Friendship guilt and how to overcome it

Friendship guilt and how to overcome itFriendship guilt and how to overcome itEver had friendshipguilt?When distance, work and a generally busy lifestyle gets in the way of keeping in touch with people you care about, its easy to feel friendshipguilt.Perhaps you havent been in contact for a long time and feel guilty for not being there. According toresearch, showing empathy and keeping in touch with friends makes us happier and its often the happiest people that are the most sociable.However, in a new era of technology, our lives can consist of social media and texting which is ironically making usfeel lonely and more isolatedthan ever before. Its crucial to remember that we can show someone we care in more special ways that just sending a quick text.We worked with the wellbeing experts at CABA who identified 5 ways that will help youstay in contact and show your friends and family how much you really care.1. Call themTake advantage of the quick 5 minutes you have waiting in line at the supermarket checkout or whilst on the commute back from work. Spot the opportunities when they arise rather than scrolling through social media and take this opportunity to give them a quick call to let them know youre thinking of them. Facebook now allows you to monitor how much time youre spending on the app, so if youre one of those that has racked up many hours, try using this time to call a friend instead.2. Send them a care packageWhy not go back to basics and send something in the post. Astudyby Royal Mail found that people placed more value on things they can touch. Send your friends a small care package, it doesnt have to cost a lot, you could just send them their favorite sweets or chocolate.3. Send them a pictureSend them a picture to remind them of a memory or a time you spent together. To make it extra special, why not put it in a frame? Sending it via the post with a little message is far nicer than just tagging someone in a photo on Facebook. Reminding them of the good times you shared together will put a smile on their face and shows them youre thinking of them.4. Send a funny videoOk, so you do need your phone or laptop for this one, but why not send a funny video at a time when they need you most? Whether its a video of babies, clumsy moments or dogs just being dogs, it will help brighten their day.5. Be presentRegardless of how busy you are, you should always try to find a way to be there when it really counts or when they least expect it. For example, do they have a professional or personal achievement thats being celebrated and could you go along? If your friend is going through a rough patch, offer to go to the cinema or have a movie night at home with them.Its the thought that counts so it doesnt have to take a lot of time or money and remember, you get out what you put in. You should try to show your appreciation in a way thats unique to you and your friend.Reminding your friends that youre thinking about themhelps to maintain that special bond and keeps you connected.This article first appeared on Your Coffee Break.

Having a Bowling Ball

Having a Bowling Ball Having a Bowling Ball Having a (Bowling) BallMany things can be passed down from father to son baseball cards, fishing trips, family stories. But for the Hicklands, it involved throwing a bowling ball down a lane, and Ronald Hickland Jr., mechanical engineer and director of zu nutz und frommenduct design for Ebonite International, Hopkinsville, KY, knew from a very early age that he could make a better one.I also met a bowling ball designer when I welches 15.Andthat helped spark my interest in going down this path, he says. I was writing a scholarship paper and it was all about doing this for a living. Arriving at Purdue University, he knew hed be in engineering but had to decide between chemical and mechanical. I realized it was the inner workings of the ball that I wanted to work on, so mechanical won, he says.And he won a little himself. You see, not only did he eventually become director of product design for Ebonite International, Hickland turned pro in th e sport. Many perfect games and prize money checks later, he knew the game that much better.Ronald Hickland designs about 40 balls a year. Images Ebonite InternationalA Design for SuccessSo where does a designer even start? It begins with the brand, he says. Brand managers will tell me what they want the ball to do for their client and my job is to piece it together for performance. They may say, I have a bowling ball that does this and Ill say, I have to get you a new core shape or, with titelblatt stocks the cover of the ball, there are a myriad of options for performance. If its a new cover stock, you will go to a computer and design a new shape based on numerical properties that have a certain kind of performance. For shape, you play along with the densities and how it will roll down the lane. We have a group of chemists that have many cover stock options to go on the ball.Next comes the testing. In the testing and evaluation phase, we have a systematic approach that I developed from scratch, he says. That process allows us to take subjective information and make it quantifiable. We actually have a testing facility where we have sensors on a lane that measure performance of the ball. We also take balls into the field to a bowling center and find out what bowlers are seeing when theyre throwing the ball down the lane.Hickland estimates that he designs about 40 balls a year, for both the casual bowler whos more into aesthetics, to the pro who notices the most minute details.Not only is performance due to the holes but in the materials that comprise the core of the ball. Images Ebonite InternationalReactive TechnologyOf course, there are many factors that go into a balls performance based on the present game. For one, bowling alleys put lubricant on the lane to protect it but it diminishes the friction so a hooka key to success in a throwis diminished. We want more entry angle for the throw because it correlates to more strikes, Hickland says. Fifteen years a go we had a performance breakthrough with a shell cover stock which absorbed oil off the lane so you could create more friction and create more hook. Its called reactive technology. The problem is that the ball will fill up with oil over time, which hurts what it can do. I actually have a patent on a product that reduces oil from the ball.Performance can even come down to the holes. The location is determined by the bowlers axis of location and its different for each bowler, he says. Though pro shops actually drill the holes, companies such as his give drilling instructions for greater success.And Hickland is turning his attention to pins as well, an aspect of the game which hasnt changed much. The pin itself has strict dimensions but we are the sole distributor of a synthetic pin on the market which has longer durability, he says. The normal pin is a wood core and typically only lasts one to two years. It can take a long time to get a new pin approved, at least a year.Hickland look s back at how early he got involved in bowling and realizes how blessed he was to know what he wanted to do. There just wasnt any doubt in my mind, he recalls. Not many people can really say that.Eric Butterman is an independent writer.I realized it was the inner workings of the ball that I wanted to work on, so mechanical engineering won.Ronald Hickland Jr., director of product design, Ebonite International

DEA Agent Career and Job Functions

DEA Agent Career and Job FunctionsDEA Agent Career and Job FunctionsIllegal and illicit drug use is a problem that touches nearly every aspect of society.The drug trade has been tied to terrorism, as well as to all sorts of other illegal and harmful behaviorsacross the world. TheDrug Enforcement Agency wascreated as part of theDepartment of Justice to combat the effects of drug trafficking in the U.S. If you wantto work toward eradicating the illegal sale and use of drugsand associated criminal activities, youmightwant to consider a career as a DEA special agent. Job Functions and the Work Environment of DEA Special Agents DEA agents have a unique and special role in law enforcement.Theyreassigned to investigate every facet of theillegal drug industry, so theymay be sent to work anywhere in the country or even the world, including assignments to remote and perhaps even undesirable locations. DEA special agents work closely with state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as fellow federal law enforcement associates. They helpto coordinate investigations and enforcement efforts. Drug enforcement agents are just as likely to work behind the scenes in support of local efforts as they are to take the lead in enforcing federal drug policy. The job of a drug enforcement agent often includes Conducting surveillanceReport writingPreparing and obtaining search and arrest warrantsCoordinating federal, state and local drug enforcement effortsParticipating in undercover operationsTracking and arresting suspected criminalsProviding courtroom testimonyHandling weapons, drugs and large sums of moneyConducting and coordinating investigations A career as a DEA agent comes withsome special risks, chiefly in the areaof undercover work.Undercover agents may be tasked with transporting large amounts of illegal drugs or money.They rarelycarry law enforcement credentials because of the danger ofbeing discovered. They may be subject to arrest by local law enforcement officer s who are unaware of their activities, in addition torisks posed by interacting withthe criminal element. Education and Skill Requirements for DEA Agents Beinghired as a DEA agent can be acompetitive challenge.Candidates must be at least 21 years old and younger than 37 at the time of appointment. The DEA has somestrict hiring standards. A rigorous background investigationincludesa polygraph exam and psychological screening.Candidates must also undergo a physical abilities test to ensure that theyrephysically capable of performing the job. According to the agency, the fruchtwein competitive candidates will haveat least a four-year degree in criminal justice or a related program such as police science or criminology. Preferably, they will hold a masters degree in criminal justice or criminology. Most also have previous experience in law enforcement and many have military backgrounds. Fluency in a foreign language is a major plus, especially Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Hebrew, Chine se, Japanese or Nigerian.Skills in computer science, finance, and accounting, economics, and engineeringare also a plus. Prospective agents undergo an intensive 18-week training program at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia after theyre hired.Agentsreceive their first duty assignmentduring this training.Candidates must agree to be assigned anywhere the agency requires them to go as a condition of employment. Job Growth and Salary Outlook for Drug Enforcement Special Agents Drug enforcement is an ongoing issue that requires constant attention, sothe landscape of federal drug policy is constantly changing. This means new challenges and new opportunities may be on the horizon for agents at any time.It also means thata need for drug enforcement agents will continue. As with most federal law enforcement jobs, the DEA conducts periodic hiring campaigns.Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact their nearest DEA recruiting office to stay up to date with employment op portunities within the agency. First-year agents can expect to earn a base salary of between $33,477and $53,234 as of 2016,depending on the location of their first assignment and the nature of their past experience. They can earnfrom $37,309 to$41,612 during their training period. Theyrealso eligible for law enforcement availability pay (LEAP), which can earn themmora each year.DEA agents may become eligible for promotionsandsalariesof more than $90,000 ayear after four years of service. Is a Career As a DEA Agent Right for You? The Drug Enforcement Agency provides unique perspectives and challenges forlaw enforcement agents. If you feel strongly about curtailing illegal drug trafficking and you dont mind getting your hands dirty, you may find that a job as a DEA agent may just be the perfect criminology career for you.

Work from Home Call Center Jobs in Kentucky (KY)

Work from Home Call Center Jobs in Kentucky (KY)Work from Home Call Center Jobs in Kentucky (KY)To find a work-at-home call center jobin Kentucky, you need to find the companies that hire in the state, which isnt easy to do online. Even though it seems like the state you live in shouldnt affect a virtual job, it can. Most home call center companies hire in only some states. All the call center companieslisted here hire for home call center jobs in Kentucky. Accolade Support Accolade Support hires independent contractor agents for sales, customer service, and tech phone support jobs. Payment is on a per-minute basis. The company requires a quiet hintergrund as you work, but you set your hours so that you can work around your familys schedule. Alorica at Home Alorica at Home employs thousands of remote customer service agents. They are compensated on a per-minute or per-call basis, but because they are employees, not independent contractors, they are guaranteed Kentuckys minimum wa ge, even when the call volume is low. The company provides paid training. Amazon Amazon hires seasonal customer service call center representatives and other types of virtual employees who work from home. Virtual opportunities are not available in all areas, but Kentucky has occasional openings. CenturyLink CenturyLink employs home-based call center agents in Kentucky. Call center agents are parte of a virtual sales team or perform technical customer service. CenturyLink provides a base pay with sales incentives.Bilingual skills are a plus. Convergys Home-based call center agents for Convergys provide sales, customer service or technical support service to customers who call in. Part-time employees work 25 to 30 hours per week full-time workers work 40 hours per week. All employees receive paid training and benefits. LiveOps This outsourcing company hires experienced independent contractors as virtual call center agents for inbound sales, customer service tasks, insurance sa les, insurance claims, healthcare, and roadside service. Depending on the type of call, agents are paidbased on minutes oftalk timeor minutes plus commission. Some work solely on commission. Agents must go through unpaid certification to work for individual clients, and they must pay for their background check. Sykes At Sykes, remote employees take inbound calls, which are both customer service and sales calls. They are paid for training,but applicants who are offered a position must pay for a background check. The hiring process for these call center jobs is online and by phone. Bilingual skill is a plus languages include French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese. TeleTechHome This globalbusiness process outsourcingcompany hires work-from-home associates in theU.S. and U.K. to serve as call agents and in other fields.Bilingual call center agentsare needed. Benefits include paid training and a 401K for these part-time positions, which require 20 to 30 hours weekly. U-Haul Agent s in the part-time and seasonal work-at-home call center jobs provide customer service, make reservations and provide roadside assistance. They are employment positions, not independent contractor positions. Ver-A-Fast Work-at-home independent contractoragents for Ver-A-Fast make verification calls, set appointments and offer customer service. Most clients are in the newspaper industry.

Secrets About Emt Resume Revealed

Secrets About Emt Resume Revealed The Emt Resume Cover Up If youve done charity or volunteer work, make sure that you inform them about it. Driving skills are likewise a necessity. If youre presently on work, your work experience, in other words, the duties youre performing will need to be described in present tense to show youre still working in that position. Employers like to hear individuals who are keen to better their knowledge. Choosing Emt Resume Is Simple The summary isnt as detailed. Recruiters love it as the summary makes the job simpler. Highlight the Diversity in Skill Set If youve had multiple employers, do everything you can to differentiate your reach of work. When youre sending your EMT resume through the employer trying to fill a position, remember to incorporate a strong titelblatt letter. Some employers may be very conservative while some may be quirky or down-to-earth. Not every employer will request or even enable you to present a resume, whereas m ost if not all will require you to complete some form of job application. Tailoring your resume to suit a possible employer is not any different. You should have a look at the work description the employer published for the place to know the competence they are searching for. Move on to writing the particular position youre aiming for and lastly state what you mean to bring to the organization. For the reason it is focused on the requirements of the business, a qualifications summary ought to be on your resume. Your objective statement should want to offer your competence and your capacity to be very effective at work. If youve done volunteer work, dont forget to list it. You also needs to give a succinct description of your duties you performed. Attempt to give at least two references and be sure you provide their contact details also. Too many resumes are really wordy and difficult to follow. The 30-Second Trick for Emt Resume As a way to strike a great impression you s hould incorporate these qualifications in your Dispatcher skills list. For instance, you might attempt to send out a specific number of resumes weekly. The qualifications summary is put close to the top of the resume. It can be a powerful tool to get you the interview. A Startling Fact about Emt Resume Uncovered Plenty of EMTs become hired with less. Dispatchers play a major part in transportation and public security services. Then mention that youre a certified dispatcher. You would like to help it become very clear your certification is active, if its, to demonstrate that youre eligible to begin employed as an EMT immediately. In addition, you are able to learn about healthcare careers and search for EMT jobs on Monster. You know you should demonstrate education on an EMT resume. If youre interested in knowing more about what it requires to be an EMT, have a look at the list of resources below. What to Do About Emt Resume An individual can also do a web-based refreshe r program, but always remember that whichever kind of Emergency Medical Technician Training you do, it has to always be accomplished through an accredited institution. If its your very first position which you are applying for since qualifying as an EMT try to look for a position that could give you the best diversity of experience. The same is true for the certification courses. The whole period of EMT National Training Programs is between six months and four decades, based on the degree of the qualification that you do. If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on Emt Resume Aside from the forementioned details, its important to realise that its good to produce the look and feel of your resume attractive, it ought not be overdone in order to defeat its objective. Youll be carrying heavy equipment and might be requested to transfer those who have been immobilized. If you are working in the area for some time, you ought to have a list of roles you have played and posit ions you have filled. You should demonstrate, in your EMT resume, a fantastic understanding of the streets and routes, the capacity to read maps along with the ability to assemble ideas instinctively regarding directions. Emt Resume Can Be Fun for Everyone Watch out for the many positions that are offered and attempt to submit an application for the one which is most suitable for you, if you like working with children attempt to locate a position thats connected to a childrens specialty hospital. You are going to want to take additional care when crafting your resume to ensure you stick out from the rest. Let us select the pressure off your shoulders and guide you each step of the way. It can be much more difficult for newly certified EMTs to provide a stand out resume because of the absence of any appropriate work experience.

The Recently Leaked Secrets to Tips for Writing Resume Experience Uncovered

The Recently Leaked Secrets to Tips for Writing Resume Experience Uncovered Its imperative that you understand the necessities of the job and address them on your resume. Career will consist of job descriptions that will inform you exactly which type of traits and skills the employer wants. If youre asking for a job which has unique requirements, you might need another edition of your resume to completely demonstrate your qualifications. Your computer skills will be especially attractive and ought to be highlighted. The absolute most important skill employers search for in a prospective bartender involves their capacity to produce a drink. It is essential to have a very clear idea about what the resume needs to include before getting departureed in order to produce the greatest professional resume to catch the interest of hiring managers. Your experience should deal with every necessary qualification in the job announcement. Even if your work experience is ideal, a subpar r esume could sink your probability of getting a work interview. You are able to discover useful strategies and comprehensive suggestions to include in your resume for a document thats well prepared and will work to your advantage during work search. Analyze job ads You will discover a great deal of helpful info on job ads. Rather, it is a strategic tool for marketing your personal brand. There are plenty of websites with tips around the internet, but most bring just a few them. All you should know to earn a stunning resume job description. When reading the work description included in the ad, start looking for keywords associated with your responsibilities. Prioritize the info supplied for each position starting with the most relevant and important details in regard to the job which you are applying for. Its possible that forfirst job resumes, its not essential for the applicant to have a comprehensive cover letter. however, it cannot go amiss when it has to do with applying for work. Most Noticeable Tips for Writing Resume Experience When dont have any experience whatsoever, add your volunteer work inside your primary work history section. Follow with the sort of education youve got and any work experience youve got. Even if you believe your teaching experience is minimal, its likely greater than you believe More closely related work experiences ought to be outlined too. There is a great deal of work ahead of you, but you are able to do it. The majority of the times your prior work experience will be the absolute most significant part the resume, so put it at the top. Usually, you only ought to demonstrate the most recent 10-15 decades of your career history and just incorporate the experience related to the positions to which youre applying. Attempt to comprehend the market of the organization you are asking for work, and identify what type of difficulties they could be going through. The 30-Second Trick for Tips for Writing Resume Experi ence So look at your resume and be sure that it mentions all the vital requirements. Given below are a few of the best advice available to aid you in your resume writing. The process might seem daunting. The practice of producing a professional resume has come to be far more detailed.

Customize this Outstanding Costume Design Resume Template

Customize this Outstanding Costume Design Resume TemplateCustomize this Outstanding Costume Design Resume TemplateA resume is an important document when youre trying to get a job in a creative field like costume entwurf. It gives you the chance to make a strong first impression while sharing information about your training and experience.Be sure to include information about jobs youve held as a costume designer. Also, note sewing or computer programs youve used to create designs. If your work history in the design field is limited, include related volunteer efforts and even hobbies that relate to creating garments or craft projects to show your qualifications.Prepare to find your next job in the arts by filling out the costume design resume template below. Create ResumeGrace Mitchell100 Main Street, Cityplace, CA, 91019(555) 322-7337example-emailexample.comProfessional SummaryMotivated acting professional with 4years in theater and customer service. Active listener with superb oral a nd written communication skills. Dependable, responsible and enthusiastic. Experienced acting professional represented for the 4years by 3 different Agencies. Extensive experience in short films and commercials.SkillsProject managementSelf-motivatedStrong verbal communicationPowerful negotiatorExtremely organizedClient assessment and analysisRisk management processes and analysisTeam leadershipWork HistoryCostumer/costume maintenance Carl Mack Presents 219 Dauphine st. , New Orleans, La 01/2013 05/2013Responsible for creatively designed costumes for prominent Mardi Gras events and Balls.Supported Chief Operating Officer with daily operational functions.Performed initial client assessment and analysis to begin research process.sales clerk/ costume designer New Orleans Party and Costume 705 Camp St., New Orleans, La 03/2012 04/2013Researched industry trends and evaluated competitive products.Facilitated any requests regarding the environment and level art creation process.Generated design and model creation time estimates when needed.Collaborated with the art director to implement artistic vision.Developed art and design concepts.Movie Extra Caballero Casting New Orleans, LA 01/2011 05/2013 Extra work onNow You See Me (release Date 5/31/2013)HBOs Treme (2separatecasts)Movie/ TV Extra Glorioso Casting New Orleans, LA 01/2011 05/2013 German Audi commercial (stand in for primary Actress)(Untitled) Diablo Cody ProjectMovie Extra Coulon Casting New Orleans, LA 01/2011 05/2013 The Tomb (release date Sept 2013)EducationHigh School Diploma general Charlotte High Punta Gorda, FL 1992 Customize ResumeMore Performing Arts Resume TemplatesEntry Level Dancers and Choreographers Resume Templates

The 5 Fastest Shrinking Jobs

The 5 Fastest Shrinking JobsThe 5 Fastest Shrinking JobsIf you are just starting out or looking to make a career change, it is probably best to avoid industries that appear to be on the decline. This is especially true for positions that require an investment of time and money, either for further education or specialty training. Unless a position is really your dream career it isnt going to make long-term sense to dive into a dying industry. Below, we outline five of the fastest shrinking jobs in the United States. Its still possible to get work in these fields, of course, but you may find that other careers are far more promising.Postal WorkersSnail mail? Who uses snail mail? Just kidding though youve probably noticed the increased dependency on technology when it comes to staying in contact with loved ones, paying bills and shopping. It is fast, convenient, and efficient to automate bill payments, utilize electronic statements, and have your purchases shipped to you.Not surprising ly, the Bureau of Labor Statistics claims that postal jobs are on the decline. mora specifically, postal service worker positions will be cut by about 48 percent by the year 2020, and postmaster jobs will decline by nearly 28 percent. However, while mailing letters and documents are on the decline, package delivery is a booming industry. Postal workers will still be needed, but perhaps their roles will change. It is still a career option for those who like to have an active, all-weather job.Farmers and RanchersAccording to the American Farmland Trust, most states 34 of them had a reduction in available farmland, and the overall number of acres of farmland had a two-percent nationwide drop. The reason for this is the rise of factory farms consolidating traditional family farms under one umbrella, while the productivity of farming operations has increased. That means fewer farmers and ranchers are needed there are fewer jobs, due to technological improvements. But the good news is that there will still be some need for a new generation of farmers as the current ones retire in addition, there are opportunities for small farmers to join the expanding organic and buy local movements. If youre passionate about agriculture, you might have a better chance in this industry if you are willing to keep up with the latest farming technologies and get a 2- or 4-year degree in this field. And, of course, if you like an active job that lets you enjoy the great outdoors, many farms are still hiring hard workersTravel AgentsAh, the wonders of technology Thanks to the internet, everyone can now be their own travel werber with online travel booking sites (there are so many), it is relatively easy to plan a trip on your own. These websites help people to compare prices and book vacation packages with the discounts that used to only be available to the pros. According to Forbes, the industry is expecting a 12% decline in available jobs between now and 2026. However, savvy travel agents are rebranding themselves as travel advisors, or travel experts that can plan trips down to the tiniest detail saving their clients wasted time, money, and frustration. So, while the profession continues to shrink, there are some niche areas that will probably continue to utilize professional travel agents (such as corporations, student travel, retirees or luxury travelers, etc.)Data Entry WorkersAccording to CNBC, by 2026, data entry positions will decline by about 21 percent. This is another casualty of technology since software programs can now do the job of the typical data entry worker. Similarly, typists are not relied on as much because the majority of people have their own computers, and can enter their own data. If you want to work in these types of positions, you are advised to have a few different skills that make you more valuable to employers. This means you should combine data entry, proofreading, editing, and telephone skills so you can apply for more advance d positions.Foundry Mold and Core MakersFoundry mold and core makers create the molds used to produce metal castings. Automation is making this job obsolete by 2026, CNBC projects a 24 percent overall job loss in the field. Besides automation, many manufacturers have offshored production, taking advantage of cheaper labor markets overseas. Due to low demand, it may be wise to avoid this type of position or begin honing skills to move into another labor market, if you currently work in the industry.If youre just starting your adult career path, consider carefully the time and monetary investments in the skills and education you need for your desired position. Avoiding the fastest shrinking jobs may help you enjoy a more secure financial future Your time might be better spent researching jobs/careers with stable or higher expected growth rates (such as healthcare). You can search for them all at Simply Hired

World Sleep Day I tried napping in the middle of the workday

World Sleep Day I tried napping in the middle of the workdayWorld Sleep Day I tried napping in the middle of the workdayNaps arent just a great Saturday afternoon activity.They can also, according to some studies, do wonders for your productivity during the workweek.For example, astudy showed that NASA pilots who took a 25-minute nap were 35% more alert and two times as focused as those who didnt.Other studies have found 10- to 20-minute power naps can boost alertnessand help improve our ability to focus.I decided to do an informal experiment to see if a midday nap during the workday would positively affect my productivity level.My rules were pretty straightforward I had to nap sometime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (so that it welches truly the middle of myworkday), my naps were 25 minutes in length, and I had to do at least two hours of work afterwards to see if there welches any effect on how much I was getting done.After four days, here are three things Ilearned.1. I felt more produ ctive - several hours laterI didntwake up from mynaps feeling more alive and ready to take on the world. There was a period of disorientation followed by some extended grogginess, and since I was napping when I should have been working, that fuzzy post-nap feeling wasnt all great for my workflow.What was interesting, however, was that I was more productive one to two hours after napping during times when Id normally be in a down period.Im usually someone whos most productive in the early morning and late at night, and I go through a slump in the early afternoon afterI eat lunch. While napping at 11 a.m. made megroggy around lunchtime, it did make me feel more awake around 1 p.m. than I normally am, which was great for powering through work that I may have otherwise procrastinated.2. I had trouble going to sleep on commandEven if were exhausted by the end of the day, most of us take at least a few minutes to fall asleep at night- and napping is no different. By the time I got settle d and started to feel drowsy, half of my scheduled nap time was already over.On the last day, I tried something called the 4-7-8 breath exercise from a holistic physician named Dr. Andrew Weil to see if it would help me relax and go to sleep more quickly. The exercise calls for touching your tongue to the roof of your mouth while you breathe in for four counts, hold your breath for seven counts, and exhale for eight counts. As someone who has trouble shutting her brain off,the technique helped me relax.Another idea would be to give myselfextra time to fall asleep.3. Drinking caffeine beforedidnt help right awayStudies have shown that ingesting caffeine before resting can lead to a feeling of alertness right after, so I was curious to see if this would do anything during my midday nap.While Im not a coffee drinker, I do drink incredibly strong green tea, so I drank a cupabout 15 minutes before settling in for my workday siesta.I didnt have the woke up feeling alive reaction that many people in studies have reported, but I definitely felt that caffeinated alertness about an hour after napping.Are mid-worknaps worth it?Of course, I can only speak frommy personal experience after four days of midday naps.Thebiggest questionI still haveiswhether feelingmore productive a couple hours after the nap is worth the grogginess I felt when I woke up.While I dont think Id be able to do a midday nap as part of my routine every day, it might be worth it on days when I need to get a lot done during the afternoon and cant afford my typical post-lunch slump.Lily Herman is a New York-based writer, editor, and social media manager.