Writing this again from Spain where the temperature has averaged about 35degC this week, I can feel the relaxation in my bones, but everything needs to move slower in that temperature.
If you're in the UK, I hope you are enjoying the Bank Holiday Weekend.
Last week, the most clicked link was about Parisien small-talk, and I'm really grateful to everyone that clicked and listened to the latest Stuff Mixtape. Thanks to everyone that sent feedback on the tunes!
This week, I'm looking again at the science behind working less, and how that can power YOU and society to be better as well as some interesting Stuff about sleep, allergies and some fun car throwing.
Thank you all for being here on our joint journey of curiosity.
Till next Monday, enjoy...
👓 The Big Stuff - try working less
I have shared links before about doing less (#143), and last week, I read this article by historian and author Rutger Bregman which asks "Is there anything that cannot be solved by working less?"
“Rest is actually a requirement for great work to happen,” - Tanya Dalton
There are some strong arguments that you can be more productive by doing less, and this CEO cut her working week from 70 to 30 hours, by making some productivity tweaks that significantly changed the game. (I'm a big fan of tossing the to-do list).
Doing less work doesn't just allow you to get more done, it can also make you a better person. A shorter working week has empowered people to do more with their lives, helping them become happier and more fulfilled.
So, if you or your company is thinking about reducing working hours, maybe to a four-day week or a four-hour workday- it is worth understanding the potential gains, both in productivity and happiness.
🧠 The Other Stuff
- Resilience: The psychological immune system, and four ways to boost your way to a happier, calmer life.
- Context: Five ways to make context switching work. I spend a lot of my day job switching between contexts, this has been some good advice to handle.
- Allergies: Excellent article on why we are more allergic to things than ever before.
- Sleep: Why do I wake up ten minutes after I fall asleep? My body is a jerk!
- Future of work: Remote, Office or Hybrid? Opinions are changing again.
🌞 The Little Stuff
- What's the time? Let Spotify tell you. This is super clever, and fun.
- Car Launches: With a 300 feet difference. Skip to 8 minutes for the fun!
- AirPano: I love a panorama, I love an aerial shot - now they are together!
- Love/Hate: Ever wanted to get your knuckles tattooed? Now you can try.
- Finally: Halfway between a game and a useful tutorial. Statistics Wizard.
Matt Rutherford
🎧 Aural Stuff
On the Stuff Speakers this week...
🎧 This week, I'm taking you away from Spotify and to Mixcloud for something completely different.
Channel One Soundsystem is a regular feature of the Notting Hill Carnival (today in London), with ground shaking, chest vibrating bass alongside the best dub and vocal reggae.
This mix, compiled by the legendary Mikey Dread and the top chaps at The Vinyl Factory is a preview of a compilation album coming out on Greensleeves Records, and has some of the finest examples of reggae you will hear.
Matt Rutherford
👂🏼 Stuff Someone Said
We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.
Chuck Swindoll
