22 June 2020

Life Hacks 201 - #187

0Frameworks

15Insights

Insights & moments

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

Myth Buster· 1

Myth Buster07:30

Coffee Bags Are Actually Decent

Contrary to assumptions that coffee bags are low quality, they can still deliver a satisfying coffee experience. One guest shares how he discovered coffee bags by accident and now keeps them at home for convenience, challenging the notion that only specialty brewing methods are worthwhile.

Coffee bags can be a practical and enjoyable alternative to traditional brewing.
They are especially useful when proper coffee equipment isn't available.
Even decaf versions can be acceptable in a pinch.

“I have discovered this recently... it's the same niceness as proper coffee because it is just in a like a bag that's more permeable than…”
Yusuf · 07:30

#coffee#convenience#myth-buster

Explainer· 4

Explainer02:30

Use Cooking Time to Do Kitchen Chores

While waiting for breakfast to cook, use the 'dead time' to complete small kitchen tasks like taking out the trash, wiping counters, or reloading the dishwasher. This turns idle moments into productive ones, leaving the kitchen cleaner without extra effort.

Utilize time spent waiting for food to cook by doing quick chores.
Tasks like emptying the dishwasher or wiping surfaces can be done simultaneously.
This habit creates a tidy kitchen without requiring dedicated cleaning time.

“While things are cooking in the pan in the morning I basically do all of the like chores in the kitchen.”
Johnny · 02:30

#productivity#morning-routine#time-management

Explainer42:00

Do Push-Ups to Curb Hunger Pangs

When experiencing hunger during a diet, doing a small amount of exercise like 30 push-ups or squats can reduce the sensation. This shifts the body from 'rest and digest' mode, helping manage cravings and prevent diet breaks.

Short bursts of exercise reduce hunger signals.
30 push-ups or squats can make a noticeable difference.
Helps maintain discipline during calorie restriction.

“If you feel hungry and you do 30 press-ups you don't feel that hungry anymore.”
Yusuf · 42:30

#diet#fitness#hunger

Explainer43:00

Brush Teeth Early to Stop Late-Night Snacking

Brushing teeth right after dinner discourages late-night eating. The minty freshness creates a psychological barrier against eating again, leveraging habit design to support diet goals.

Brushing teeth signals the end of eating for the day.
Minty feeling discourages eating more.
Ties into habit stacking with bedtime routines.

“Clean your teeth immediately after eating your last meal... you don't want to then try and have food on top of clean teeth.”
Yusuf · 43:00

#diet#habit-formation#self-control

Explainer59:00

Start Unilateral Exercises with Weaker Side

When doing single-side exercises like curls or lunges, start with the weaker side. This ensures balanced development and prevents the stronger side from dominating due to fatigue.

Starting with the weaker side promotes balance.
Accounts for CNS fatigue during sets.
Helps correct strength imbalances over time.

“Start with the weakest side in a unilateral movement... you will give your weaker side sometimes minus sometimes perhaps even major advantage.”
Yusuf · 59:00

#fitness#training#technique

Tool· 9

Tool12:00

AirPods Pro for Noise Cancellation

AirPods Pro offer superior noise cancellation, making them ideal for travel, focus, and daily use. They allow users to reduce ambient noise significantly, improving audio clarity and concentration. The transparency mode also lets users stay aware of their surroundings when needed.

Excellent noise cancellation ideal for planes and noisy environments.
Transparency mode allows hearing ambient sounds when necessary.
Long battery life and seamless Apple integration enhance user experience.

“You existing inside of your own mind as opposed to you being within the world — it's so good.”
Chris · 13:00

#audio#tech-tool#focus

Tool25:00

Reebok Nano X for Gym Training

The Reebok Nano X is highly recommended for gym workouts, especially for lifting and plyometric exercises. Unlike running shoes, these provide stability and support, reducing injury risk during squats and heavy lifts.

Stable, supportive shoes designed for gym training, not running.
Better than soft running shoes for lifting due to firm sole and support.
Ideal for anyone doing regular strength or cross-training workouts.

“The Nano X's they're absolutely amazing... you need a stable pair of shoes.”
Yusuf · 26:00

#fitness#footwear#gym

Tool32:30

Deadlifting Barefoot for Better Form

One guest shares that he deadlifts completely barefoot, finding it more comfortable and effective. This approach provides better ground contact and stability, especially in a home gym setting, though it depends on individual biomechanics.

Barefoot deadlifting improves connection with the ground.
Offers better stability and form for some lifters.
Personal preference and body structure influence effectiveness.

“I deadlift actually at the moment completely barefoot... it feels mint.”
Yusuf · 32:30

#fitness#lifting#technique

Tool34:30

Use Get Human to Skip Hold Times

The 'Get Human' app calls customer service lines and waits on hold, then calls the user back when a human is available. This saves time and frustration when dealing with tech support or service upgrades, especially during periods of poor customer service availability.

App waits on hold and calls back when a human is available.
Saves time and reduces frustration with customer service.
Particularly useful during high-demand periods like lockdowns.

“It holds the call for you and calls you back when a human answers the phone.”
Yusuf · 35:00

#productivity#customer-service#tech-tool

Tool44:30

Use Cash to Control Impulse Spending

Paying with cash instead of contactless methods increases spending awareness. The physical act of handing over money creates friction, making people think twice before buying off-plan food or unnecessary items.

Cash payments make spending feel more real.
Contactless payments reduce spending awareness.
Using cash helps stick to dietary and budget goals.

“He has to pay for it in cash and physically hand it over... minimizes the kind of contactless payment not thinking about the whole thing.”
Yusuf · 45:00

#finance#behavior-change#diet

Tool56:30

Try the Foundation Series for Back Pain

The Foundation Series is a 12-minute routine by Eric Goodman designed to improve posture and reduce lower back pain. It's a free YouTube video that combines movement and audiobook listening for efficiency.

12-minute routine targeting posture and back pain.
Available for free on YouTube.
Can be paired with audiobooks for multitasking.

“It's a 12-minute training sequence to improve your posture and improve lower back pain.”
Yusuf · 56:30

#fitness#posture#back-pain

Tool74:30

Use Paper Planners for Daily Focus

The Productivity Planner, based on Tim Ferriss's philosophy, limits daily tasks to five key items. This paper-based system forces prioritization and reduces overwhelm by focusing only on what truly matters.

Limits daily tasks to five important items.
Encourages intentionality and prioritization.
Paper format reduces digital distractions.

“It basically just forces you to... only write down five things you're going to do.”
Yusuf · 75:30

#productivity#planning#focus

Tool79:00

Use iPad as Second Monitor with Sidecar

macOS Sidecar allows using an iPad as a wireless second monitor. This setup improves productivity by enabling reference documents on one screen and work on the other, ideal for writing, design, or task management.

Turns iPad into external display wirelessly.
Boosts productivity with dual-screen setup.
Useful for referencing while working.

“You can use your iPad as an external monitor... you've got two displays.”
Yusuf · 79:30

#productivity#tech-tool#macos

Tool94:30

Turn Up Volume to Improve Focus

Increasing the volume of audiobooks or podcasts slightly enhances focus and comprehension. Louder audio occupies more cognitive space, reducing mind-wandering and improving retention.

Louder audio reduces distraction.
Improves engagement with spoken content.
Use health features to avoid hearing damage.

“If you have something which is louder... you tend to not be able to have your thoughts be as distracted.”
Yusuf · 95:00

#focus#audio#learning

Takeaway· 1

Takeaway61:00

Watch Foreign Films with Subtitles for Immersion

Watching foreign-language films with subtitles is more immersive than dubbed versions. The original audio preserves the actors' performances and emotional tone, enhancing the viewing experience.

Dubbing often ruins emotional authenticity.
Subtitles allow full immersion in the original performance.
Works best with high-quality foreign films like 'Parasite'.

“It's amazing how ten minutes in you've almost forgotten about the fact that it's subtitled but you're completely engrossed in the film.”
Johnny · 61:30

#entertainment#film#subtitles