Tom Haskins has come up with four distinct types of blog writers and where their motivations lie. It’s interesting to read since a blogger, or any writer really, must keep in mind who he is writing for. And the kind of blog you write dictates that. Distraction blogging: Sometimes our motives are purely self indulgent. “It’s all about me”. We are inherently narcissistic and alarming to the observers of social media....

But a change to your body doesn’t have to involve significant surgical risk. There are an increasing variety of minimally invasive or surgery-free procedures and beauty treatments available for patients interested in improving their appearance without going under the knife. Procedures ranging from skin treatments to laser resurfacing to injections. Although the effects of minimally invasive procedures typically take longer or are less dramatic, they’re often better suited to a more natural appearance for patients who don’t want their procedures to be visibly obvious....

The following infographic explains some of the biggest blogging mistakes newbies make when creating their first blog. Some beginning bloggers are too enthusiastic from the get-go, leading to immediate burnout. Others are much too passive, and fail to get their blog noticed by, well…anyone. Still, others don’t do the research and preparation needed to consistently produce epic content day after day. Anyone who has begun taking their blogging seriously will tell you being a great writer isn’t enough....

In a 2012 survey by home décor company Anna’s Linens, they found that 74% of American’s sleep on their side, compared to 16% who slept on their stomachs, and finally 10% who preferred the absolute madness that is sleeping on their back. But which is better for you? The Huffington Post has found the pro’s and con’s of all three of the most popular sleeping positions, so we can see which one’s are more likely to benefit us....

This month we covered a wide range of topics here at Lifehack (as we do), as well as launched a couple of new initiatives in Lifehack Lessons and Lifehack Quotes. It’s been a busy month here and as we head into the latter half of the year we’ll keep bringing you the great content you expect from Lifehack. Now, let’s check out The Best of Lifehack – July 2012:...

January Gift Cards: everyone are trading their unwanted cards at this time of year for cash. Clothing: after the holidays there are mad sales going on in stores. Furniture: since most companies release new products in August and February, they will be making a general clearance in January. Broadway tickets: after slower months in winter and fall, Broadway offers discounts in January. February Televisions and Home Theaters: it will be great to snatch a good deal before the pre-Super Bowl sales....

I happen to think there is a lot of truth in that myth, however, Penolope’s argument that there is more importance in a positive attitude towards any work and good relationships in your personal life. The Nine Biggest Myths of the Workplace by Penelope Trunk – [HowToChangeTheWorld]

It’s no secret I am a fan of online word processors — computing in the cloud is just the thing for a guy like me who (I’m told) is apt to find his head in the clouds as well. I’m writing this on Google Docs, and have made no secret of my love for Adobe’s Buzzword (which unfortunately seems to have some issues on the computer I’m using right now)....

For this research study, Bartlett recited a Native American folk tale called The War of the Ghosts to each participant. Then, Bartlett followed up with each person several times over the following year and asked them to tell the story back to him. As you might expect, the story shortened over time as participants forgot certain details. What wasn’t expected, however, was that each person adapted the story to fit their expectations of a “normal” world....

Designed much like earbuds, The Dash is the world’s first smart headphones. These wireless smart in ear headphones include a 4GB integrated music player, which can hold approximately 1,000 songs. If that’s not enough, they also include body sensors which makes them the ultimate fitness tracker. They can track workout performances and body vitals like heart rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature and calories burned. The Dash is also water resistant and fits securely in your ear (three sizes available) so no matter what you’re doing, you won’t lose them....

After all, these projects are your babies; their success — or failure — ultimately lies with you. People, be it your employers, colleagues, friends or family are counting on you to take this on and emerge triumphant. When the pressure is on like this, most of us have fallen victim at one time or another to the belief that doing everything ourselves is the best option. Yet by enlisting the help of others and putting your absolute faith in them, you’ll achieve much more than you ever could on your own....

The list can go on and on. But, that’s what life’s all about. The ups and the downs, just like a roller coaster ride. And even though it doesn’t seem like it now, things will get better. You’ll find happiness again. In fact, there are some things you can do to start feeling happier sooner. “Change is the only constant in life.” – Heraclitus An important life lesson that Buddhism teaches us to hold on to is that life is constantly changing....

People are constantly taking the easy road in life: it’s less risky, it doesn’t involve a lot of effort and it’s comfortable. Change requires you to step out of your comfort zone and into the unknown. You have to change yourself, your surroundings even your habits. Everyone has those moments in life where you look at where you are and the things you’ve done to get there; as a result, you’ll either be proud or disappointed....

There’s a reason why essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil are making a resurgence in popularity. People who are dissatisfied with common, modern medical practices are taking a more natural stance and discovering that remedies like essential oils can deliver the healing benefits they need without the side effects of medications. What are the benefits of lavender essential oil? Lavender’s distinct colorful flowers and floral scent make it easily recognizable for most people....

This one from Tejvan Pettinger for PickTheBrain.com covers the benefits of meditating regularly and how to get into it as a beginner. Even on the most basic level, meditation is beneficial. The best idea, I think, is not to think of it as religious or spiritual, but rather use it for contemplation and relaxation. 4 Powerful Reasons to Meditate and How To Get Started – [PickTheBrain]

Email is nice; a personal card is better– It’s really easy to send email. I just sent a thank-you that way, and that’s what prompted me to post this. And yet, looking back, I think it’s much nicer to send along a physical card. A personal note written by your own hand inside matters far more than a few lines of type into a window that’s so easily available at your fingertips....

Judy is a nationally syndicated health columnist who has won more than 50 journalism awards. She received a Master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and was a Fellow in Medical Ethics at Harvard Medical School. Judy is also author of A Nation in Pain: Healing our Biggest Health Problem and The Global Pain Crisis: What Everyone Needs to Know. Her newest book Exercise is Medicine: How Physical Activity Boosts Health and Slows Aging debunks some common myths about aging and shows that it is possible to reverse the effects we often think of as inevitable....

Personally, I found the making of this pauper’s delicassie to be a rather excellent example of how to effectively manage a “project” (in the GTD sense, a set of two or more physical actions which produce a well-defined outcome). Here are a few tips to illustrate what I mean more clearly: Know your outcome – A bit overly simplistic when talking about Mac n’ Cheese, but something that’s often overlooked when planning a project....