Category: Contributed Posts

The Next Big Thing: Steps To Ensure Your Brand Is The Name On Everyone’s Lips

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Potentially the most critical piece of your business is the branding and marketing. In today’s age with all the technology at our disposal, it’s important to make sure your brand is out and well-known. The following contributed post is entitled, The Next Big Thing: Steps To Ensure Your Brand Is The Name On Everyone’s Lips.

* * *

One of the most crucial aspects of succeeding in business lies in beating the competition. If you’re eager to entice new clients, increase sales, and ensure that your brand is the name on everyone’s lips, here are some steps to take.

Get social
Social media marketing is an increasingly potent weapon for modern businesses. If you don’t already have social media campaigns running, you may be missing a trick. There are several platforms to choose from, and you can select different sites based on your target market. Facebook is the most popular social media platform in the world, but options like Snapchat and Instagram tend to be more effective when targeting a young demographic. Research social media trends, define your ideal buyer and start using the power and popularity of social platforms to get your brand name out there. Start by creating pages and profiles and offer incentives to encourage people to like and share your posts and sign up for updates. Focus on creating and sharing quality content, which is going to appeal to the target user, and interact with your followers. If you’re getting comments, for example, take the time to read them and respond. If you’re considering posting adverts on sites like Facebook, take advantage of the audience tools, which enable you to define specific groups you want to target.

Image from https://pixabay.com/illustrations/social-media-blocks-blogger-488886/

Revamp your website and SEO strategy
Even if you don’t have an online store, having an online profile is vital in this day and age. If your website isn’t up to scratch, or you’re not getting much traffic, it’s wise to revamp your site and review your SEO strategy. If you don’t have expertise in web design or digital marketing, consider outsourcing. Consumers like to research online, even if they plan to place an order or shop in-store, and ensuring you appear at the top of the search results page will stand you in good stead to outshine your rivals and increase lead generation.

Make the most of trade shows
Trade shows offer a brilliant opportunity to showcase your products and get people talking about your brand. If you are planning to attend an event, you want to make sure that your stand attracts attention. There are several ways you can do this. Aesthetics play a key role in drawing crowds. People are much more likely to gravitate towards a stand that looks enticing and interesting than one that looks drab and dull. Giveaways are also a great idea. If you can offer samples, for example, if you’re selling food or drink products, or you’re handing out branded keyrings, caps, pens or USB sticks, you may find that you get a lot more visitors. For more ideas for promotional products, click here. Interactive displays and demos are another way to pull people in. If you’re selling toys, pet products, kitchen or office gadgets, for example, demonstrate how they work, and let customers have a go. It’s also important to make sure your staff is well-versed in answering questions and dealing with queries about pricing and special offers.

Picture credit https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2235564

Connect with clients
Marketing plays a vital role in breaking the ice, generating leads and starting conversations, but to make your brand the next big thing, you have to follow up on expressions of interest and make sure your customers feel valued. Take the time to connect with your existing clients and make an effort to communicate with potential customers who have shown an interest in what you do. Send out periodic emails, respond to questions and queries online, and add features like live chat to your website. Customer engagement can help to enhance the user experience, tighten ties and ensure loyalty. Adding a personal touch can go a long way when you’re trying to enhance your brand reputation and raise brand awareness. Even simple things like addressing people by their names in emails can make a difference. Research suggests that click-through rates are significantly higher for personalized emails.

Image source: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/chat-icon-social-network-1873543/

Do some good in the world
As a consumer, you may be aware of certain brands because of initiatives they support or causes they fund. As a business owner, you want people to recognize you because of the products and services you offer, but you also want your customers to have a positive impression of your brand ethos. If you want people to talk about you, consider using your status to do some good in the world. You could support a local charity, get involved with a green initiative or donate some of your profits to charities chosen by your customers.

Are you dreaming of creating a global brand? Do you want to see your business name up in lights? If you have grand plans, hopefully, these tips will point you in the right direction.

Making Home Care More Dignified

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. All of us eventually age, and many of us get to a point where we can’t take care of ourselves. In many instances, the care we get in our last days, is just as important as the care we get in first days. The following contributed post is entitled, Making Home Care More Dignified.

* * *

There are many points in time when you might need care in your life. From infancy to recovering from an injury and old age, you could need care at many stages in your life. How would you expect that care to be? Effective, comfortable, dignified? These are all within the fundamentals of care and should be shown to everyone. So when it comes to caring for someone else at home in your life, how can you make things more dignified? You’ll find some of the answers below.

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Discuss needs and expectations

Having to care for someone else, or help them plan their care, is never an easy thing. Having conversations with elderly relatives or someone who is usually independent about their needs and expectations can be difficult, but being upfront and honest is the best way for both of you to move forward. There could be several issues that need addressing when it comes to providing care, but once you work through it you can help to deliver that care in the most beneficial way for the person who needs it.

Be kind and considerate

Kindness goes a long way, and no matter what you’re feeling, it can’t be easy for the person needing care. Often being cared for can lead to a loss of independence, as well as feeling a lack of purpose – something that can lead to mental health issues in addition to the others that need caring for, Always be kind and considerate when caring for someone else, it really can help make the best out of an unfortunate situation.

Bring in professionals

While many people are classed as careers for their relatives, not everyone has the skills, or even the time, to offer the right care. Sometimes professional help is needed, particularly for more medical tasks like fitting catheters. Bringing in professional careers can cost money, but it can be a cost worth spending to make sure your loved one is cared for properly. Take a look at local agencies and make sure you’ve taken advantage of any health benefits they could be entitled to.

Look beyond the obvious

Some care needs are obvious, such as the need to wash, dress and feed someone. However, some elements of care are not so clear. Being able to see beyond the obvious and go that extra mile can really make the difference to someone’s life. Help your loved one develop new interests and get them out of the house, especially if they’re retired and looking for what to do next. Care doesn’t always have to be in the home, so it’s important to get your loved ones out and help them to keep doing the things they enjoy.

Care can take some getting used to, especially at the beginning. By being as respectful as you can and being open about the whole process, you can help make home care more dignified and help loved ones retain some independence. Always seek professional help where appropriate, even if it’s just to give you some advice or a helping hand. We all need care at some point in our lives, and treating people as you’d want to be treated can go a long way.

6 Reasons You Should Cycle To Work

A key focus of my blog is Health and Wellness. Many people cycle to work for health and productivity benefits. There are numberous other benefits such in the realms of economics and the environment as well. The following contributed post is entitled, 6 Reasons You Should Cycle To Work.

* * *

Photo by Jonny Kennaugh on Unsplash

Now that the weather is starting to get warmer, cycling to work is becoming more and more of an option. Whilst it may not be your ideal method of transport, cycling to work is actually one of the best things you can do when it comes to saving money and looking after your health. Whether you want to lose a few pounds or you’re saving for something special, here are some great reasons to start cycling to work:

– It’s Much Cheaper Than Driving Every Single Day

As mentioned above, cycling to work is a great way to save money. Whether you drive to work or use public transport, you can cut practically all of your costs if you choose to cycle instead. In fact, the only time riding a bike to work will cost you is when you buy your bike. If you’re struggling to purchase a bike outright, you may also find that there are cycle to work schemes you can join. Not only does this mean you can buy your bike immediately, but it means that you’ll barely notice the payments being taken from your account as they’ll be deducted from your pay before you receive it. For more information about cycle to work schemes, you can visit this site here.

– It’s Great For Your Health And Fitness Levels

Cycling to work every day, no matter how far you have to cycle, is great for your health. Not only is it a great way to ensure you’re getting exercise on a daily basis, but it will also encourage you to improve your fitness further as you start to get used to the daily exercise you’re doing.

– You’ll Be Helping Lower CO2 Emissions

Another great thing about cycling to work every day is that you’ll be helping to lower CO2 emissions. Although it may be the quickest and easiest ways to travel, one of the worst things about everyone driving to work each day is that in reality, it’s really bad for the environment. Whilst there are lots of ways you can help when it comes to the environment, one of the best ways to use your car as little as you possibly can and taking your bike instead. For more tips when it comes to helping the environment, you can visit this site here.

– It’s Easy To Keep Your Bike Safe In A Shelter

One of the most common things that stops people from taking their bike to work each morning is not having a space to put it. Whilst that may be the case for some people, lots of workplaces are now using dedicated bike shelters to encourage people to cycle to work instead of drive. If your workplace doesn’t have a bike shelter yet, you could always encourage them to put one in.

– It’s Much Quicker Than Walking Or Using Public Transport

Depending on where you live, cycling to work could be a much quicker method of transport. Not only do you get to cut traffic, but if you’re cycling instead of using public transport you will also be able to miss out all of the unnecessary stops. If you have a long way to travel it will definitely take longer than driving, but once you start to get the hang of it you will pick up your pace and learn the fastest routes.

– It’s Fun And Encourages Happy Endorphins

One of the best things about exercise is that it encourages you to be happy and increases your endorphins. It’s a great motivator for the start of your day and chances are you’ll arrive at work feeling happy and energised. If you struggle to wake up in the mornings, this could be the best possible solution for you.

Are you thinking of cycling to work? What benefits could it bring you? Let me know in the comments section below.

Lessons In Manufacturing: Four Factors You Must Consider

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Of the many businesses out there, manufacturing businesses can be particularly lucrative if they are run properly. There are several keys to excelling in this type of business. The following contributed post is entitled, Lessons In Manufacturing: Four Factors You Must Consider.

* * *

Are you think about setting up a manufacturing business this year? Perhaps you’re not setting up a company like this but manufacturing will be part of your overall business model. Regardless of which factor is true, there are a few things that you need to know. This will help ensure that you are running your manufacturing company the right way without mistakes or issues that could impact the profitability of your company. Let’s take a look at some of the options available to you.

Image Source

Should You Outsource?

You should consider outsourcing all or certain elements of the manufacturing process for your business. This is going to be more cost effective and could actually lead to higher quality items being produced by your business. This is always a distinct possibility, particularly if you don’t have the knowledge or indeed the experience to run these processes the right way.

If you do decide to outsource make sure that you are thinking about the company you choose very carefully indeed. Ultimately, it’s crucial that you can trust whichever company you use to deliver the solution that both you and your clients expect.

The Best Materials

Yes, you need to make sure that you are investing in the right materials as well. It’s worth spending a little more to get the best supplies here too. If you don’t do this, you can end up in a situation where your product won’t live up to the performance levels you want. Look at the avionics industry as an example. Businesses in this sector rely upon LCD bonding supplies and solutions. A low-quality material here would impact the performance and the value of the equipment being manufactured. The good news is that the buyer is always king so you should easily be able to locate and purchase the high-quality supplies that you need.

Stay Automated

You do need to make sure that you think about using automated technology. Automated tech is another great way to save costs and if you are running a manufacturing company it means that you won’t have to worry about hiring a massive team of staff. As well as this, automation will allow you to streamline any and all production processes. This basically means that you won’t have to worry about your productivity and efficiency levels being painfully low.

Go Green

Finally, you should be working to make manufacturing processes as green as possible. This sector of business can feel like an analogue clock stuck in a digital age, but there are always ways to make things a little greener. Keep a check on new tech emerging on the market that could benefit you. Work to manage wastage and reduce it where possible. If you do this, then you will find that your manufacturing processes are greener than most others on the market.

We hope this helps you tackle and approach manufacturing the right way whether as a business venture, or part of a larger model. If you do this, you could find your reach even greater levels of success in this sector.

Fun Features For The Office This Summer

The first principle of my blog is Creating Ecosystems of success. Change is good throughout the year if you’re running a business or organization. Changing up the environment for the summertime may in fact increase the enthusiasm and productivity of your employees. The following contributed post is entitled, Fun Features For The Office This Summer.

* * *

Image

The office is the heart of the workplace, and the way we decorate and fill our office can have a profound effect on the happiness of our employees on a day to day basis. A boring old office with a blue carpet is what no one wants in their workspace, which is why today we are taking a look at some fun features you can add to the office to make it feel more exciting and fun this year.

A garden bar

Let’s start with a super fun idea: a garden bar. If you have an office which is singular and has its own car park and outdoor space, it would be a shame not to make the most of the fresh air in the summertime. One amazing idea for a Friday lunch treat would be to use a utility cart and fill it with ingredients for cocktails, and have this ready outside whenever your employees want to make a quick tipple on a Friday. You can also buy a utility cart cover with your company logo on which will keep the cart dry and will also act as some fun free advertising if you ever take it out!

A herb garden

One of the things you could do with your employees this summer is give everyone a pot and compost each, and they can all plant a herb seed of their choice and watch as it grows. Not only will this make the outside of the office smell amazing, but it will also allow you to use the fresh herbs for fresh soups and salads in the kitchen!

A coffee bar

If you have a flexible and fun workplace and you are off the philosophy that trusting your employees is key, a coffee bar is a wonderful addition to the office. This can be the ideal escape for anyone who wants to work on a project alone or have a quick brainstorming session with others, and it will act as a more comfortable and informal place for them to work for a little while. It can be an amazing idea and one which will give your workers a change of scenery and pace during their working day.

Events

If you have a policy of fun in the office, a great way to promote local businesses and also bring your employees together is to have people visit the office every month with new products to try or services to provide. It could be cake pops, cocktails, yoga… there are a wealth of things you can offer and this will be a great chance for your employees to try something new and bond a little as a team.

An art wall

If there is a prominent wall in the office which everyone can see, you can send out an email for employees to bring in one piece of art to create a collage on the space. They might choose their own paintings, photographs, movie posters or something different entirely. It will brighten up the space and also allow your workers to get to know each other in a new way.

Careers For Creatives That Pay Well

The first principle of my blog is Creating Ecosystems of Success and a key focus is Career Discussions. In many instances, creative skills lend themselves well to certain careers. Once properly plugged in, those individuals stand to make a lot of money. The following contributed post is entitled, Careers For Creatives That Pay Well.

* * *

Image Source. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Tired of being a starving artist? Creative jobs have long had a reputation for being low paid. Fortunately, there are careers out there that creative people can earn big bucks from. Here are just a few examples of careers where it’s possible to make a lot of money.

Industrial design

Industrial design is one of the higher paid design jobs out there and involves using creative problem solving to help design new products. Industrial designers must consider elements such as form, function, sustainability, cost, ergonomics and aesthetics when designing products. A degree in product design or engineering could be useful when entering this field. A few technical skills are required, but creativity is an important asset.

Marketing

Marketing relies heavily on creativity in order to help companies attract more customers. There are so many niches within it from content writing to events marketing to SEO. Entry-level positions can be low-paid, however marketing director and management jobs can be very well-paid. You can reach these positions by either scaling the career ladder or starting your own marketing company. Whilst marketing qualifications can help, they’re not needed when breaking into this industry. You should however still do your homework to get an understanding of the industry – there are online marketing training tools that you can use as Legendary Marketer review points out. There are also plenty of books and blogs that you can use to educate yourself.

Animation

Animation is an industry that is projected to grow by 8%. It relies on a mix of artistic talent and computer graphics skills – qualifications in art or computer graphics may be needed to get into this industry, although you may simply be able to familiarise yourself with tools as found at Creative Bloq, allowing you to make a name for yourself. Animators can be very well paid.

Sound/video production

Producers are often needed in music, TV and film to help handle the editing and mixing process. It’s a job that can often be very well paid. A degree in communication or film/broadcasting could be useful if you hope to get into TV and film. Meanwhile a degree in music or music production could be useful for those that want to produce music professionally. It is possible to get into these careers without these qualifications, but you’ll still need to build the necessary skills.

Architecture

A career as an architect can also be very well paid and can rely heavily on creative talents. You’ll generally need a degree in architecture to get into this industry. Architects can often have high starting salaries, however this can be a very competitive industry and you’ll need to build a strong portfolio to prove your talent.

5 Reasons To Further Your Education

A key focus of my blog is General Education. Many people have to decide whether or not to further their educations. Today it’s a particularly important decisions as the cost of education has become costly. What are some reasons to further your education? The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Reasons To Further Your Education.

* * *

Photo by Lonely Planet on Unsplash

If you’re considering starting your education but you’re unsure if it’s the right decision for you, you have definitely come to the right place. With so many things to consider before you get started, you need to be sure you’re making the best possible decision for you. Whether that’s moving to a new city or studying online, finding your ‘why’ is important. With that in mind, here are 5 reasons to further your education:

– It Can Help Further Your Career

If you’re looking to further your career and feel as though you can’t move any further unless you further your education, a degree may be the next best step. Whilst often education isn’t vital to progress, having that extra bit of knowledge and theory to put behind your experience can go a long way. In some cases, jobs will ask for you to have a minimum of an Undergraduate Degree in order to apply. For more information when it comes to applying for jobs, you can visit this site here.

– You Could Increase Your Earning Potential

One of the great things about getting a degree and furthering your career is that you automatically increase your earning potential. Although it may not happen straight away, getting a degree and furthering your education is a clear indicator to your current and future employers that you need a pay rise as not only are your skills more in demand, but you will also be able to back them up with theories and studies.

– You Can Learn From Absolutely Anywhere

If you’re looking to study for your Undergraduate or Master’s degree but you don’t want to uproot your entire life in order to do so, you may want to consider doing an online degree. Not only will you be able to work from the comfort of your own home, but you’ll be able to work in your own time too. This means that you will be able to fit your degree in around both your professional and private life. For more information on studying online for degrees such as a Masters in TESOL online, you can visit this site here.

– You Can Learn New And Transferable Skills

Another great thing about furthering your education is that you can learn transferable skills. To put it simply, these are skills that you can take with you no matter what job you go into. Whether you’re gaining report writing skills or improving your skills when it comes to giving presentations, there are lots of things that can be transferred across hundreds of different industry. To find out more about the key life skills you learn whilst studying, you can visit this site here.

– You Can Meet New People

Finally, another incredible aspect of furthering your education is that you will meet lots of new people. It is often said that the people that you meet whilst you’re studying are people that will become your friends for years to come, especially as you have to go through some incredibly stressful times together. Make the most out of it, speak to everyone and make some amazing new friends.

Are you considering furthering your education? What benefits could it bring to you? Let me know in the comments section below?

The Science and Technology Behind Control Panels

Three key focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Technology. In many businesses, control panels are important tools as they are used to carry out specific functions. Depending upon the business you’re running, you may want to customize specific control panels for your operations. The following contributed post is entitled, The Science and Technology Behind Control Panels.

* * *

Image Courtesy Of Alexandre Debiève

When being tasked with setting up a control panel as part of your business, it is wise to do your research beforehand for the safety of your business. Science and technology today are moving the world forward and new innovations are being made daily to help the world run more efficiently. The same can be said for the improvements in control panels.

Companies such as OSCO Controls are at the forefront of custom control panels. In their custom control panel development process, they follow 6 steps to set your company up with the most durable control panel:

  1. Project Need Analysis
  2. Panel Design
  3. Panel Documentation
  4. Fabrication and Programming
  5. Testing and Quality Control
  6. Technical Support

It goes without saying that safety needs to come first when customizing control panels. Prioritizing the operator safety is of the utmost importance. Since your control panel is customized, it is important that all safety precautions be taken in regard to your specific control panel. The safety review will dictate the optimum control technologies, automation programming, and the control’s physical placement to make sure the operator is safe.

One of the scientific breakthroughs OSCO uses is the ability to pre-program large lift controls to stop at the customer specified height requirements. Their control panel also contains a programmable logic controller and an HMI screen that is used to control and monitor the whole system.

Their team will work collaboratively with your company to design the most specific control panel to meet your needs. Once they understand the application requirements of your company, they will analyze all variables to ensure that their electrical system design will improve productivity, simplify processes, and provide safe operation. This system gives the operator the ability to handle different tasks with the ease of a button. They are provided with precision controls, adjustable variable speed drives, and include emergency stop devices.

The final major piece a company like OSCO provides is a lasting partnership. As discussed in Benefits of running IT as intended, it is essential to have a connection with anyone who has a strong understanding of the technology behind a system. Once set up, OSCO can be used as a resource to come to with any questions or concerns. Even when the job is completed, they offer services such as:

• Evaluate and recommend new controls, technology, and design for process applications
• Onsite installation and set up
• Assess and troubleshoot issues
• Program and implement new software
• Commission and integrate product info and user’s equipment

Their expertise in the field will be able to provide you with a sense of relief in knowing that they are able to respond to any control issues that you may run into. When it comes to control panels, it is essential that you have the safest and most functional panel possible. And with Science and Technology constantly evolving, having the right company to partner with that can stay on top of the changes will make a world of difference for your business.

Setting Your Sights And Savings On The Future

A key focus of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money. One of most basic financial intelligences is learning how to save money. While it isn’t the most flashy money habit, building a substantial savings can keep you out of trouble and open up doors that otherwise wouldn’t be open. The following contributed post is entitled, Setting Your Sights And Savings On The Future.

* * *

Image by skeeze from Pixabay

When it comes to saving for the future there are the obvious things that you’re probably already thinking about, your kids’ college funds, your retirement, unemployment, and medical emergencies are the ones at the top of most people’s list, but there are others too. While you might have fall back options such as access to settlement loans, or inheritance, it’s not ideal to rely on just these. It is better to save and not to overwhelm or panic you, but some of these could make you money, so it’s worth having a look:

Home and Car Repairs
Okay, saving for repairs won’t make you money it will certainly save it in the long run as repairing things is usually cheaper than buying new. If Your fridge breaks without warning and needs to be replaced or the transmission falls out of your car, it’s good to have at least $2,000 at your disposal so you can address the situation as soon as possible. Also, home or car repairs can have a knock-on effect on other parts of your life, for example, if you can’t get to work because you can’t afford car repairs, that situation could just get worse.

Investment Properties
Rather than just saving for scenarios where you will never see the money again, here’s the bit where you can save and make money. If you have managed to clear your debts, don’t have many other expenses, and yourself in a position to save to invest, then this is a great position to be in. Saving for an investment property, in particular, can provide additional income by renting it out on a short- or long-term basis. This is usually a smart decision if you can afford it because of the positive financial implications down the road.

Entrepreneurial Endeavors
You could also be saving to become your own boss, if that’s something you aspire to be and depending on what type of business you want to pursue will dictate how much you’ll need to save. For example, an online business or consultancy which you can work from home with low overheads can be inexpensive to start up, but if you wanted to open a restaurant, then that will need some serious savings.

Luxuries
While you should definitely be saving for emergencies, medical bills, home, and car repairs, and other necessities, there comes a time when you need to treat yourself too. You don’t need to treat yourself every chance you get, but you could choose one big item to save for throughout the year. Perhaps a cruise or a new car? Whatever it is, making a conscious decision to save for it so you can enjoy some of life’s little luxuries.

Caring for Elderly Parents
It’s not a nice thing to think about, but it is inevitable that your parents will get to an age where they might need assisted living, and it’s good to be prepared financially for this. It’s becoming increasingly common now since people are living longer in general and because many older people have much less to live on these days due to the high cost of living.

The Ultimate Guide To Making The Most Of Your Spare Time

The first principle of my blog is Creating Ecosystems of success. A major key to success is the smart use of your time. Many people waster their valuable spare time. Others use to build and propel them forward. The following contributed post is entitled, The Ultimate Guide To Making The Most Of Your Spare Time.

* * *

Image credit

If you are finding that your days are full of work, followed by watching mind numbing TV, eating the same old meals, and sleeping, the chances are that you aren’t making the most of your spare time. Sure, you might be working for eight hours a day five days a week, but that still leaves a lot of free time that you can fill with worthwhile activities. Switching off in front of the big screen once in a while is great to unwind, but you shouldn’t be filling your evenings by being a couch potato. It’s time to utilize your evenings and weekends for more worthwhile pursuits. Take a look at how you can make the most of your spare time.

Volunteer

The thought of giving up your free time to help others will either make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, or fill you with dread. The key to making the most out of any volunteering experience is to do something that you have a genuine interest in. If you hate the thought of global deforestation and you like the idea of spending your time outdoors, you could volunteer with a local conservation project. If you are keen on playing guitar in your spare time, why not volunteer a Saturday morning to give some free lessons to the kids in your local community who can’t afford music tuition. By doing something that you love and combining it with volunteering you can help others, brush up your resume, and do something worthwhile all at the same time.

Learn Something New

Lifelong learning is something that many people aspire to achieve but most fail. Take baby steps into the world of learning by doing something new that you’ve always wanted to experience. If you want to learn Japanese, book a free taster session. If you want to try archery, enrol on a beginners course. Or if you fancy trying bowling for the first time, head down to your local bowling alley. Doing something new can give you something to look forward to when it’s raining outside or your boss is becoming unreasonable.

Alternatively, you could choose to upskill in a more formal way. People like Philip McTigue combine their careers with masters degrees or other qualifications to enhance their skill set and become more employable. If you’re hunting for a promotion, this might be worth your while.

Get Active

Rather than watching another episode of Judge Judy, whip on your sneakers and head outdoors. You might fancy taking a brisk walk to the local park, trying your hand at jogging again, or simply popping into the back garden to start a barbeque. Invite friends over, become more sociable and relearn that life is more than a Facebook feed or TV screen. By being willing to take a bit of a technology detox, you can enjoy real life once again.

Your spare time is precious so don’t squander it playing video games all hours God sends. Make a change and do something worthwhile with your free time.