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11 March 2019

Life Hacks 107 - #056

0Frameworks
10Insights

Insights & moments

The myth-busts, hot takes, explainers, and tools worth keeping.

Myth Buster· 1

Myth Buster28:30

Why Cortisol Isn't Making You Fat

The guest challenges the common belief that cortisol directly causes belly fat. Instead, he explains that systemic inflammation—often stemming from poor oral health—is a more significant underlying factor in body composition issues.

  • Cortisol is often blamed for weight gain, but it's not the direct cause of belly fat.
  • Gum disease is a major source of systemic inflammation in the body.
  • Flossing regularly can reduce CRP, a key inflammatory marker linked to mood, stress, and body composition.
  • Managing oral hygiene may have a bigger impact on health than commonly assumed.

“The largest source of systemic inflammation in the body is from your gums.”

Guest · 28:50

“Flossing brings down your CRP... correlates with better body composition, better mood, lower stress.”

Guest · 29:10
#health#myth-busting#inflammation#cortisol

Explainer· 3

Explainer03:30

Why Getting a Dog Is a Life Hack

The guest explains how getting a dog forces routine, increases physical activity, and improves emotional well-being. It also serves as a test for relationship readiness, similar to preparing for parenthood.

  • Dogs require consistent routines, which structure your day.
  • They increase daily steps and outdoor time, boosting physical health.
  • Caring for a dog builds empathy and responsibility.
  • It's a relationship stress test—similar to raising a child.

“Getting a dog improves the amount of laughs and smiles in your heart.”

Guest · 07:10
#productivity#lifestyle#dogs#routine
Explainer47:30

How Pomodoro Technique Enables Deep Work

The guest details how using the Pomodoro method—25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break—dramatically improves productivity by minimizing distractions and leveraging timeboxing.

  • Work expands to fill the time available (Parkinson’s Law), so timeboxing increases efficiency.
  • The technique prevents multitasking and builds focus stamina.
  • It integrates well with tools like Focus Matrix and Be Focused Pro.
  • Regular breaks maintain mental freshness and prevent burnout.

“Pomodoro has been the single biggest shift in how I schedule my time.”

Guest · 48:00
#productivity#pomodoro#focus#deep-work
Explainer41:30

Use the Eisenhower Matrix to Prioritize Tasks

The guest explains how the Eisenhower Matrix—categorizing tasks by urgency and importance—helps focus on what truly matters and avoid busywork.

  • Divide tasks into four quadrants: urgent/important, important/not urgent, etc.
  • Focus on important but not urgent tasks for long-term growth.
  • Delegate or eliminate low-value tasks.
  • Use apps like Focus Matrix to implement it digitally.

“Important but not urgent is the danger zone—neglect it, and your life starts to trundle along and be crap.”

Guest · 43:20
#productivity#time-management#eisenhower#focus

Story· 1

Story19:30

Why I Only Use My Left Hand in the Bathroom

The guest shares his habit of using only his left hand in the bathroom, rooted in cultural practices around hygiene. It highlights awareness of germ transmission and handwashing necessity.

  • Uses left hand for bathroom tasks to preserve right hand cleanliness.
  • Reflects cultural norms in some regions where the left is for unsanitary tasks.
  • Emphasizes irony: people wash hands but then touch door handles.
  • Promotes thinking about contamination chains.

“I only use my left hand in the bathroom. Then I only have to wash one hand.”

Guest · 19:45
#hygiene#culture#bathroom#habit

Tool· 5

Tool28:30

Floss in the Shower to Build the Habit

To overcome the friction of flossing, the guest recommends doing it in the shower—tying dental hygiene to an existing routine to increase consistency.

  • Flossing is often neglected due to lack of routine integration.
  • Doing it in the shower makes it convenient and automatic.
  • Blood and debris wash away, reducing mess.
  • Use a high-quality floss to avoid fraying.

“Floss in the shower—when you spit, it just goes down the drain.”

Guest · 28:45
#dental-health#habit-building#life-hack#routine
Tool35:00

Cut Cake the Right Way to Keep It Fresh

Instead of cutting wedges from the center, cut slices from the center outward and push the remaining cake together. The icing acts as a seal, preserving moisture and freshness.

  • Traditional wedge-cutting exposes the inside to air, drying it out.
  • Cutting strips from the center and closing the cake keeps it sealed.
  • The icing forms a protective barrier around the sponge.
  • Works for round or square cakes.

“Cut a complete line from one side to the other, then slide the rest together—the icing seals it.”

Guest · 35:45
#kitchen-hack#food#life-hack#cake
Tool17:30

Use Scissors Instead of a Knife in the Kitchen

Kitchen scissors are safer and more efficient than knives for cutting chicken, vegetables, and even pizza. They reduce injury risk and improve control.

  • Scissors allow one-handed chopping, freeing the other hand.
  • Less risk of cutting fingers when handling raw meat.
  • Easier to clean and store than bulky knives.
  • Great for portioning pizza or herbs.

“If you're still cutting chicken with a knife, give up. Buy kitchen scissors.”

Guest · 17:45
#kitchen#cooking#safety#life-hack
Tool16:30

Film Any Road Altercation Immediately

If involved in a road rage incident, start filming right away. It de-escalates tension and provides crucial evidence, with no downside.

  • Filming instantly defuses aggressive situations.
  • Acts as legal protection and evidence.
  • Works even if you're in the car.
  • Can go viral and raise awareness.

“Just film. There's no downside. You're either defusing the fight or getting a million views.”

Guest · 17:00
#safety#driving#life-hack#evidence
Tool12:30

Borrow a Dog If You Can't Own One

For those who want dog companionship without full commitment, the guest recommends 'Borrow My Doggy'—a service connecting dog owners with borrowers.

  • Borrow My Doggy lets you enjoy dogs without ownership costs.
  • Ideal for people with busy schedules or limited space.
  • Only £12/year to access local dogs.
  • Great way to test readiness for pet ownership.

“If you can't afford a dog, borrow one. Borrow My Doggy—Tinder for dogs.”

Guest · 12:45
#dogs#pets#lifestyle#community