· Knowledge & Reading
Engaging your brain, regardless of the subject you choose, not only expands your knowledge base but also adjusts your perspective. You will find value in things you never gave thought to before. You will stop allowing meaningless stressors to affect you. The five sites that follow can provide a perfect starting point for anyone looking to use the space between their ears.
1. http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page
Project Gutenberg is a site that allows you to download over 33,000 free, high quality books to read on your PC or portable device. There is no fee or registration required. Their books are free in the US because their copyright has expired, but they may not be free of copyright in other countries.
The Browser is a place to go for recommendations regarding articles, interviews and books if you are even a little curious about any intellectual topic. The recommendations made by The Browser are made by humans (recognized experts). The Browser is not a news website, although some of the writing they post related to current affairs.
Good Reads is the largest social network for readers in the world. The site has more than 4,500,000 members who recommend books, compare what they are reading, keep track of what they’ve read and would like to read, form book clubs etc…
4. http://www.polyglotproject.com
Polyglot Project’s goal is to help you get fluent in whatever language you want to learn. They attempt this by exposing you to that language in its native form. The site has a database of foreign literature for you to read from. The nice thing about the site is that it features an integrated translator that helps you with words you don’t know as you read.
Teach yourself to speed read with this FREE web application by simply copying text into the app and pressing play. It takes a little getting used to but, when you begin to see results, you’ll be thankful you did it.
· Hobbies
I don’t know if idle hands do the devil’s work; but I do know that they are an unfortunate waste of a priceless resource. Often, people are stagnant because they don’t know what to try or how to get started. Choose one activity, hobby, or club and try it. If you enjoy it, continue. If not, move on. The days will stop blending together.
1. http://www.instructables.com
Instructables is a place to learn new things. From cooking to quilting to building your own robot; they have a ton of videos that will guide you through the process. The site is free but they do have a pro version. You can also post your own videos and enter themed contests.
2. http://www.discoverahobby.com/index.htm
Discover a Hobby will provide you with all the information you need to get started in a new hobby. Choose from activities that range from Paragliding to crochet. Breaking into new hobbies can be intimidating for several reasons. This site will help you overcome that initial hump.
· Environmental Improvement
Whether you care about the environment or not, you belong to at least one community. Why not help your fellow community members maintain the only place we have to live.
Tree Hugger is a, “one-stop shop for green news, solutions, and product information.” If you have questions about environmentalism from any perspective, this is your go-to source. You will have free access to their blogs, interviews, videos, articles, newsletters, and much more.
· Travel
Get out of your house! Go see the world. I promise, when you come home, you will be different. Your ideas and perspectives will be more informed and based on a little more experience. If for no other reason, it‘s good for the soul.
1. http://www.globalgrasshopper.com/
Global Grasshopper is a great source of information whether you’re looking for tricks of the trade or destination specific information. The nice thing about this site is that the writers are travel addicts. The info they give doesn’t guide you to the same traps every other tourist is flocking to.
· Health & Fitness
This one is obvious. If you improve your health even a tiny fraction, you will live a more fulfilling life. Guaranteed. The change does not half to take place overnight. Try changing one thing at a time. Exercise lightly once a week for 15 minutes. Eat one less dessert per week. As your lifestyle becomes healthier, you WILL notice that your moods are better and you have more energy. If not, what have you lost?
Though it is a women-centric website, Fit Sugar has an unbelievable amount of great content that will not only help you get in shape, but also live a healthier life.
2. http://www.marksdailyapple.com
Mark, the proprietor of Mark’s Daily Apple competed as a world class marathoner. His site provides some great guidance for beginners who are trying to get into a healthy lifestyle as well as experienced athletes.
3. http://www.healthkicker.com/
Health Kicker is a collection of Health & Fitness blogs. You can choose to either browse the articles on the main page or create an account so that you can customize what you see based on your interests.
· Lifestyle
This one relates to health & fitness but remains separate. Even if you’re the healthiest person in the world (hard to prove), chances are fairly good there is room for expansion in your thinking. You may not be wrong about anything, but sometimes there are more correct answers (ask any writer of standardized tests…).
1. http://www.marcandangel.com
Marc and Angel Hack Life is not a website that addresses any one thing. They cover an endless range of topics, each more interesting and thought provoking than the last. Their self-proclaimed range of topics are “life, hacks, productivity, aspirations, health, work, tech and general self-improvement.” Whether you have time to kill or need help adjusting your perspective, you will absolutely find something here that captures your attention.
· Giving/Volunteering
I should hope this one is obvious. Do something for others with no expectation of reward and you may just find yourself exponentially more satisfied with your life than before you ventured away from the computer…
1. http://www.volunteermatch.org
Volunteer Match is a powerful tool that can help you find and participate in a community of nonprofit organizations and volunteers. The online community they have formed hosts millions of visitors a year and is a potent recruiting tool for more than 77,000 nonprofit organizations.
2. http://www.transitionsabroad.com/index.shtml
As they proclaim on the site, Transitions Abroad is the, “antidote to tourism.” If you find that your travels are all the same, it’s likely because you never get over yourself long enough to actually experience the locations you visit. The founder of the site described it adequately when he said, “Travelers and tourists, the distinction is simple: Tourists are those who bring their homes with them wherever they go, and apply them to whatever they see. They are closed to experiences outside of the superficial. Travelers, however, leave home at home, bringing only themselves and a desire to learn.” As described on the site, they will help you decide — where to go, who to see, where to stay, how to get off the tour bus and go beyond the postcards.
very good websites