Every fortnight we ask our members what have been the stories that have helped, educated, or just plain inspired them on their freelance journey this week.
This week we’ve got a mixture of productivity hacks to get you moving again; Summer holiday reading recommendations for our tanned bookworms; local deals to support you and the family this Summer; and some downright bizarre new tech.
Let’s get into it.
1. ‘Timeboxing’ – Harvard’s Most Useful Productivity Hack
One of the benefits of being a freelancer is that you often choose what you do and when you do it. That flexibility is one of the most common reasons for people to choose the freelance life. But, it can also take discipline to keep a structure to your day if other factors aren’t doing it for you. This freelancer tried Harvard’s top productivity routine and explains how it impacted their work, and which habits they’re keeping. Let us know if you already do or plan to try any of these and if they work for you!
Submitted by Freelance Heroes HQ
2. Summer reading: the best 30 holiday reads chose by authors and critics
We know that many of you will be taking holidays this summer and hopefully getting a chance to relax and recharge. If you’re looking for some summer reading to help switch off your mind from work and clients, then check out these suggestions. And let us know if you have any great alternatives!
Submitted by Freelance Heroes HQ
3. 4 Hacks to Stop Wondering If You’re Doing Enough
Like many other self employed creatives, I too suffer from Imposter Syndrome and often worry “Am I doing enough to better myself everyday?”. I often forget to stop and reflect on what I’ve achieved so far in the week and will continue work until my energy pie is totally depleted. Setting some time aside for me-time helps me recharge my pie and evaluate whether I need to keep working so hard to achieve unnecessary goals.
Submitted by Jade Sims
4. Children Can Eat For Just £1 at Asda Cafes in England and Wales This Summer
To help tackle holiday hunger at a time when the cost-of-living is higher than ever, children aged 16 and under can access a hot or cold meal for just £1 at Asda cafes. Asda has announced that, in a bid to keep children fed over the summer holidays, they’ll be able to grab a meal at their in-store cafes seven days a week, with no minimum adult spend requirement. The brand revealed the £1 meal deal for Scotland last month, further rolling it out to Wales and England in a follow-up announcement yesterday.
Submitted by Sara Koch
5. 15 Year Old Boy Invents Shoes That Can Charge Smartphones
The young inventor calculated that 12 minutes of walking could generate enough kinetic energy to charge 10% of a mobile phone’s battery. Lino Marrero dreams that in the future the world will use Kinetic Kickz or its technology to create clean energy and limit the effects of climate change. While solar and wind power are growing in popularity, Marrero says he prefers kinetic energy because “you can’t always rely on the wind that blows or the sun that shines.” Now he wants to inspire other children and teenagers to become inventors too. More power to you, Lino.
Submitted by Giles Metcalfe, Ethical Digital Marketing Specialist
What was your favourite submission? Let us know and discuss in our members Discussion section
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