15 Tricks That Will Help You Keep Awake Today If You Haven’t Got Enough Sleep

While it's fun to party all night, the compulsion of surviving the entire following day at work can be a pain in the ass. So just like there are some tricks you can use to avoid the heavy hangover from the previous night, there are some ways by which you can also ensure that the next day of work remains productive even after your rocking night.

These few tips will ensure you're up and about at work, and that at the end of the day, your boss has no complaints!

1. Eat a good breakfast

When you haven't slept, your body can capitalise on all the energy you have in store. And breakfast goes a long way to make you feel alright - after all it is the most important meal of the day. A good breakfast with eggs, cornflakes, milk/ juice and some fruits will make sure that you're up and alert after an under slept night. You may also add some greens.

Source: Heatlhfore

2. Keep binging on protein snacks and nuts

Don't eat huge meals, but don't skip them either. While you avoid the starch and the fats, make sure you have protein bars handy. Carry around snacks or foods that are high in protein, such as almonds or cashews - these tiny meals can prove to be a great source of energy on a tired day.

3. Chew gum

Mint helps you stay up. Sucking on a mint or a gum will also keep you're mouth alert thus reduce sleepiness. You can also sniff some peppermint oil to wake up your senses.

4. Coffee works wonders

This trick is as true as the saying 'old is gold'. Frequenting coffee on a sleep derived day will keep you alert. Just like when you're studying for your tests - the extra doses of caffeine ensure that you get through the day without dozing off.

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5. Apples work better

Not only the doctor, apples can even help keeping drowsiness away. The crunch and the the lingering scent wakes you up. Moreover, it also serves to be a constant source of glucose to your body - giving you energy that makes up for the loss of sleep. It is said to work even better than coffee!

6. Start a conversation to feel alert

When you just cant stay up any longer, take your mind off work. Talk to a fellow colleague - get into an intense discussion and feel your sleepiness vanish! Taking to someone will keep your mind awake, no matter how tired your body might feel.

7. Turn up the lights

With the lights off, your eyes feel relaxed. Since you're low on energy with sleep being about the primary thing on your mind, you're most likely to doze off in dim lights. Turn up the lights to stay alert. Even looking at bright colours can activate the receptors in your brain that alert you to stay awake.

8. Rest your eyes

Looking and concentrating on screens particularly strains eyes, especially on under slept days. Look away from the screen periodically to relax your eyes and get back to work.

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9. Take a breather

Deep breathing raises oxygen levels in your body. This slows your heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and improves circulation, ultimately not only helping you to stay up but also aiding mental performance and energy. 

10. Switch tasks

Don't let your work get monotonous especially on a day after a sleepless night. In 2004, Finnish researchers who studied people working 12-hour night shifts found that monotonous work is as harmful as sleep loss for alertness. Switch to more engaging work when you feel like dozing off.

11. Drink water

Dehydration can cause fatigue. It can prove to be a real killer when you're tired and under slept. Make sure you keep drinking water to wear off the weariness and reduce the number of yawns.

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12. Walk around in the sun

Step outside in the sun to revive your senses. Taking a walk in sunlight not only helps you feel more awake but also gives you the much needed break on a tired day.

13. Turn up the music

If your work place allows some music, play peppy upbeat numbers that keep you going to stay up. Otherwise, what are those earphones for?

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14. Exercise to feel alert

Light exercise always makes you feel more alive and active. But make sure you don't overdo it. Stretch, roll your neck and shoulders and gently pull down your earlobes. Splash water on your face after and you're good to go for the next few hours.

15. Take a power nap

If nothing else works, take a nap. “Nap between five and 25 minutes,” says Barry Krakow, MD, author of Sound Sleep, Sound Mind: Seven Keys to Sleeping Through the Night. Just find a comfortable spot and doze off for a bit. Your day will feel a hole lot livelier after.

And finally, get on track. 

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Though these tricks help you, sleep is important for your system. Make sure you get enough sleep after so that you don't fall sick. These tricks can help you out of situations, but the smartest way out is not to get in the situation in the first place. After all developing a good sleep cycle and a healthy lifestyle is the best hack!

14 Little Habits That'll Make Your Life A Lot Happier

Stuck in a corporate rut? Sick to death with the monotony of your surroundings? These little lifestyle habits are simple to adopt and will really change the way you sail your boat.

1. Sleep should be right on top of  your priority list.

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Proper sleep can do wonders to your life. In fact, it has been scientifically proven that 8 hours of sleep is a must for the human body and a lack of sleep leads to stress and anxiety. Your days will become more productive with a consistent sleep pattern.

2. A hot water bath

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This is the best way to relax your body. It washes your worries temporarily and helps bring a better thought process.

3. Take out some ‘you’ time.

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Every day, make it a point to spend some time with yourself. You can have a walk, sit in a silent corner or take yourself out for lunch or coffee. It really works and helps you introspect better. 

4. Maintain a journal

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Write down anything and everything. Studies have shown that writing is the best way to vent. On the other hand, you can also maintain a happy journal wherein you can make note of the good things that have happened to you. Re-visiting these diaries will definitely make you happier.

5. Light a candle

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Switch off the lights and light candles. Try lighting scented candles - they bring a sense of calm and can help you relax at the end of a tiring day.

6. Give a lot of hugs

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If you think this is inspired from Munna Bhai MBBS then you are absolutely right. We believe in Jaddu ki Jhappis. Apparently a lot of skin contact releases oxytocin which makes your mood better.

7. Walk around your work place

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By walk, we don’t mean working out. Just one quick round around the office complex at any random time of the day can elevate your energy. It can enable your mind to think better. If you feel bored at work, this is what you should do.

8. Drink lots and lots of water

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Your body needs it more than you think it does.

9. Buy flowers for yourself

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Not for anyone else, but yourself. Flowers bring a lot of positivity.

10. Clean your room

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You’ll be surprised at how relaxing cleaning can be. Some studies say that cleaning actually helps you sort your mind and wipes away unnecessary thoughts.

11. Watch an old favourite movie

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A movie marathon or even replaying your favourite scene can really change your mood. Try it right away.

12. Turn your surroundings into your comfort place

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Buy funky bed sheets, get a bulletin board or make a reading corner for yourself. Define a place in your house that is your feel-good space. This is the best gift you can give yourself.  

13. Make everything yellow

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Yellow is the colour of sunshine, new beginnings and freshness. Paint yourself a yellow corner or just buy a cute yellow coloured teddy bear. Winnie The Pooh is a great start!

14. Reread a children’s book.

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Re-reading a book that you read while growing up is really a treat. You take a lot more from it than you did in your teenage years. Instant happiness!

Top 10 Places to Travel Before You Die

Life is short. Too much of life is spent grinding through monotonous daily obligations, and too little time is spent on things that count like family, friends, and making valuable memories. As esteemed author and businessman Harvey Mackay put it: “Life is too short to wake up with regrets… If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it.”

What better way to make the most of life then travel? The world’s wonders are too vast to see everything in one lifetime, but if you are looking to spice things up and see some of earth’s finest landmarks, you can start by knocking a couple off this list. Spanning the globe from Italy to Oregon, these 10 places will slow your heart-rate, reduce your stress, and most importantly, put a smile on your face. Here are 10 places you must see before you die, because life is just too dang short not to live.

10. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Quite possibly the most beautiful metropolis in the world, Rio De Janeiro intertwines the beauty of the natural world with the tempo of an urban metropolis, housing more than 6.3 million people. Here, you take in one of South America’s finest beauties on the crest of Guanabara Bay and the South Atlantic Ocean, while still embracing the festive and vibrant nightlife of Brazil’s second-largest city. If you plan on visiting this beautiful location, make sure to time your stay with Rio’s annual Carnival, the world famous festival that drapes the city with lights, music, dancing and joy. Also, don’t miss the “Christ the Redeemer” statue perched 700 meters atop Corcovado Mountain looking out over the city. If you’re planning a trip to Rio in June this year, you’ll also want to check out a soccer match in one of the 2014 World Cup’s host cities.

9. Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon

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If you live in America, chances are you don’t have to travel very far for a beautiful getaway. Take the Pacific Northwest for example, where mountains, ocean, and lush forests all collide. Nothing illustrates the beauty of the Pacific Northwest than the verdant surroundings of Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon. Experience the beauty and serenity of Mount Hood – one of the highest peaks in the Cascade Mountain Range. Take a hike through majestic pines and scenic trails to Mirror Lake, pitch a tent, and relax in one of nature’s finest displays.

8. Blue Lagoon, Iceland

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Nothing says relaxation like a natural spa. Located in the remote city of Girdavik, Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is both a feat of nature and of man. After originally acting as an overflow pool for the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station, the six million liters of seawater are heated naturally over a lava bed located 2,000 meters underneath. As one of the world’s most popular hot springs, Blue Lagoon offers visitors an otherworldly spa experience with its mineral-rich mud and 100-degree enriched waters. Set on a serene backdrop of rolling hills and even the Northern Lights on some occasions, Blue Lagoon has proven its worth as one of the most relaxing and revitalizing destinations on Earth.

7. Cairo, Egypt

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Prepare to be truly struck by awe if you make the trip to Cairo, Egypt. As the 18th largest city in the world, Cairo is both a standing artifact of a past world, while still embracing a modern aura. Cairo’s main attraction is – of course – the Great Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, the lone survivor of the original Seven Wonders of the World. Book a hotel on the bed of the Nile River – the same place where the earliest civilizations first settled. Also, travelers are welcome to take a tour of Cairo’s surroundings by way of camel; the same means of travel used thousands of years ago.

While Cairo is a must-see location, you may want to wait a while before booking that flight. The U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert for several regions in Egypt due to high conflict in the area.

6. Key West, Florida

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Key West, Florida is truly paradise on Earth. As the southern-most point of the continental U.S, nothing but crystal-clear water surrounds this beautiful city on the Gulf of Mexico. Key West is a place where worries and stress are as distant as 40-degree weather. Visitors can go snorkeling with dolphins, ride the surf, or simply hang out and enjoy the ivory white sand on the miles of beach. Oh, and while you’re at it, make sure you grab an extra large margarita in this utopic city. It is, after all, the inspiration for Jimmy Buffet’s famous song, “Margaritaville.”

5. Cinque Terre, Italy

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Located in northern Italy – inconspicuously tucked between Pisa and Genoa – Cinque Terre is the crown jewel of Italy’s many charming, picturesque towns. Perched atop cliffs looking over the Mediterranean, this town is – as traveler Rick Stevens puts it – “pure, unadulterated Italy.”

With no cars or traffic to speak of, this tourist hot spot is now technically a park in order to preserve its charm. Visitors must pay a small fee to walk the trails that weave in and out of Cinque Terra’s unique and vibrant houses strung along narrow, windy paths. Grab a glass of Cinque Terra’s finest dessert wine while enjoying a sunset over the Mediterranean Sea and feel your cares vanish in this quintessential Italian town.

4. Mount Fuji, Japan

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Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest peak, and also one of its most sacred locations. The popular spot for artists, tourists, and locals alike makes for an incredible spectacle. The perfectly symmetrical snow-topped volcano is perched before Lake Kawaguchi, making up one of the world’s most recognizable natural destinations. Embrace the culture and cuisine of Japan in the country’s most traveled region. Just a short trip away from Tokyo, Mount Fuji encompasses appeal for nature seekers and city travelers alike. There may be no prettier time to visit Mount Fuji than in the springtime, when cherry blossom trees are in full bloom around the Fuji Five Lakes. Also, make sure to check out one of the many surrounding shrines to experience amazing architecture and a sacred cultural experience.

3. Santorini, Greece

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Take a trip back in time to Santorini, Greece – one of the most beautiful and unique towns in the world. Perched along a cliff of volcanic rock, Santorini is what remains of one of the largest volcanic eruptions on record – occurring some 3,600 years ago. The cube-like houses are whitewashed with volcanic ash and limestone, giving them a distinct pearly color. The beauty of Santorini lies within its simplicity. It is just that: simply beautiful. When in Santorini, sample some of the Europe’s finest wines and breathe in the salty air while enjoying the view of the vast Aegean Sea and its surrounding islands.

2. Wengen, Switzerland

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Tired of the hustle and bustle of urban living? Tired of hour-long commutes into work? Want to just get away from it all? Wengen, Switzerland is the place for you.

Firstly, cars of any kind have been banned for more than 100 years. The town is tucked away between alpine mountains and lush, grassy hills in every direction, while the air is crisp and clean, un-polluted by the diesel and muck of a city. Perched in the heart of the Alps, the popular tourist spot also has some of the world’s finest ski slopes.

1. Kauai, Hawaii

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If there were a heaven on Earth, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful location than Kauai, Hawaii. Nicknamed the Garden Island, Kauai is literally covered in green. While each of Hawaii’s eight islands is stunning, Kauai takes the cake. It is the oldest of Hawaii’s islands, and also it’s most north most island. Along with the scenic tropical coastline, Kauai also houses geologic spectacles like the cliffs along the Napali and the Waimea Canyon in the heart of the island. If simply relaxing in the tropical Hawaiian sun isn’t enough, travel through the high hills of Kauai in style. Travelers can take a hike to see the Kauai’s highest peak, zip-line through the trees, or even go mountain tubing down the scenic Wailua River. Also, make sure to grab a snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters surrounding the island and teeming with tropical fish.

15 Things to do Every Morning to Be Successful 

I always found mornings or say early mornings extremely lazy . i read books about getting up early and posts and tried out several other things to get and finally succeeded , but after getting up? i always thought what now? I started researching a little more . After that, I started taking notice of successful people I know, and how they utilize the morning hours each day. What I found were all common things to do every morning that I’ve started implementing in my own life, and you know what? I already feel more productive and am accomplishing more each day too! Some of these may seem daunting, but after one month, I can tell you they aren’t that hard and they really do work! Check them out and then share your tips with me!

1. GET UP EARLIER

This is one of the hardest, but best things to do every morning if you want to be successful. If you already get up early, as in around 5 a.m. or 5:30 a.m., then don’t worry; I’m not talking to you since you're already on top of the game! I’m speaking to those of you who get up around 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. like I used to. I worked a second shift job, so getting up any earlier was out of the question for me. Luckily, now that I work at home, I’m able to get up whenever I choose. If you have this option to get up early before your job each day, do it! I get more done in the early hours of the day and have less distractions. Each morning, the alarm goes off at 5 a.m., and I’m working out by 5:30 a.m. and eating breakfast by 7:00 a.m. or 7:30 a.m. This is especially a great tool if you want to get more done each day. It is reported that most successful people, even President Obama himself, get up at 4:30 a.m or 5 a.m.. each day. Now ladies, if the President himself can find the time, surely we all can!

2. WORK OUT

Yes, along with getting up early, I’m asking you to get your booty moving in high gear too! I already made working out a habit, but didn't do it as early in the morning as I am now. If you're new to working out, I probably sound like a drill sergeant, but hear me out. Highly successful people have this number one habit in common. They get up early and work out to get their day started. This isn’t only important for physical fitness, but also important for your mental focus, function and your metabolism. It is a great way to take time for yourself each day, before the day’s agenda takes its toll on your energy levels. It is also a great way to motivate yourself and has been proven to increase mental function and concentration to everyone who does it. Start by working out for 30 minutes each morning, whether it be a walk around your neighborhood or local park, and then add 10 minutes of stretching, weights or a few yoga poses. Then, increase this time to 45 minutes or an hour if you can, and add weight training or extra cardio. Be sure to stretch regularly after each session to enhance your flexibility too.

3. EAT BREAKFAST

We all know breakfast is important, but did you know that all successful people make sure not to skip this important meal? Oh, and if you’re wondering, a massive bowl of sugary cereal is not considered breakfast here, girls, nor is a leftover piece of last night’s pizza. I’m talking about a good, solid breakfast to get you energized and nourished for the day ahead. This is the best little gift you can give your brain and your metabolism. Don’t eat too early if you’ve had a late dinner, but be sure to eat something at least a couple hours after you get up. Since I wake up at 5 a.m., I’m not in the mood to sit down and eat first thing. It actually helps me wake up to get up and move first thing, so I choose to work out first. Then, I refuel afterwards and I feel great all day long. In fact, I am much more capable of focusing on the tasks the rest of the day by fueling up first thing. Choose a protein rich breakfast such as eggs, a whole foods protein smoothie or shake, oatmeal with some nuts, seeds and Greek yogurt, or even Greek yogurt with some berries and nuts or seeds. Protein is important to jump start the neurotransmitters in the brain that enhance mental function. All successful people know how important mental function is in generating ideas, accomplishing tasks efficiently, and increasing motivation for the day ahead. Plus, not eating breakfast can make you cranky, so do everyone else a favor, dear, and eat before you start your day!

4. ENJOY SOME QUIET TIME

One reason getting up early is so great is because it gives you some quiet time each day. If you live in a crowded home like I do, you know that it can be hard to get some peace in the morning if the dogs are all over the house, people are making noise getting ready, or are just talking throughout the house. If you have kids, I know you understand what I mean. Getting up early, exercising and even eating breakfast alone are great ways to take some time for yourself each morning. When you do this, you’re allowing your brain to just focus on you, your day ahead, things you would like to do during the day, things you would like to get accomplished, or even how you can help others throughout the day. If it helps, write in a journal each morning for 5 or 10 minutes. It makes you a more peaceful, productive person, and a happier person to be around. Whatever you can squeeze in, start adding some morning quiet time to your routine. You’ll become addicted quite quickly, I’m sure, and it may be the extra incentive you need to set that alarm clock early!

5. BE ORGANIZED

One other thing that highly successful people have in common is that they are very organized when it comes to their morning routine. This means having your clothes prepared for the day ahead, your lunches or other meals gathered up if you work away from home, keeping all your work bags together, and even keeping your room organized. Don’t leave your bed unmade, clothes all over the floor and your bathroom a train wreck. Every time you do, these visual cues send teeny tiny signs of stress to your brain, and can make you feel chaotic, even if you’re not. Be organized, and you’ll feel more together, more on top of your game and ready for the day ahead. Coming from a slob turned neat freak, I’m here to tell you- it works!

6. LEAVE YESTERDAY BEHIND

One really important thing you must do every morning is not to get up regretting yesterday’s choices, decisions, losses, etc. If you didn’t get a promotion at work you were hoping for, are having a tiff with a friend, or your boss said something that upset you, you must leave it in the past. If you were in the wrong, be sure you apologize, but otherwise you need to leave what is behind you alone and focus on today. Every successful person approaches the new day ahead with a new attitude, positive outlook and with a plan, not a regret. You cannot change what is past, but having the right outlook for the day ahead will give you the ability to make today better.

7. BE CONFIDENT

One really simple thing I have found that works very well is to give yourself a pep talk each morning. Okay, I don’t really talk to myself out loud each day, but if you want to, go for it! I do give myself a mental pep talk each morning though, telling myself that I have everything it takes to get through this day, accomplish what is needed, and be open to new ideas and possibilities that can enhance my life, or other lives around me. Be prepared for any situation by giving yourself a confidence boost each morning. This gets you motivated and makes you more confident to the world around you. It can even help to dress in an outfit that makes you feel great, wear your favorite hairstyle, eat a healthy breakfast, etc. Doing anything that makes you feel more confident is a great way to start the day. I also like reading an inspirational passage or quote each morning, which gives me something positive to focus on first thing.

8. PLAN YOUR DAY

The best way to have a successful morning is by mapping out your day. This means focusing on your to-do list and goals for the next 24 hours. The only way you can maximize your efficiency for the day is by knowing the exact order of things that need to be done. The early part of the day is best for reflection because your mind is clear and your environment is quiet. So from the second you wake up, plan your daily routine in your head or write it down and then go on with your day knowing you got it all figured out!

9. TRACK YOUR TIME

While planning your to-do list, it is also important to keep a time frame in mind. After all there are only 24 hours in a day and yet there are so many things that need to be done. Make sure to assign an appropriate number of hours for each task so you can properly space out everything and not run out of time. Be sure to remember to schedule in some quiet time for relaxation and healthy meals to take care of yourself and avoid stress.

10. GO OUTSIDE

Nothings feels better than walking the empty streets early in the morning when the air is fresh and the atmosphere is calm and serene. If you can squeeze some time outside early in the morning, walk your dog or just go for a morning coffee around the corner. Not only can this be a good start to your exercise but you’ll also be able to inhale fresh air for a proper start of the day.

11. READ

Whether you want to catch up on morning news, check your email or quickly get through a chapter of your favorite book, reading is a great way to get your brain working in the morning. Reading is calming and it can boost your alertness by engaging you in the plot or subject It’s important to start your day not only by exercising your body but also working out your brain!

12. PAMPER YOURSELF

There is no better way to start your day then by pampering yourself. You get out of bed, cleanse your face, and apply moisturizer, and all of a sudden you feel more awake and ready to take on the day! We take on the extra steps to put on make up and coordinate an outfit because those things make us feel alert and ready to get things done.

13. DON'T PROCRASTINATE

Waking up late and laying in bed hours after might feel good in the moment, but later on you tend to regret it because you feel like you wasted your time. Without realizing it, it’s already noon and you haven’t done anything productive. Procrastination never feels good so in order to be successful avoid that evil voice in your head that tells you to lay in bed or surf the web for five more minutes!

14. PRIORITIZE

Avoiding procrastination and planning your day is one step closer to success but those things don’t matter if you don’t prioritize your tasks. Your schedule might be packed with too many things to do, so it’s important to put more valuable tasks beforehand no matter how arduous they seem. Don’t put off important things until the end because you might end up not doing them at all and you've spent the day only doing extraneous work.

15. THINK!

If the morning is the only quiet time your get for yourself, this might be the perfect time for you to just think. We often overlook mental health and neglect it, which is why we should work on our mental stability whenever we can. Take a chunk of your morning routine to focus on positive thinking and maybe even spend some time in meditation. It will help you focus on what is important and avoid inconsequential stress.

Each of us have this precious time between the hours we get up and the hours we start our work to be more positive, more productive and more successful. If all this isn’t enough, I’ve found each of these things will make you happier too! What is your favorite tip for being successful?