MModern Wisdom
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27 May 2019

Life Hacks 108 - #075

0Frameworks
10Insights

Insights & moments

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

Myth Buster· 2

Myth Buster62:00

Eat Sweets All at Once to Protect Teeth

Contrary to grazing on sweets, the guest explains that consuming them all in one sitting is less harmful to teeth. The acid attack from sugar lasts about 20 minutes, so multiple snacks prolong exposure.

  • Sugar causes a 20-minute acid attack on teeth.
  • Eating sweets in one sitting limits damage compared to grazing.
  • Better dental health strategy for those who consume sugar.
  • Recommended by a dentist friend.

“If you're going to eat sweet foods, eat them all in one go... the window of time that sugar causes an insult to the teeth…”

Guest · 62:20
#dental health#nutrition#myth#sugar
Myth Buster85:00

Avoid Phone Contracts, Buy SIM-Free

The guest warns against phone contracts, calling them high-interest loans. He recommends buying phones outright and using SIM-only plans to save money and avoid overpaying.

  • Phone contracts are effectively high-interest loans.
  • Buying a phone outright and using SIM-only plans is cheaper long-term.
  • Contracts often continue billing after the phone is paid off.
  • Use tools like bill monitors to find optimal plans.

“When you get a phone contract that's monthly, you're taking out an extremely high interest loan.”

Guest · 85:45
#finance#consumer advice#phone#life hack

Explainer· 1

Explainer06:00

Whitening Teeth for Confidence and Appearance

The guest explains that whitening teeth is one of the easiest ways to boost confidence and appear more polished and attractive. He recommends Crest 3D White Strips as an affordable and effective option, while dismissing whitening toothpaste and USB-style whitening devices as ineffective.

  • Whiter teeth improve appearance and confidence in both personal and professional settings.
  • Crest 3D White Strips are a cost-effective alternative to expensive dental procedures.
  • Whitening toothpaste and USB-type devices are largely ineffective.
  • For sensitive teeth, use Sensodyne Rapid Relief with a gum shield before applying whitening strips.

“Whitening your teeth or making your teeth whiter is probably one of the easiest ways to make yourself just have a bit more confidence and…”

Guest · 06:15
#dental health#confidence#life hack#whitening

Story· 1

Story50:00

Use a Plant to Monitor Tenant Responsibility

The guest shares a story about buying a plant for tenants as a 'canary in the coal mine' to assess their care for the property. If the plant is watered, it's a good sign; if not, it prompts further inspection.

  • A plant serves as a low-effort indicator of tenant responsibility.
  • Inspired by rock bands' hospitality riders checking for missing blue M&Ms.
  • Non-sentient and low-maintenance plants are ideal for this hack.
  • Triggers more thorough checks if neglected.

“I bought them a plant... if I go into the house and the plant's been tended to, it's probably a good indicator that nothing else…”

Guest · 50:20
#landlord#property#life hack#responsibility

Tool· 4

Tool11:00

Using Wi-Fi Scales for Health Tracking

The guest recommends using Wi-Fi connected scales that automatically sync weight and body composition data to an app. This allows for consistent tracking and trend analysis, which is more reliable than sporadic weigh-ins.

  • Wi-Fi scales automatically record and graph weight over time.
  • Daily weighing provides better health insights than infrequent checks.
  • Helps identify trends and potential health issues early.
  • Models like Withings scales also track body fat percentage and sync data seamlessly.

“Everybody should be weighing themselves daily regardless of your goal... it's like a health marker that no GP might ask about.”

Guest · 11:20
#weight tracking#health tech#fitness#data
Tool20:30

Ask the Waiter for the Most Popular Dish

When dining out, especially in unfamiliar places, asking the waiter for the most popular dish is a reliable way to make a good choice. It leverages local knowledge and ensures fresher ingredients due to higher turnover.

  • Waiters know which dishes are popular and freshest.
  • Popular dishes are less likely to be sitting unused.
  • This hack works well when traveling or trying new cuisines.
  • Avoids awkward menu decisions and potential food disappointments.

“Ask the waiter for the most popular dishes... every time that I've asked them for suggestions it's been fantastic.”

Guest · 21:15
#dining#travel#food#decision-making
Tool30:00

Use Messenger.com to Avoid Facebook Distractions

The guest recommends using messenger.com instead of the main Facebook site to stay focused. It allows messaging without exposure to news feeds, ads, and notifications.

  • Messenger.com provides clean, focused messaging.
  • Avoids distractions from the main Facebook feed.
  • Better for productivity and mental clarity.
  • Can be used as a standalone tab or app.

“Messenger.com is Facebook Messenger without Facebook... no distractions from notifications and videos.”

Guest · 30:15
#productivity#social media#focus#digital minimalism
Tool34:30

Sam Harris Meditation App for Structured Practice

The guest praises the Sam Harris 'Waking Up' meditation app for its progressive, guided approach. It starts with breath focus and gradually introduces deeper concepts like awareness and self-inquiry.

  • App offers 50 days of progressive meditation lessons.
  • Introduces concepts like 'who is noticing?' and expanded awareness.
  • Combines guided and unguided sessions effectively.
  • Helps avoid entrenching bad meditation habits.

“For a guided experience, the Sam Harris thing is the best that I've found.”

Guest · 35:10
#meditation#mindfulness#mental health#app

Takeaway· 2

Takeaway27:30

Use Birthdays to Audit Your Social Connections

The guest suggests using Facebook birthday notifications as a prompt to evaluate relationships. It's a moment to decide whether someone still deserves a place in your life.

  • Birthday alerts serve as natural review points for friendships.
  • Decide if someone is worth acknowledging or if they should be removed.
  • Helps maintain a more meaningful and intentional social circle.
  • Avoids passive accumulation of irrelevant connections.

“Use people's birthdays as a chance to review whether you want them in your life.”

Guest · 27:45
#social media#relationships#digital minimalism#life hack
Takeaway78:00

Drive in Silence for Mental Clarity

The guest advocates for driving without music or podcasts to embrace solitude. This practice allows the mind to process thoughts without external input, enhancing mental clarity.

  • Solitude is defined as freedom from input of other minds.
  • Driving in silence supports reflection and mental processing.
  • Part of a morning routine after journaling and meditation.
  • Helps bookend learning and prepare for the day.

“Solitude is a time when your mind is free from the input of other minds.”

Guest · 78:45

“Driving without any music on and without any sound on is actually really nice and engaging.”

Guest · 79:45
#mental health#productivity#mindfulness#solitude