Month: March 2021

Categories
Tech & Media Technology

5 Best Sportsbooks Online in the USA

Best Sportsbook Sites

Finding genuine and reliable sportsbooks online, especially those with fast payouts, can be pretty challenging. Here are the top five sportsbooks to choose from in the USA.


1. MyBookie

This sportsbook has the best lines and odds. Since 2014 it has maintained an unparalleled reputation as one of the most authentic, genuine, and customer-focused sportsbooks. You can trust your money with this betting site, and what’s more, you will also find the outstanding design and excellent optimization for both desktops and mobiles quite helpful.

2. Bovada

You can consider this as one of the best sports betting sites too. Here you will find the best offers for several sports, including the NCAA odds, the NFL, the NBA, NHL, and UFC. You can trust your money unhesitatingly with this sportsbook, and also rely on its decade’s worth of experience to give you the best sports pleasure ever.

The best features of Bovada include:

  • BTC acceptance and fast payout
  • Excellent selection of secure, reliable, and fast payments.
  • An unbeatable and unique variety of competitive odds of betting
  • A fascinating array of gaming options, including sportsbook, racebook, poker room, and casino.

3. Betway

This online sportsbook is the best signup bonus. Established in 2006, you will find this Malta-based game operator quite industry-knowledgeable and competitive. Its firsthand experience and remarkable features guarantee the best experience for you, regardless of whichever jurisdiction you avail.

The highlights of this online sportsbook include:

  • Prioritizes cross-platform compatibility and lays strict emphasis on polished design
  • You will find tons of odds on both international and local sports markets here.
  • An endless range of betting options. You will find options such as future bets, parleys, and live-game wagering, etc., here.

4. Bet365

This is a new entrant in the USA’s sports betting market, but it is competitive alright. This gambling operating has set its foot firmly as one of the best betting sites in the global industry and is already on its way to becoming one of the favorite brands in the USA.

You will find the affordability factor and outstanding features quite appealing. So whether you are a casual sports bettor or a high roller, this betting site is your one-stop destination.

The best benefits you will find at this site include:

  • Swift withdrawal and deposit options, reliability, and safety.
  • Remarkable customer support
  • A vast array of sports betting markets and options.

5. DraftKings

This one is the best online betting for fantasy sports. It has unparalleled live betting options for you. The promotions and bonuses are good enough to daze even the highest rollers here. If you’re in search of one of the most highly reputable and genuine sports betting brands in the U.S, then Draftkings is just the one for you.

It has a tremendous designing experience, too, so you can recommend it unhesitatingly to other betting enthusiasts.

The best features of this betting book include:

  • Loyalty scheme
  • Aggressive promotions and bonuses offerings
  • Competitive odds with a vast range of betting markets
  • Intuitive platform design
  • Well designed
Categories
Health & Home Recreation & Leisure

12 Things To Do On The Weekend With Your Time

Golfing Leisure Activity

Many of us spend so much of our energy waiting for the weekend to roll by that when it finally does; we’re clueless as to how we should spend our free time. The problem is that we don’t make plans to use our leisure time wisely. Hence, we end up wasting it.

Here are some simple ideas to utilize your leisure time well.

1.    Kitchen Experiments

What can be more enjoyable than putting your chef’s hat on in your leisure time? Imagine how much fun it would be whipping up a batch of chocolate chip cookies or fudge brownies. It wouldn’t be less fun to try out something from your grandma’s cookbook too.

2.    Turn Tourist With Your Time

You don’t always need a holiday destination. Turn tourists into your city and spend your time exploring the historical and natural sites, some local food joints, quaint little cafes, etc.

3.    Leisure Hike

Boost your health and your senses by hiking on a local trail. You will get to spend time outdoors, invigorate your senses, and also relax you, both mentally and emotionally.

4.    NGO Volunteer

Turn noble as well as productive by volunteering at NGO in your leisure time. You will the experience enrich and fulfilling, especially if you pick a cause that is close to your heart for any reason.

5.    Visit a Pet Shelter

If you are an animal lover, nothing can be better than spending some memorable time at a local pet shelter. Indulge the stray beauties and let them feel loved as you play and spend some time with them.

6.    Virtual Dance Class

Do you love dancing? Then spend your time getting your hips in motion with a virtual dance class. Dance your heart and senses away and turn your bedroom into a ballroom or a club. So what if you can’t party at clubs anymore? Bring the club home, right where you are.

7.    Home Makeover

It does not need to be a full-scale transformation. Maybe shift the furniture a little, work on some fun DIY home projects. Give your home a refresher; it will make you feel good too. If nothing else, then at least settle your home a bit.

Remember, home is where the heart is, and you need time to make your home a beautiful sanctuary. Clean it up, change the curtains or cushions, anything to make it look clean and sorted.

8.    Get Into Writing

Writing is a therapeutic way to use your time. You don’t to be Shakespeare’s incarnation for it. Just write about anything and everything. Let your creative juices and emotions flow onto your paper. You will love the freedom and liberated feeling it creates.

9.    Meditation Time

The pressures of life tend to weigh us down. Leisure time is when you can find your balance by rejuvenating, unburdening, and revitalizing yourself. Meditation or even yoga is the best for it.

10.  Gardening

Tending to flowers and plants is a great leisurely activity too. It can have a positive and soothing effect on you, almost like therapy. Nature has its way of reaching out to your soul and helping you release all the bitterness, frustrations, and burdens inside.

Categories
Career & Education Children Education Family Government Grants

Education Grants for Single Mothers and Fathers

Education grants for single parents

We’ve all seen the ads talking about “grants for single mothers” or “go back to school now, forgivable loans”. But they always seem to feel like scams, and I’m left wondering many times if there is any authenticity to them. In most cases, they are exactly what they sound like: too good to be true.

Many end up leading to lists of financial aid links and programs that you can buy, while some others aren’t even legit websites and are just scams trying to take money and information from those looking for help.

With that in mind, there are some real educational funding programs that provide grants for single parents. There are also scholarship programs and educational grants for single parents that are based on skill and merit. Lastly, there are programs to help students pay off educational loans.

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant Program is one of the more well-known grant programs. It is not limited to only single mothers, despite being known as the “single mother grant”. Pell grants have helped many parents continue their education and boost their earning ability.

Federal Pell Grants are based strictly on financial need and are generally offered only to undergraduate students. To qualify for a Federal Pell Grant the applicant must first have filled out and filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. Applications can be filled out online through the official website. The 2020-2021 school year holds a maximum possible Federal Pell Grant amount of $6,345.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants

The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant programs operate on a state-by-state basis. They are most frequently given to students who show the most need based on the information submitted in their FAFSA. Depending on the degree of financial need, awards up to $4,000 per year can be seen.

Academic Competitiveness Grant

This is another merit-based grant. The Academic Competitiveness Grant is specifically designed for first year college students and second year students who graduated in 2006 or after. It is awarded as a supplement to students receiving the Federal Pell Grant. Students can expect up to $750 for their first year and up to $1,300 for their second year.

Individual State Grants For Single Parents

In addition, a large number of states offer their own various grants and financial assistance options for single parents. These are less popular and often underutilized because fewer people know about them. Qualifications for each of these will vary by state. California’s version, called the Cal Grant is prioritized for low-income and otherwise disadvantaged families. These programs should have websites in coordination with the state, and more information will be available there.

SMART Grants

The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant or SMART Grant is an award given to students in programs related to the sciences, such as mathematics, technology, engineering, and more. The recipients are determined by merit from third and fourth year Pell Grant students.

Categories
Dating Health & Home

10 Ways to Up Your Dating Game in 2021

step up your dating game

Wondering how you can step up your dating game in 2021? Well, that is not difficult if you make wise decisions. Here are some tips to spice things up and take your dating game to another level.

1. Pay for the First Date

Okay, it’s true that gender rules while dating are outdated. Men don’t always have to pay for dinner. However, paying for the meal makes you look a bit more generous. This is how you can impress women by being a little considerate and paying the bill.

2. Keep All Options Open

It is vital to understand that not everyone is going to get their dream partner in a crowded bar or find a prince charming waiting for them. Do not limit your search, as you never know you may find that special someone anywhere. So, the more options you keep open, the more chances you have to find the right person for you.

3. Remember That Saying No is Okay

To level up your dating game, you need to start saying no to the things you don’t like. If you don’t talk about the things you want and expect from your relationship, the chances are you will break up soon. Do remember that empathy and compromise in a relationship are crucial. If you don’t want to get into a relationship or take things forward or don’t want to text back, then avoid that.

4. Use Alone Time to Your Advantage

You might be wondering how it would benefit you. Well, 2020 has taught us a lot, and we have seen that spending some time alone helps us to think about ourselves, our hobbies, likes, and dislikes. You may have also built a true sense of understanding the world and people. Spending some alone time thinking wisely will help you prepare yourself for a successful date.

5. Avoid Some Outdated Rules

You need to ditch some outdated dating rules like don’t kiss on the first date. You might have also heard people saying that wait for the other person to make the first move. Don’t know what factors have determined these stupid rules, but these are absolutely vague. Make sure to make decisions according to your own choices and comfort level.

6. Be Ready for Discussion

As clichéd as it may sound, but we would love to emphasize it again, “COMMUNICATION IS KEY FOR AN EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIP.” Yes, that is true – always be ready to discuss everything. It’s even important to discuss things that you don’t like or may have to face because of your partner. This way, you both can build a good and true relationship.

7. Picture Your Best Self

Most of us feel really concerned and worried about our appearance. People try different outfits just to choose the best one. Having said that, it only makes you more conscious. The best way to get confidence is to picture yourself in the best form. Visualizing yourself in the best circumstance will help you decide what clothes will look best on your body or what type of conversation can make your partner fall for you.

8. Be Polite On Your Date

Boys and girls, when you are going on a date, you need to put your best foot forward. Guys look extremely attractive when they wait for women to sit first or show respect and love. Girls can win the game by talking politely and listening to the man carefully. And a pro tip for both is to keep your mobile aside and be attentive.

9. Maintain Good Eye Contact With Your Date

Maintaining eye contact throughout the date will promote a sense of belonging and love. It also makes you look more confident. The other person will also feel comfortable with you while talking about anything.

10. Be as Honest as You Can

Do remember that being honest and being disrespectful have a great difference. You need to be honest regarding yourself in a way that the other person doesn’t feel uncomfortable with you. Plus, don’t be rude or arrogant when pointing out their mistakes. You can also calmly and respectfully tell those things that you may not feel right.

Bottom Line For Dating

So, these are a few tricks and tips to step up your dating game. It’s really easy; you only need to be open in all aspects.

Categories
Health & Home Recreation & Leisure Tech & Media Technology

The 8 Best Massage Chairs, According to Reviews

best massage chairs

After spending a long and tiring day at work, all you need is a relaxing massage. Advanced massage chairs include numerous features that provide you with proper comfort and complete relief from pain and distress. However, it is difficult to find the perfect massage chair when there are so many options in the market.

1. Reclining Heated Massage Chair with Ottoman

This reclining massage chair is highly favorable by customers with the most positive reviews. This is an affordable option. You can either pinpoint random body parts such as the lumbar, back, calf, and thighs. As this is an inclined chair, you can easily adjust it to be far away or close.

2. Osaki OS-40 Escape Massage Chair

After purchasing this comfortable chair, you will sink into your dreams and leave all your troubles behind. This chair takes relaxation to a different level with the help of chromotherapy lighting. You can choose from two different zero gravity settings. Furthermore, it includes powerful heating settings.

3. Kyota M888 Kokoro

This J-track design massage chair also includes S-track and L-track technology. Therefore, it is perfect for glute massage spinal decompression. You can choose from various intensities for your different body parts, such as the lower back, legs, feet, and arms.

4. Daiwa Supreme Hybrid

This supreme hybrid massage chair by Daiwa includes stretch capabilities with L-track technology. Thus, it is a perfect model for deep stretching. This chair is more than just a massage chair and has the ability to improve your quality of life.

5. Infinity IT-8500 Inversion Massage Chair

This big boy has numerous functions and is available in three different colors. The main feature is the 2-stage zero gravity. It will keep your legs above the heart level and make you feel like you are in space, floating. Furthermore, it distributes your bodyweight evenly.

6. Cozzia Qi SE

Cozzia QI SE has amazing 4D technology features that give you a human-like massage. The model includes heated airbags and an adjustable footrest. This chair offers different massage techniques such as ultra-kneading, tapping, kneading, and shiatsu. The touch-enabled screen is user-friendly and includes quick access buttons.

7. Ogawa Master Drive AI

This smart sensing chair focuses on body parts that require more relief. The smart functions of this chair will target 36 muscle groups around your spine. This machine includes AI technology that adapts and learns speed, motions, and pressure depending on the user’s body.

8. Infinity IT-8500 X3

IT-8500 X3 is a common chair that you will find in almost every doctor’s clinic in the country. This chair helps with spinal decompression stretches. For customized massage, you can adjust the heights to various levels and enjoy moments of relaxation.

Conclusion

All the above-mentioned massage chair options have high ratings because of numerous customer reviews. Even though your choice and preference are essential while purchasing the chair, these options are perfect for all types of bodies. You can visit any of the nearest furniture showrooms and order your first massage chair to relax and unwind.

Categories
Health & Home Recreation & Leisure Tech & Media Technology

The 7 Best Relaxation Apps You Need To Wind Down

best relaxation apps

Sometimes, being able to fall asleep is a luxury that many people don’t have. Whether your anxieties are keeping you awake or you’re on a new sleep schedule, it can be hard to sleep. Then you might wonder how you can relax with a single tap. However, it is possible with modern and advanced tools and applications. Numerous techniques and methods are available on your smartphone to help you sleep. They can help reduce thoughts of social pressure, oppressive deadlines, and destructive politics running through your head. Hence, that is why students cannot sleep during the night while they should be relaxing.

1.     Pacifica

Stress can affect your quality of life in every way. Therefore, Pacifica offers you different tools to reduce your anxiety with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, relaxation, health, and Mindfulness. This application is user-friendly and helps you track your daily routine. You can generate valuable insights into your feelings and thoughts using this application.

2.     Calm

Calm is different than other relaxation mobile apps. It offers well-being with its impressive meditation catalog. They include a section, “Calm Body,” which includes 10 minutes video tutorials for gentle stretching to relax. Sleep stories are another amazing feature of bedtime stories. The best part about this section is that it includes soothing celebrities’ voices.

3.     Desertopia

Using this application for five to ten minutes a day will keep you relax and focus. This is a therapeutic game and involves creating a lively space out of a Desert Island. You need to keep the environment clean by taking away the floating trash, make decisions, and build amazing resorts, etc.

4.     Happify

The developers of Happify designed this game to make you feel happy. It reduces your feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. Even if you are having negative thoughts consistently, you can control your emotions using this application. Numerous relaxing tools are available, perfect for treating your condition.

5.     Mindfulness Daily

Becoming mindful is out of reach when you are looking for it. Therefore, you can use a few minutes from your busy day and practice mindfulness daily. Play the game early in the morning and enjoy the short lessons. You can take a break from stress and distress for some conscious reflection.

6.     Adult Coloring

Kids aren’t the only ones who need coloring books. You can use coloring as therapy for relaxation. The best part about this application is that it offers you relaxing drawings on your mobile. You can spend hours of coloring by turning on the ambiance. There are hundreds of designs available for you to color.

7.     Yoga Studio

If you cannot afford yoga classes, then you can download this application for HD video classes. You will find these tutorials easy to follow with 65 meditation and yoga classes. Other than that, they offer detailed advice and instructions for each pose from 280. Download this application for your iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV, and enjoy the relaxation classes at home.

Conclusion

These relaxation applications are at the top of the market. But before downloading the application, check if the application is free or paid. After all, meditation is an amazing investment in your body. Ten minutes of meditation every day will lead you to a healthy and active lifestyle.

Categories
Credit Financial

Best Airline Credit Cards of 2021

Airline Credit Cards

When you’re deciding on airline credit cards, one of the most important things to think about is the rewards that the card offers. Many cards offer bonus points for using certain services, hitting a certain total spent, and more. The best one for you ultimately depends on which card best fits your needs.

Best Airline Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve

If you have excellent credit and are looking for a great airline card, this one would be a great choice. Anyone that spends $4,000 on purchases within 3 months of opening the account will earn a bonus of 50,000 points.

Pros:

  • Welcome bonus
  • Points for airline and hotel partner programs
  • Yearly $300 travel credit

Cons:

  • Excellent credit score required
  • High APR of 16.99%-23.99%
  • High annual fee of $550

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

This card is a great option for those with good to excellent credit. With a welcome bonus of 60,000 miles for anyone that spends $3,000 on purchases in their first 3 months having the card. It even has a fairly low annual fee of $95.

Pros:

  • 2x rewards on daily purchases
  • Miles don’t expire
  • No fees on foreign transactions

Cons:

  • Must have good to excellent credit to qualify
  • High APR of 17.24%-24.49%

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

For those looking for a great card that has a sign-on bonus that’s easier to earn, this would be a good choice. To earn the 35,000 bonus miles, you just need to spend $1000 in purchases within the first 3 months of having the card.

Pros:

  • Earn 2x points on food purchases, including supermarkets, delivery, and takeout
  • The first bag checked free when you fly with Delta
  • The first year is free, and an annual fee only $99 after that

Cons:

  • APR of 15.74-24.74%

Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

Earn 50,000 bonus miles with American Airlines by using the Citi AAdvantage Executive Elite Mastercard. The sign-on bonus is available for those that spend $5,000 in purchases within 3 months of opening the account.

Pros:

  • You and 8 traveling companions get the first bag checked for free
  • Earn 10,000 miles if you spend $40,000 in the first year
  • Earn double points on all eligible American Airlines purchases

Cons:

  • $450 annual fee

United Explorer Card

The United Explorer Card lets cardholders earn up to 65,000 bonus miles on eligible purchases. The first 40,000 comes from spending $2,000 in the first three months the account is open, with an additional 25,000 coming if $10,000 is spent in the first 6 months. Some of the other perks include priority boarding and 25% back on in-flight purchases.

Pros:

  • 2 miles per dollar at United, restaurants, hotel stays, and delivery services
  • 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases
  • United Club access
  • No blackout dates

Cons:

  • $95 annual fee, though the first year is free
Categories
Dating Health & Home

13 Ways to Get the Relationship You Want

relationship goals

Searching for a way to bring a spark in your relationship again? Or want to work on your relationship once you find a partner? Or do you want to find a date for yourself? If so, you can use the following methods to bring intimacy to your relationship with your partner or future partner.

1. Let’s Get Cozy

Physical touch is the key to a perfect relationship. Yes, it includes sex, but it is much more than that. Give your Bae a rub on the back, hug them, hold their hand, and offer a massage. Physical touch releases oxytocin, which makes you feel closer to your partner.

2. Say Sorry In Your Relationship

We all mess up in life and say things that we regret later. We may also do things that we shouldn’t. But it happens. What you need to do is to admit your mistakes instead of blaming others.

3. Listen to Your Partner

It is the most important thing. LISTEN TO YOUR PARTNER – can’t emphasize more. Ask them about their experiences and other things, and show interest in them. If you are one of those who only complain about their day, you need to learn some empathy and listening skills.

4. Avoid the Mr. and Miss Perfect Thinking

Drop the perfectionism idea as nobody is perfect. You need to stop expecting your partner to be perfect in every way. Additionally, stop generalizing and personalizing your partner’s action. Think about them as humans who can make mistakes.

5. Don’t Stop Doing Old Things

As the months and years pass, we tend to stop making efforts that we usually do in the first year of dating. We lose our gentleness, patience, understanding, and thoughtfulness. So, think about the starting dating days, and write about the things that you should start doing for your partner.

6. Ask for What Your Partner Wants

Over time, people assume that they know everything about their partner and vice versa. This leads to fights and misunderstandings. Try to communicate with your partner and ask their view about everything, even if you think you know what they want.

7. Check-In Every Week

Make it a ritual to check in once a week. Discuss what has worked and what hasn’t. Plus, discuss what improvements you can make in the coming week. In the same discussion, plan a date night, talk about what you want to see happening in the coming week, and ask them what they are looking forward to.

8. Be Creative in the Time You Spend Together

Make a time to have a movie or dinner night. If you don’t want to go outside, arrange a wonderful date at your house. You can go hiking, cycling, fishing, and anything that is thrilling. Enjoying a good time together can help you improve your relationship.

9. Don’t get Distracted Because of Your Packed Schedule

Daily responsibilities of family and work can drain all your energy. You might don’t have any energy left to hear your partner. Try to be mentally present at home when you are with your partner. When you reach home, forget about the work until the next day.

10. Fight the Right Way

Yes, it’s absolutely true. You can fight with your life partner but in the right way. The conflict is not the problem. The actual problem is your attitude towards the situation. Every person has different options. This is why you both will fight at some point. However, try to listen and understand each other’s perspective and then make a decision together.

11. Ask About Your Partner’s Day

People think it is outdated, but it is not. Asking about the day is the best way to show that you are interested in what your partner does. It also shows that you want to know more about them, rather than complaining about your day.

12. Be More Affectionate With Your Partner

You may not feel the passion that you once did at the beginning of your dating. However, you both can still maintain affection for each other. Do things unexpectedly, like kiss hands, hug each other, hold hands, and say good night and good morning.

13. Learn Your Partner’s Stress Pattern

Every person feels stress about something. If you learn what things can negatively impact your partner’s mood, you can try to avoid doing them. Plus, if there is something that you don’t like and feel stressed about, make sure to tell your partner about it. You both can stop doing things that can be stressful for each other.

Bottom Line

Maintaining a good relationship is not that easy. You need to think about your needs as well as the desires of your partner. When you have a relationship that is fulfilling for both of you, you both will feel more attraction and affection towards each other.

Categories
Health & Home Recreation & Leisure

Adult Snow Day? 5 Dreamy Ways to Spend It

Adult Snow Days

As a child, we all love snow days and tried to enjoy those moments to the fullest. Whether we were with friends in the backyard or with our families, it was always a day to remember. As we grow old, we become less fascinated by snow days. Obviously, you cannot ride a sled like you used to with your childhood friends or make a snowman. However, you can do some adult snow day activities at your home to make these days enjoyable. Here are six dreamy ways to spend an adult snow day:

1.     Enjoy with your Family

If you think you’re too old for snowball fights and sledding, then spending time with your family is your best bet. You can cook their favorite food and throw a dinner party, play board, or even card games. Make it a competition and challenge your family members for a set of games. Work and responsibilities can keep you a little distant from your family. But you can avail this snow day opportunity and gather some precious memories.

2.     Start a New Book

Do you have a book recommendation from your friend but didn’t get enough time to read it? Then this is the best time to enjoy reading a new book by the fire. You should grab a coffee and some snacks while making yourself comfortable on the couch. Watching the snowfall through the window on your cozy couch makes you feel relaxed and stress-free.

3.     Take a Trip on the Netflix Train

No matter if you are alone or have some company, Netflix will always keep you entertained throughout the snow day. Hit your couch, grab some popcorn, and tune into your Netflix account. Netflix night is perfect when you are too lazy to play games or have a party.

4.     Throw a Snow Cone Party

Everyone loves snow cones when they are a kid. You can enjoy snow cones as an adult with some booze and your adult friends. Topping them with some berries, and alcohol will make the winter tolerable and fun. You can use canned fruits as well if you couldn’t find fresh ones.

5.     Meditation Course

You can also relax on a snow day by taking off and meditate. Numerous applications and YouTube videos are available to fill your day with mindfulness. If you were looking forward to meditating but couldn’t make the time, a snowy day can be a great opportunity.

6.     Act Like a Child

A snow day is perfect for reliving your childhood. Wear your snow clothes and romp around your home. This can be a bit messy, but your inner child won’t mind that. You can make snow angels and build snowmen.

Conclusion

When Jack Frost is at your doorstep, and you don’t know how to spend the time, try these fun snow day activities. These dreamy ways to enjoy the day will make your day much more enjoyable and memorable. You can sit by the fireplace and enjoy hot cocoa or run outside and relive your childhood.

Categories
Career Career & Education

7 Things You Can Do for Your Career

Career Work From Home

With the recent pandemic, millions of people have now found themselves home much more than they have in the recent past. Many of us don’t mind the additional comfort and decreased anxiety of pursuing our career from home, particularly when you get to see your spouse, child, or even your dog much more than before.

But to many people, the extended lockdowns and remote work have also felt like they were delaying or stagnating their career. Others were in constant fear or anxiety of the possibility of being laid off entirely. The numbers of those in fear grow each day that the economy becomes more volatile.

Even if you aren’t worried about job security, you probably still have pressures from remote working challenges, lack of networking opportunities, and the cancellation of many industry events like conferences and expos.

It can be frustrating in different ways for all of us. But we’ve also redefined how we work and collaborate using technology, so this also brings us opportunities. Here are some great ideas on preventing stagnation and malaise in your career while you’re stuck at home.

1.   Update And Stay Current

Have you even logged into your LinkedIn account this year? Take a day to update your resume and LinkedIn profile, making sure you pull old info and update with new. Don’t forget to highlight new career accomplishments!

2.   Continue Your Education

Learn something new. Another language, programming, an art skill, or any number of random things. There are a number of websites that offer micro-degrees or other structured courses that you can use to break up the time. Some may even add value to your skillset that you can leverage for more pay at work.

3.   Maintain Networking Connections And Bonds For Your Career

Just because you can’t hit happy hour and shake some hands, or attend the yearly industry events doesn’t mean you can’t keep networking. Communicate with your work contacts, especially ones you may have neglected recently, and see how they’re doing. Maybe set up a zoom coffee so you can chat.

4.   Start A New Project Outside of Work

Kick-off a new side-hustle outside of work, tweak your personal brand or even start a new blog, book, or website. Original content is valuable, particularly with the rise of NFTs.

5.   Get A Jump On Busywork

We spend an average of one day out of every five to six, simply researching our information and setting up documents. Take some time to cook up a few templates, references, or cheat sheet resources to help you save time down the road when you are at work.

6.   Volunteer For A Project That Scares You At Work

It doesn’t literally have to scare you but step out of your comfort zone, that’s not where growth happens. You’ll not only help your team and organization, but you may even inspire some enthusiasm.

7.   Crack A Book

We’ve got a lot of free time lately, which many of us are using to get some great information from experts. Many experts have written books about subjects that are incredibly important to your field or industry. Find one or two, and make it a point to read them over a month or so.