LPT: use the Eisenhower Matrix to distinguish between what’s urgent and important

https://redd.it/1g503h6
@r_lifeprotips

LPT Download a sample ballot ahead of the Nov. 5th election to avoid confusion at the polls and be an informed voter

If you're not sure what all you're voting for, download a sample ballot ahead of time so you can avoid confusion when confronted with ballot initiatives, judges, or whatever else you may not have been expecting to see and haven't researched how to vote. Ballotpedia can help you out here.

Or, you can google 'sample ballot 2024 [your location]' if Ballotpedia is missing yours for some reason.

You can bring a "cheat sheet" with you into the polling booth (but some states won't let you bring your phone, so paper notes are the surer bet).

Early voting has already started in many states.

https://redd.it/1g4yetk
@r_lifeprotips

LPT for people communicating virtually in a professional work setting.

Turn off the compressor in your audio chain. Because a fart of any audible volume WILL be grabbed and boosted by your compressor. I say this from experience. GL everybody.

https://redd.it/1g4x794
@r_lifeprotips

LPT Choose Kindness—It Makes You a Better Person and Changes the World Around You

When someone seems rude or distant, consider they may be doing their best in a tough moment. That driver who cut you off might be rushing to help someone, or the grumpy barista could be carrying a heavy burden. When you choose to believe the best in people, it opens your heart to kindness and patience. You'll find that not only does this make you more compassionate, but it also invites more goodness into your own life. A small change in perspective can make a big difference in the world around you.

https://redd.it/1g0cgxp
@r_lifeprotips

LPT “Habit Stacking” to build new habits faster by attaching them to an existing routine you already do every day.

Instead of trying to build a new habit from scratch, attach it to something you already do without thinking.

For example, if you want to start reading more, make it a habit to read for 10 minutes right after brushing your teeth at night.

By linking new habits to established routines, it becomes easier for your brain to accept the change.

This concept is used by high-performers to compound small actions into long-lasting behaviors.

https://redd.it/1g06bx6
@r_lifeprotips

LPT If you escape to your attic from flood water, bring an axe in case you need to cut out through the roof

As flood waters rise, it may sound like a good idea to escape into the attic, but make sure you have a way out of the attic so that you don’t get trapped and drown if waters continue to rise.

https://redd.it/1g02xt2
@r_lifeprotips

LPT You can adjust specific sound levels on most video games. This is great for new dads who love gaming at night but need to keep their ears open in case your lo wakes up (if you’re on duty).

This helps me enjoy couch gaming more in the living room. I can blow shit up with loud explosions on low, but the in-game music at an enjoyable level while not waking the kiddos or wife. It’s helped me a lot.

https://redd.it/1fwigz6
@r_lifeprotips

LPT : If you leave your computer on all the time, but it's not acting as a server, it's usually a good idea to reboot it once a week.

I've found that I have fewer software issues by doing this. Also, when I have had a work computer that they didn't have a specific rule about leaving it on or turning it off, I would shut it down over the weekend. This both saves power and results in a clean boot on Monday.

https://redd.it/1fwde9v
@r_lifeprotips

LPT Wondering how much you should spend on food at home? The U.S.D.A. publishes monthly food plans for 4 different levels of spending

USDA Food Plans: Monthly Cost of Food Reports

The page above also publishes weekly costs. I've used this on-and-off over the years, in particular during lean periods where we needed to closely watch our spending.

Note that this is only for food made and eaten at home, so no restaurant, delivery or take-out expenses. It also doesn't include alcohol or household items.

Years ago, for a couple of months I tried going with the "thrifty" plan. Let me tell you – it was incredibly challenging. I know people who'd normally try to go for that budget are generally EBT recipients, but still. It gave me even more respect for low income households having to stick to that budget, especially those with teenagers at home.

So there you go. If you've ever wondered if your Costco bill was ridiculous, you can find out where you rank in there. And were you can possibly save, maybe. As has been often repeated on this sub and others, the key to saving on food costs is in meal planning and portioning. This budget indicator is a great start in helping you figuring out how much to spend.

https://redd.it/1fwe8bn
@r_lifeprotips

LPT check your mattress tag to make sure it doesn't contain fiberglass

Honestly this is something everyone should do immediately. Lots of mattress brands use fiberglass as a cheap fire barrier, which is fine if it doesn't leak. But if it leaks out through a tear in the cover it can cause tons of damage to your health and property.

There have been a few high-profile cases:

https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article265263126.html

https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-08-25/zinus-mattress-in-a-box-lawsuit

https://www.wtae.com/article/family-says-fiberglass-released-from-mattress-caused-health-problems-expensive-cleanup/42748348

The easiest way to find out is by checking the tag.

Lots of brands conceal their fiberglass use with euphemisms like "glass reinforced plastic", "glass wool", and "glass fiber". If you see any of these on your label; your mattress contains fiberglass.

Another major tell is if the tag states that the cover is "nonremovable". It's nonremovable because if you take it off, the fiberglass shards will get everywhere.

Here are some brands that are confirmed to use fiberglass (mostly cheap memory foam brands):

https://www.sleepline.com/fiberglass-mattress/

It's a lot less common in higher-end brands, but it's worth checking anyway.

It takes 2 seconds to check and can save you tons of issues in the future.

https://redd.it/1fl01eu
@r_lifeprotips

Sacramento Bee

A popular mattress contains fiberglass. A Sacramento single mother is suing.

With millions of Zinus mattresses being sold in the U.S., this Sacramento woman and her attorney are trying to raise awareness of their potential dangers.