If you are looking for a new skill to master or simply just want to live a more comfortable life, we’ve got you covered. Here is a random list of skills that you can learn to make your life a bit better.
Learn how to speed read
How much more work could you accomplish if you were able to complete all your required reading in one-third of the time? Or even half the time? Speed reading is basically learning to understand the fundamental principles of the human visual system, allowing you to eliminate inefficiencies in your reading and increase the speed at which you read while also improving your retention ability. If you have to skim across news, terms, and conditions for a software or a giant email speed reading can help navigate through them faster. Download speed reading apps like Spreed and Outread to get started.
Get creative with humor writing
Essential tests
Many of us don’t know this but humor writing is a skill that can be learnt and people have been doing it for a long time. There’s a reason why most public speakers open their talks with a joke. When you get people laughing, you make a connection with your audience. The simplest trick in the book is “stating the obvious”. What’s something so absurdly evident that no one has seemed to notice? Talk about that. One example is Bryan Allain saying “When you think about it, a spoon is really just a tiny bowl with a handle.” Just like this, there are many other tricks you can use to make your writing or speaking more engaging and funny. Books like “How to Write Funny” and “And Here’s the Kicker” can let you in on the process of being the wittiest person in your friend circle.
Learn the Heimlich Maneuver
Choking on food is actually very dangerous and it can be fatal if the food remains lodged in the person’s windpipe. Knowing how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver can help save life. However, not many of us know the trick (no, just patting their backs and asking them to look up will not do anything). The technique is simple, and any- one can learn it with a little bit of practice. First, stand behind the person and place your one foot slightly in front of the other for balance. Second, make a fist with one hand and grasp the fist with the other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust and perform between six and 10 abdominal thrusts until the blockage is dislodged.
Look up self-defense moves
Nothing feels better than being confident that you can take care of yourself, whether it is mentally, financially, or physically. Being able to physically protect yourself in all situations is a reassurance that can only be gained through self-defense classes. While many people automatically think about women and children when they think about self-defense, it’s really a skill for everyone. There are several videos on YouTube and other media platforms that teach the basics of self-defense like the hammer strike, heel palm strike, escaping a bear hug attack which can help you in times of danger. Moreover, don’t forget to practice these techniques regularly to get better at it.
Master the art of packing well
Packing a suitcase is always a challenge. No matter how light you decide to pack, there is never enough space. That ends here. First, layout everything you’re thinking of bringing, then eliminate a third of it. Shoes go first: Stuff underwear and socks inside, then pop the shoes into the suitcase heel to toe. Pack the space between them with soft items like T-shirts (roll them if you have to). Next, layer bulkier items like jeans and dresses by putting each item half in, half out of the suitcase, alternating sides; then, fold the parts outside the suitcase back into the suitcase. The next layer is a bag for your dirty clothes, over which you’ll pack items like toiletries and books. Minus a few adjustments according to your travel need, by following this process, your suitcase should look all neat and organized. Learning to pack well can help you store things properly as well, especially when you are transitioning from winter to summer.
Practice Tai Chi
Tai chi, short for Tàijí quán, is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for defense training as well as its health benefits. It’s also a form of meditation. Learning Tai Chi is great for your body and mind. This practice can help alleviate natural health conditions that come along with aging and encourage people of all ages to relax and let go of nervous tension. The main benefit of Tai Chi is its ability to mitigate the effects of stress. You can find out more about this healthy form of exercise online and practice it daily as a part of your workout routine. Doing so reduces stress, builds confidence, imparts grace and strength, helps you live longer and helps your mind reach a state of clarity.
Understand the basics of aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses fragrant plants to create a sense of both psychological and physical well-being. Aromatherapists are experts who understand the exact blends, amounts, mixtures, and application methods to achieve the desired effects for their clients. With a little research and practice, you can practice aromatherapy at home all by yourself. Aromatherapy not only includes simple skills of using these relaxing and wonderful smelling oils to get your own personal spa experience, but you can learn the process of making your own collection of spa essentials like soap, perfume, body scrubs, and scented oils. Books like “The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy” and “The Fragrant Mind” can help you further refine this skill.
