

Be responsive

When you’re part of a remote team, that team relies on online communication tools to relay important messages. Responding to messages or adding a thumbs-up or a checkmark emoji will show the team that you’re paying attention. To help you remember important messages, save them in a place you can easily reference. 

Define your workspace

It’s beneficial to have a designated workspace that’s not in one of your living areas, such as your bedroom or living room. Susan Hallbeck, director of healthcare-system engineering at the Mayo Clinic, says that your back, hips, and neck are more strained when you’re on a soft surface like a couch or a bed. From headaches to arthritis to neck pain, if you’re on a soft surface, “you’re really not supported in a way that’s conducive to work,” Susan says. What’s recommended is having a comfortable chair with proper back support and keeping your screen at eye level.

Create a morning routine

Often, remote employees wake up, grab a cup of coffee and a snack, then go straight to opening their laptops to work. But from that point on, the whole day can feel like rushing from one thing to the next. Instead of being in a go-go-go state as soon as you wake up, consider creating a morning routine to set the tone for a healthy and productive day. For instance, create a short routine, like drinking green juice, doing five minutes of tai-chi, and reading a chapter in your current book. Or, try a long routine, like eating breakfast and following it up with an hour’s walk (no technology allowed).

Create a daily routine

A daily routine is just as important as your morning routine. As we touched on before, find what works for you by trying a few different schedules. Maybe that means working in the early morning, afternoon, or evening. Or perhaps that means working four days a week and relaxing or adventuring three days a week. Aim to have a plan for your mornings, afternoons, and evenings. For instance, follow your morning routine early, follow your work schedule in the afternoon, and catch up with loved ones in the evenings. 

Take regular breaks

Working from home generally results in less walking and moving around, which can negatively affect your long-term health. To prevent this, try setting scheduled alarms every 45 minutes to remind you to get up, stretch, and walk around for a few minutes. If possible, move away from your workstation during breaks to help you refresh before returning to work. Alternatively, you can try the Pomodoro Technique. In short, this method structures a five-minute break every 25 minutes. It’s been touted with such benefits as reducing mental exhaustion and improving concentration. Even a five or 10-minute break can be refreshing, so try not to steamroll through the day without pausing.

5 Secrets As Told By An Ex-McDonald’s Employee

As seen on Threads – a former McDonald’s employee who says she got fired for taking time off to take her sick boyfriend to the hospital dishes out on some secrets :

1. The McDonald’s ice cream machine is never broken and is always fixed every morning If an employee says it is broken it probably isn’t and they are mostly lying to not make it.

2. We can still hear you after you’ve ordered..the amount of guys l’ve heard talk about cheating is wild.. You know who you are

3. You can get Big Mac & Fries for under $3. All you have to do is Find the code on your McDonald’s receipt and Put it on the mcfoodforthoughts site

4. You can get McDonalds whenever!!If you sign up at ?Mcddeal .com ? You can get a $100 gift card which you can use to buy anything at McDonalds My best friends used to do this to get maccies everyday

5. Not a lot of people know this, but if you ask for more chocolate on your McFlurry we will probably do it

5 Cities In 10 Days Or 1 City For 10 Days

Would you rather travel to 5 cities in 10 days, or stay at 1 city for 10 days??

So I am not a travel guy and I have never been one. If I do go to someplace new, I would like to explore it and check out their major points of interest and try out the local restaurant and cafes and even their bars. This takes times and I do not think that I could do any justice in just 1 or 2 days.

So not 5 cities in 10 days but I would love to go stay in a hotel in a city for 10 days, take my time and explore at leisure. Plan everything so that I leave the hotel after breakfast and spend the day out till late evening. In between I would have a long lunch at a cafe and people watch. Visit 2 or more tourist or recommended spots and come back to the hotel by 6 pm.

Then it’s a shower and get refreshed order a coffee and later on dinner. Eat it on the hotel room bed as I watch tv and then then go to bed and sleep for a few hours. I believe that this is the only way to enjoy a new city truly.

Prompt from Journaling Prompts from The Coffee Monterz Co . Com

The Most Popular Pizza Toppings

The most popular pizza toppings vary depending on personal preferences and regional tastes, but here’s a list of universally loved toppings:

Classic Favorites:

  1. Pepperoni – A timeless favorite for its savory and slightly spicy kick.
  2. Cheese – Mozzarella is the go-to, often paired with other cheeses like parmesan or cheddar.
  3. Mushrooms – Adds an earthy flavor and pairs well with many other toppings.
  4. Sausage – Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy, is a common choice.
  5. Onions – Provides a mild sweetness and crunch.
  6. Bell Peppers – Adds a fresh, sweet, and crunchy element.
  7. Olives – Black or green olives for a salty and briny flavor.
  8. Bacon – Crispy or Canadian bacon for an indulgent touch.
  9. Ham – Often combined with pineapple for the controversial “Hawaiian” pizza.

Vegetarian Favorites:

  1. Tomatoes – Fresh or sun-dried, for added juiciness or sweetness.
  2. Spinach – A healthy topping that works well with ricotta or garlic.
  3. Artichoke Hearts – Adds a tangy and slightly nutty flavor.

Controversial or Unique Toppings:

  1. Pineapple – Beloved by some for its sweet contrast, despised by others.
  2. Anchovies – For a salty, fishy flavor that’s either adored or avoided.
  3. Jalapeños – A spicy kick for heat lovers.
  4. Barbecue Chicken – A smoky, sweet topping often paired with barbecue sauce.
  5. Eggplant or Zucchini – Uncommon but loved by those seeking variety.

Trendy Additions:

  1. Truffle Oil – Drizzled for an upscale touch.
  2. Prosciutto – Thinly sliced cured ham for a gourmet feel.
  3. Goat Cheese – Tangy and creamy, often paired with arugula or honey.

What’s your go-to topping?

If I Had An Extra Room In My Home

If you had an extra room in your house, what would you turn it into?

So I live in a 3 bedroom apartment and my parents have 1 bedroom and 1 have another. Opposite my room is the 3rd bedroom. It is a common room for us – iron board, a cupboard for storage, built in shelves for books etc and more storage that is built in and a desk that my dad uses for reading and he has some documents and stuff in the drawers.

If I had another room in my apartment, I would make it my home office. I’d have a nice desk and chair in it for work and I’d have some shelves for DVDs and Blurays. It will be a nice room but I wouldn’t have my bed in it as I’d want to separate my work from my sleep and relaxation.

Prompt from Journaling Prompts from The Coffee Monterz Co . Com

A Week Without Social Media? I Couldn’t Do It

What do you think about completely going off social media for 1 week?

1 week? I am not sure that I can do that. I can’t even think about going off social media for 24 hours, let alone a whole week. I am way too addicted to Twitter (I am not calling it X), Instagram, Facebook an as of the last 3 weeks, Threads. Same for Youtube, and I keep checking for update, comments and replies. Sometime I am checking one of the apps on my phone while I am logged in on my laptop!

At night before I fall asleep I must be spending atleasts 20 minutes on my phone before sleep catches up with me. And if I wake up in between, I usually end up spending several minutes on the phone before I fall asleep again. If I am lucky, I will fall asleep in about 10-20 minutes. Otherwise it means that I get stuck on it and stay awake for 2 hours or so before sleep finally catches up with me.

I like social media and I enjoy using it a lot, despite the idiots and the conspiracy theory nutcases and the religious morons. It takes some doing to wade through that shit, but it is worth it.

Prompt from Journaling Prompts from The Coffee Monterz Co . Com

Sporting Lisbon 1 Arsenal 5

Arsenal got back to winning ways in the Champions League with a commanding victory over Sporting at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Gabriel Martinelli tapped home from Jurrien Timber’s low cross as Mikel Arteta’s side went in front early on. They doubled the lead in similar fashion, Bukayo Saka getting in behind the Sporting defence and firing the ball across the box for Kai Havertz to prod in from close range. Gabriel scored his first Champions League goal on the stroke of half-time, powering in a header from a Declan Rice corner. Shortly after the break Goncalo Inacio got a goal back for Sporting with a smart left-footed strike but it was a mere consolation for the hosts. Ousmane Diomande was lucky to avoid a second yellow card when he went straight through the back of Martin Odegaard and conceded a penalty.

Saka scored the resulting spot-kick, whipping it into the bottom corner. Mikel Merino’s fierce strike from the edge of the area was parried by home goalkeeper Franco Israel into the path of Leandro Trossard, who headed into an empty net for Arsenal’s fifth goal. The result means Arsenal move up to seventh in the Champions League table while Sporting are a place behind them, with both sides on 10 points. Arteta spoke ahead of the match about wanting his players to make a Champions League statement by recording a big win against Sporting, and they duly obliged. Martinelli’s goal, recorded at six minutes 43 seconds, was Arsenal’s fastest in the competition since Theo Walcott netted against Basel in September 2016 (06:42).

Saka was in fine form on the right wing, providing the assist for Arsenal’s second goal before converting from the spot as he registered his 11th goal involvement in the Champions League (six goals, five assists). It is the second time that Arsenal have scored three goals in the first half of a Champions League away game, previously beating Galatasaray 4-1 in December 2014. Arteta was able to withdraw key players Rice, Martinelli and Odegaard as his side cruised to a brilliant victory on the road. The Gunners were winless in their last five away games in the competition (drawn two, lost three) but they blew Sporting away with their fast start and completely dominated from the first whistle.

Do You Use A Desk Mat For Your Home Office Setup?

Now that I am ordering a new desk I am thinking about getting a desk mat as well. I have never use a desk mat before and I am intrigued by it.

Desk mats can be used to protect your desk surface from spills and cracks. It is also the best option for eliminating and preventing mechanical damage. It also provides a smooth surface so that your hands are comfortable when you work for a long time. It covers your entire workspace, so you can keep all necessary items there to protect them from damage. It can be seen as a bigger version of a mouse pad since it helps cover your desk’s entire surface.

One major advantage of using a desk pad is that it helps to improve and simplify your workstation. It does this by increasing customer productivity as it is comfortable and keeps a neat surface. You can put anything on your desk mats, such as a keyboard, a computer, a mouse, and stationaries. Not only is a desk mat functional, but it is also an aesthetically pleasing addition. It improves the overall appearance of your desk by adding various colors and patterns. Desk mats come in various styles, sizes, and materials which will be explored below.

My Favourite and Least Favourite Part Of A Typical Day In My Life

What is your favourite and least favourite part of a typical day in your life?

Hmmm, that is a good question. I had to think about that one. I would say that probably the thing that is my favourite part of the day is the first cup of coffee in the morning. On a typical day I wake up at 7 am and after getting out of bed, going to the washroom and then post doing my business and brushing my teeth and then washing my face, I go to get my first coffee of the day.

Once it is made and I bring it back to my room and sit down to drink it, it feels so good. The coffee and a perfectly selected song for that time of the morning can make it feel like a sensational feeling. And now to the leas favourite part of the typical day in my life. What could it be? Ah, yes when I have to get into calls for work.

Sometimes I feel that it could have been an email. Daily calls where they are not needed isn’t the nicest thing in the world. Also, I typically have 3 to 4 calls in a day and that is just overkill. We need more time to complete the actual work.

Prompt from Journaling Prompts from The Coffee Monterz Co . Com

Water Just Out Of Reach

Ever since I can remember I have kept a bottle of water next to my bed. I say ever since I can remember but I’d say that before my teenage years it as probably a glass of water and probably when I was 13 or 14 it became a bottle. It continued for the rest of the years since. I always have either a plastic bottle or something filled with water.

I have always felt thirsty in the middle of the night hence the bottle. By the time I hit my 20s and then my 30s it became a nightly ritual to go and fill a bottle and keep it next to me. Nowadays I have this rather nice bottle, which I fill with water by around 11pm and then I keep it on my computer chair, which is next to my bed. If I feel thirsty in the middle of the night, I can just reach over and take a drink.

Last night I filled the bottle but then kept it on the dining table in the main room. I came into my bedroom and then switched off the lights and started watching tv. I was falling asleep and switched the tv off. My mother went to bed and noticed that the bottle was outside and knocked on my door but I as too comfortable I didn’t want to get up from bed. So I ended up not getting the bottle of water and slept off. However I dreamed about drinking water and not getting enough to drink. When I woke up at 7 am my throat was parched and I just couldn’t wait to get a drink of water.

Lesson learned. Bottle will be in my room!

Some Facts About The Aero Chocolate Bar

The Aero chocolate bar, renowned for its unique bubbly texture, has a rich history and diverse range of flavors. Here are some key facts about this beloved confection:

  • Introduction: Aero was first launched in 1935 by Rowntree’s in the North of England as the “new chocolate.”
  • Expansion: Due to its popularity, Aero was introduced throughout the United Kingdom by the end of 1935 and reached the United States by 1936.
  • Ownership: NestlĂ© acquired Rowntree’s in 1988 and has been manufacturing Aero since then.
  • Aeration Process: Aero is distinguished by its aerated chocolate, creating a bubbly texture that melts smoothly in the mouth.
  • Classic Flavors: The original Aero was peppermint-flavored, followed by the milk chocolate variant introduced in the 1970s.
  • Limited Editions: Over the years, Aero has experimented with various flavors, including lime, orange, and strawberry. Notably, the strawberry-flavored Aero was reintroduced in 2024 after being absent since the 1970s.
  • International Markets: Aero is available in countries such as the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, Germany, South Africa, and Japan.
  • Regional Variations: The recipe and flavor offerings can vary by country, catering to local tastes.
  • Aero Bubbles: Introduced in 2005, these bite-sized pieces offer the same bubbly texture in a different format.
  • Aero Mousse: Launched in 2015, this variant features a mousse-like filling, providing a different texture experience.
  • Caloric Content: A standard Aero Milk Chocolate Bar (42g) contains approximately 220 calories, with 12g of fat, 26g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein.
  • Aero continues to delight chocolate enthusiasts worldwide with its innovative textures and flavors, maintaining its status as a cherished confectionery brand.

15 Facts About The Siberian Tiger

The Siberian tiger, also known as the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), is the largest tiger subspecies and one of the most iconic big cats in the world.

The most recent IUCN Red List assessment published in 2022, estimated the population at 265–486 in the Russian Far East with a further small number ranging across the border into China and possibly North Korea. In the 1940s, it was on the brink of extinction with fewer than 50 individuals remaining in the wild. This was due to decades of almost continual political instability with the Russian Revolution and the formation of the Soviet Union.

In 1947 after WW2, Russia became the first country to ban tiger hunting and offer tigers full protection. Hunting of the main prey species, boar and deer, became restricted by annual quota based on the results of population counts. Poaching of tigers became relatively rare, because there was no market for skins and other tiger products, although hunters on occasion killed their “competitor” when an opportunity presented itself.

Here are some fascinating facts about this majestic animal:

  1. Size: Adult males can reach lengths of up to 3.3 meters (11 feet) including the tail and weigh between 180-306 kg (400-675 pounds). Females are smaller, weighing between 100-167 kg (220-368 pounds).
  2. Thick Coat: Adapted to cold climates, the Siberian tiger has a dense fur coat that is pale orange with broad black stripes. Its underbelly and chest are lighter, almost white.
  3. Paws and Tail: It has large, padded paws that act like snowshoes, and its long, thick tail helps maintain balance and warmth.
  4. Location: Found primarily in the forests of the Russian Far East, with smaller populations in northeast China and possibly North Korea.
  5. Solitary Hunters: Siberian tigers are solitary and highly territorial, patrolling vast territories of up to 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) for males.
  6. Diet: Carnivorous, preying on large ungulates like deer and wild boar. They occasionally hunt smaller animals and even fish.
  7. Strength and Speed: They are powerful hunters capable of taking down prey much larger than themselves. They can sprint up to 60 km/h (37 mph) for short distances.
  8. Communication: They use vocalizations, scent markings, and visual signals like scratch marks on trees to communicate.
  9. Threats: Habitat loss, poaching for their fur and body parts, and a declining prey base are major threats.
  10. Conservation Efforts: Conservation initiatives, including anti-poaching patrols, protected reserves, and international breeding programs, have helped stabilize the population in recent decades.
  11. Cold Resistance: Siberian tigers are uniquely adapted to extreme cold, with a layer of fat under their skin and a specialized coat for insulation.
  12. Swimming Ability: They are excellent swimmers and are often found near rivers and lakes within their range.
  13. Range: Historically, its range extended across Korea, northeastern China, and Mongolia, but it is now more restricted due to habitat loss.
  14. Endangered Status: Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated wild population of around 500-600 individuals.
  15. Symbolism: In Russian and Chinese cultures, the Siberian tiger is a symbol of power, courage, and wilderness.

Arsenal 3 Nottingham Forest 0

Arsenal got their title challenge back on track by beating Nottingham Forest to secure a first win in five Premier League matches.

The Gunners’ form has dipped in recent weeks amid a tough fixture schedule and a number of injuries, which meant Mikel Arteta’s side were nine points behind leaders Liverpool before kick-off on Saturday. Arsenal dominated from the outset at Emirates Stadium and Bukayo Saka gave them the lead after 15 minutes, exchanging passes with Martin Odegaard before beating two defenders and slamming a strike into the top corner. Thomas Partey, who came on as a half-time substitute, doubled the hosts’ lead when he curled in from 20 yards, before youngster Ethan Nwaneri added a third late on to secure the win.

Forest have been the surprise package of the season so far and came into this match with the same number of points (19) as the Gunners. However, they struggled to get a foothold in the game and failed to muster a shot on target – with tame headers from Ryan Yates and Nicolas Dominguez their best opportunities. Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber thought he had put the hosts in front when he tapped in from close range before Saka’s opener, but Mikel Merino was offside in the build-up. This match was Arteta’s 250th in charge of Arsenal in all competitions – and he will hope victory sparks a run of form that will help his side close the gap on their rivals at the top.

Arteta shocked many with his team selection as he made five changes to the team that drew with Chelsea in the Gunners’ last league game. However, his side’s display proved he got those calls right – and managed to leave key players Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli on the bench before the Champions League match with Sporting next week. Odegaard was named in the starting XI for the second time in a row after his lengthy injury lay-off and the captain showed supporters exactly what they missed in his absence.

Kerala To Introduce Work Near Home Initiative

Kerala is all set to ‘revolutionise’ remote job opportunities with the “Work Near Home” initiative. CM Pinarayi Vijayan announced the same on X, and highlighted how the initiative was meant to provide state-of-the-art workspaces in smaller towns. Construction work on the first centre begins tomorrow at Kottarakkara and is expected to be completed by March 2025. “This initiative underscores Kerala’s vision for sustainable, inclusive development that bridges the urban-rural divide and strength.

This is good news. Unless you have work at home option, if you work in the IT or ITES sector in an MNC in Kerala, you live & work in either Kochi or Trivandrum. No other option unless it’s a smaller company. The big jobs are here. So there are a lot of guys & gals from Calicut, Kottayam, Thrissur, Pattanamthitta, Kannur, Iddukki & Kollam who have moved to either Kochi or TVM and live here. Now some of them can work in their hometowns if this Work Near Home pans out.

Imagine having swanky workspaces where you can rent out spaces and work with your colleagues who are from your hometown even if the office location is elsewhere. It will be good for these cities & towns and keep more money and get better infrastructure in those places.

Why Is Beer Sold Mostly In Green Or Brown Bottles And Not In Clear Ones?

Beer is predominantly sold in green or brown bottles because these colors protect the beer from light exposure, which can negatively affect its taste and quality. Here’s why these colors are preferred:

1. Protection from UV Light

  • UV (ultraviolet) light can break down certain compounds in beer, especially hops, causing a chemical reaction that produces a skunky or “lightstruck” aroma and taste.
  • Brown glass is the most effective at blocking UV light, providing excellent protection.
  • Green glass offers some protection but is less effective than brown. It became popular primarily for historical and marketing reasons.

2. Historical and Marketing Reasons

  • Brown Bottles: In the early 20th century, brown glass became the standard because it was widely available and highly effective at protecting beer.
  • Green Bottles: During World War II, brown glass shortages led some European brewers to use green glass instead. Over time, green bottles became associated with premium or imported beers due to their use by high-quality European breweries, making them a marketing choice despite offering less UV protection.

3. Cost and Availability

  • Brown and green glass are also easy to produce and widely available, making them cost-effective choices for breweries.

4. Aesthetic and Branding

  • Green bottles are sometimes chosen for branding purposes, as they can create a distinctive and recognizable look. They are often associated with specific beer styles or heritage brands.

For beers sold in clear bottles, brewers often use hop extracts that are chemically modified to resist light damage, as clear glass provides no protection against UV rays.