quinta-feira, 21 de maio de 2020


How to Raise a Laptop on a Desk

Posted: 21 May 2020 01:00 AM PDT

If your laptop tends to overheat or you find your back and neck getting sore after using the laptop for a while, the problem may be that your laptop is sitting flat. When a laptop rests flat against a desk, the excess heat can build up inside of the computer, which can fry your hard drive or reduce the lifespan of the laptop. If you're getting sore, it may be because you're leaning forward or back to view your screen at a downward angle. Luckily, there are plenty of cheap and simple solutions to raising your laptop off of your desk.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Crafting a DIY Solution

  1. Prop the laptop up with books around the sides to reduce heat. Grab stack of 2-4 books that are equally thick. Slide the spine of a book under the right side of the laptop. Do the same on the left side of the laptop. If you want to stabilize the laptop further, you can slide another book under the back or the front of the laptop.[1]
    Raise a Laptop on a Desk Step 1.jpg
    • This will create some space between the bottom of the laptop and the surface it's resting on. This space will make it easier for the heat to dissipate from the base of the laptop when it gets hot.
    • You can really do this with a stack of any stable objects that are equally thick. For example, you could use stacks of coasters, hard plastic cases, Legos, or pieces of wood.
    • If you want a cleaner look, cut 6-10 wine corks in half and set them under the laptop with the flat sides facing down.
  2. Slide a book behind the back of the laptop to improve the angle. If you want to improve your ergonomic situation, take a long, solid book and slide the spine underneath the back of the laptop. Continue sliding the book toward the front of the laptop until the laptop screen is elevated and easier for you to look at.
    Raise a Laptop on a Desk Step 2.jpg
    • If you slide the book too far forward, your laptop may slide off. You can put a heavy book in front of the laptop to hold it in place, but this can kind of be awkward to do.
    • If you have pads on the bottom of the laptop to protect the surface underneath, put the spine just in front of these pads so the computer catches on the lip of the book.
    • Like the cooling solution, you can use basically anything that will prop the laptop up . Wine corks, lids, wood objects, and plastic cases can all be slid under the back of the laptop to change the angle of the screen.
  3. Build a small platform out of corrugated cardboard. Grab a sheet of corrugated cardboard and cut it into 3 strips that are roughly thick and long. Either glue or staple the pieces together in a triangle, or cut notches into each piece where they layer over one another in a triangle and slide them together. Set the laptop on top of the triangle. Unless your laptop is really big or heavy, it should rest fine on top of the cardboard.[2]
    Raise a Laptop on a Desk Step 3.jpg
    • You can also get a unused pizza box and set the laptop on top of the box with the corners sticking out of the sides.
  4. Set the laptop on a taller object to get it eye level and use a second keyboard. If you want to elevate the laptop to avoid neck strain, set it down on top of a small box, platform, or shelf that rests at eye level. Then, plug in an external keyboard and mouse to the USB ports on the laptop. You can control the laptop from the table or desk underneath while looking ahead at an appropriate angle.[3]
    Raise a Laptop on a Desk Step 4.jpg

[Edit]Buying a Laptop Stand

  1. Get a cooling stand with a built in fan to keep the laptop cool. If you're having trouble with your laptop overheating, buy a laptop stand with a built-in fan or cooling pad. Set the laptop on top of the stand and plug the fan into an outlet or USB port to turn it on. The fan or cooling pad will activate and keep the heat from building up in your laptop.[4]
    Raise a Laptop on a Desk Step 5.jpg
    • Some of these stands run on batteries and have a power button, usually on the side or the base.
    • All laptop stands will cost roughly $10-20 depending on the features and brand you want to buy. The only exception are standing platforms.
    • Laptop stands are not universal, so you need to make sure that the laptop stand fits the size and brand of your computer before purchasing it.
  2. Get an adjustable laptop stand to control the angle and height. If you want more control over the height and angle of the laptop, get an adjustable stand. Before putting your laptop on the stand, use the knob or lever to adjust the angle and height. Then, set your laptop on top of the platform so that the base catches on the lip at the bottom of the platform.[5]
    Raise a Laptop on a Desk Step 6.jpg
    • Some adjustable stands are known for being less stable than non-adjustable versions. Look at reviews and inspect the product in person if you can. This will give you a better sense of how stable the stand is.
    • Making adjustments on these stands is usually pretty intuitive, but every stand has a different design which can make figuring it out the first time kind of tricky. There's usually a knob or dial on the back or side that you turn to raise the stand or change the angle. Some stands unlock when you flip a lever allowing you to make adjustments by hand.
  3. Use a standing platform if you want a DIY standing desk. If you want to customize the height of your laptop, get a standing platform stand. These stands are basically small desks with legs that raise or lower. Some of them allow you to change the angle of the laptop as well. This makes them a great option if you like to occasionally stand while you're using your laptop.[6]
    Raise a Laptop on a Desk Step 8.jpg
    • These standing platforms are often marketed as adjustable mini-desks or adjustable stands.
    • Standing platforms are the most expensive option since they offer so much customization. They can cost anywhere from $20-50 depending on the style and options you want.
  4. Purchase a wood laptop stand for a sleeker, cleaner option. Wood stands tend to look really sleek and elegant compared to their plastic and metal counterparts. If you care about the way your laptop stand looks on your desk, get a sleek wood stand with a grain and color that matches the rest of the room. Simply place the laptop on top with the bottom of the laptop resting against the lip at the bottom.[7]
    Raise a Laptop on a Desk Step 7.jpg

[Edit]Tips

  • Ergonomically speaking, the ideal height for a computer screen is slightly below eye-level. This will prevent neck and back strain.[8]
  • It's technically not good for your wrists if your keyboard is sitting up an angle. For some people an elevated keyboard makes it easier to type, though. It's fine to elevate your keyboard so long as you don't experience wrist pain.[9]
  • There are vents on the side of your laptop, but there are also vents underneath in all likelihood. When the computer isn't working particularly hard, the vents on the side are more than enough to expel heat. Unfortunately, if the bottom is covered and you're doing something intensive on the computer, the vents on the side may not be enough.[10]

[Edit]References

How to Dry Grapefruit

Posted: 20 May 2020 05:00 PM PDT

Grapefruit is a bitter citrus fruit that can be eaten on its own or put into recipes. Dried grapefruit can be candied, used as a decoration, or even dipped in chocolate. To dry your grapefruit, make sure to slice it into thick slices, place it in your oven or a food dehydrator, and check on it every few hours for a dry, crisp texture.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Drying in the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to . Citrus dries the best at a low and slow temperature. Set your oven to to avoid burning your grapefruit slices.[1]
    Dry Grapefruit Step 1.jpg
    • Turning your oven up higher will not make your grapefruit dry faster.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper ensures that the grapefruit won't stick to the baking sheet that you are using. Cut a sheet of parchment paper down to the size of your pan and lay it on top.[2]

    • The grapefruit will get sticky as it dries out, so it is important to put down parchment paper as protection for your tray.
  3. Wash and dry your grapefruit. Since you are keeping the peel of the grapefruit on, run it under cool water and gently scrub it to remove any dirt or debris that could be on it. Pat it with a clean towel until the grapefruit is mostly dry.[3]

    Dry Grapefruit Step 3.jpg
    • Do not use soap to wash your grapefruit.
  4. Slice your grapefruit into thick slices. Use a thin, serrated knife or mandolin to carefully slice your grapefruit into thin slices. The thinner the slice, the faster the grapefruit will dry. Try to make sure the slices are somewhat even so that they will dry at the same rate.[4]

    • Cut off the top and bottom of the grapefruit before you start slicing to make it easier.
    • Instead of slices, you could cut the grapefruit into segments. You'll likely need to reduce the baking time, so check on the drying process frequently.
  5. Put the grapefruit slices onto the parchment paper. Make sure the slices don't touch each other or overlap. Leave about of space in between each slice.[5]

    • If the grapefruit slices are in layers, they won't dry out as quickly.
  6. Sprinkle the grapefruit with superfine sugar for a sweeter taste. Grapefruit is fairly bitter on its own, especially with the rind included. To cut down some of that bitter taste, coat the slices in fine white sugar to candy them in the oven.[6]

    • Candied fruit is shinier and looks more appealing than normal dried fruit.
  7. Set your baking tray on the middle rack of your oven. Do not place your baking tray too near the heating elements of your oven or it could burn your grapefruit slices. Make sure your parchment paper doesn't touch any of the heating elements in your oven.[7]
    Dry Grapefruit Step 7.jpg
  8. Flip the grapefruit slices after 2 hours. Set a timer on your oven for 2 hours. Take the baking tray out of the oven and flip each slice using tongs. Make sure they do not sit on top of each other after you flip them.[8]

    Dry Grapefruit Step 8.jpg
    • The grapefruit will be hot, so use caution as you flip them over.
  9. Take the grapefruit out after 3 more hours. Set a timer on your oven for 3 hours. Take the grapefruit out and let them cool. If the slices are sticky or damp, they need more time in the oven.[9]
    Dry Grapefruit Step 9.jpg
    • You can eat the dried grapefruit slices on their own, use them as decorations, or dip them in melted chocolate to make a dessert.
    • Store your dried grapefruit in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

[Edit]Using a Food Dehydrator

  1. Slice your grapefruit into thick slices. Use a thin, sharp knife to slice your grapefruit into small slices. Your grapefruit needs to be thin so that it dries more quickly.[10]

    • For more bite-sized pieces of grapefruit, cut it into segments instead. Cut off the bottom and the top of the grapefruit. Use your knife to remove the peel and gently pop the segments out.
  2. Toss the slices in olive oil and salt to bring out their flavor. Place your grapefruit slices or segments into a large bowl. Pour of olive oil and ¼ tsp (1.4 g) of salt into the bowl. Gently toss the bowl until all of the slices of grapefruit are covered in oil and salt.[11]

  3. Lay the slices onto your dehydrator mesh sheet. Spread the grapefruit slices out on the mesh sheet of your dehydrator, making sure they don't overlap each other. Depending on how big your grapefruit is, you may need to use a couple of sheets.[12]

    Dry Grapefruit Step 12.jpg
  4. Dry the slices at for 6 hours. Set your dehydrator to . Check on your grapefruit slices after 4 hours. Touch the grapefruit slices to see if they are crisp and dry to the touch. If they aren't, dry your slices for up to 2 hours more.[13]
    Dry Grapefruit Step 13.jpg
    • If you cut your grapefruit into segments, it could take up to 8 hours to dry.
  5. Store your dried grapefruit in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Place your dried grapefruit into a container that has a lid. Store it in a cool, dry place and use it within 1 month. You can eat the slices on their own or even grind them up into a powder.[14]

    Dry Grapefruit Step 14.jpg
    • Grapefruit is pretty bitter, so it may not be good on its own.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Drying in the Oven

  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife

[Edit]Using a Food Dehydrator

  • Knife
  • Food dehydrator

[Edit]References

How to Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit

Posted: 20 May 2020 09:00 AM PDT

Feeling confident in a bathing suit isn't really about losing that extra weight or having a supermodel body. Confidence comes from wearing clothes that fit you, and feeling good about who you are. The only thing that's necessary to feel confident in your bikini is choosing the right swimsuit for you, and developing self-confidence.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Choosing the Right Swimsuit

  1. Find a swimsuit that fits you. This means try on lots and lots of swimsuits until you find the bathing suit that's exactly the right match for your body - no matter what it might be. It should be the right size for you - no cutting straps or pinching elastic. But it's also about finding a suit that fits your personality.[1]
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 1 Version 4.jpg
    • Pick out the cuts and colors that make you feel most confident, and don't worry about what's the current trend or fashion.
    • Mix and match with tankini suits, bikini tops and surfer bottoms, or any other combination that makes you feel happy about yourself.
    • If you've got larger breasts, you may want to find a suit with underwire support. These suits are generally sized by cup size, like your bra.
    • Sales clerks in lingerie departments and upper-end sales departments can often help you determine the best size swimsuit for you.
  2. Shop online. You can often find a wider selection of suits online than in your local stores, and online stores usually allow you to return clothing that doesn't fit as long as you've not worn it. Good retailers often encourage you to call and chat, or instant message with any questions.
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    • Start by taking your measurements, and then carefully compare them to the measurements shown in the online sizing.
    • It's a good idea to order two sizes of each suit you're ordering, so that you can select the one that fits you best.
    • Ordering online allows you to try on the suit in ordinary lighting, the way you'll actually be seen in it. Try them on when you're in a good mood, feeling confident, and in the privacy of your own home.
    • Move around in your suit before you buy it. After all, you want it to stay in place when you're actually wearing it.
  3. Think about where you'll wear the suit. If you're purchasing a bathing suit for lounging about the side of a pool, you might choose a string bikini or bandeau top that shows off your cleavage. But if you're planning on swimming laps at the gym, or wearing your bathing suit to dive in the surf with your friends, you might need something a little more secure.
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 3 Version 4.jpg
    • Remember that swimsuits will expand in the water, so you might want to pick a suit that's a little tighter than you'd like if you're planning to get it wet.
  4. Accentuate the features you love. Maybe you have great collarbones, or you're really proud of your muscular arms. Whatever you love about your body, you can find a bathing suit that's made to flatter it.[2]
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 4 Version 4.jpg
    • Vintage swimwear, for instance, often shows off a lot of cleavage while being cut low on the hip.
    • If you're proud of your legs, try a suit with high-cut thighs. Racer-back bathing suits will show off your strong arms.
  5. Indulge in accessories. Wearing scarfs, sunglasses, broad-brimmed sun hats, colorful earrings or a new pair of wedge heels will help you bring your most glamorous self to the beach. If you're feeling less than confident in your swimsuit, accessories might be what you need to feel great about yourself again.[3]
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 5 Version 3.jpg
    • You'll want to be realistic when accessorizing with your swimsuit. Attending a pool party, you can go high-glam, but tone it down for a mountain rafting trip.
    • Don't forget the lipstick! Not only does lipstick help you feel more confident, it usually protects your lips against UVA rays.
  6. Try out different swimsuit coverups. You can have fun accessorizing with swimsuit cover-ups that will allow you to feel more confident in your bathing suit. You can find cover-ups that really bring out the parts of your body you might feel proud of, while hiding the parts you're not quite comfortable with.[4]
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 6 Version 4.jpg
    • If you don't like showing your hips and thighs, for example, try wearing a colorful sarong wrap around your waist.
    • Sundresses or caftans that slip on over bikinis will flatter almost every body, and prevent you from getting sunburned as well.

[Edit]Developing Self-Confidence

  1. Learn to love your own body. Focusing on what you need to improve before you'll allow yourself to feel confident is a losing game. Once you realize that your body is perfect, just the way it is, you'll feel a lot better about putting on any kind of bathing suit.[5]
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 7 Version 5.jpg
    • It will help to remember that you're probably the only one focussing on your perceived flaws. Other people are more aware of whether or not you're having fun, or appear to be down in the dumps.
    • If you find yourself thinking negative thoughts, force your attention onto something positive. For example, follow the negative thought, "I hate how large my thighs are," with the positive twist, "but my collarbones are gorgeous."
  2. Smile. The simple act of smiling communicates self-confidence and friendliness. When you smile, people are more likely to smile back at you. You'll likely return the smile, and feel more confident.[6]
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 8 Version 4.jpg
    • When you're smiling, your voice will sound friendlier and more pleasant to listen to.[7]
    • Smiling releases endorphins, which bring about good feelings and greater confidence.
    • Laughing is good for your body as well. It stretches your muscles, and helps your release tension.
  3. Don't spend time with complainers. If your friends are always complaining about their own bodies, chances are you'll be tempted to join in with them. This won't do your confidence any favors. Instead, make an effort to hang out with friends who are proud of who they are. Confidence is contagious![8]
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 9 Version 5.jpg
    • Remember, the more you complain about your own perceived flaws, the more you're likely to start to believe they're real.
    • If your friends start criticizing their bodies, disengage. Change the subject, laugh it off, and don't allow yourself to start the cycle of complaining.
  4. Use mindfulness to increase self-esteem. Set the timer for 5-10 minutes, and take that time to meditate on self-compassionate loving thoughts. Deciding to refrain from negative self-judgment is a discipline that needs to be actively practiced and honed over time.[9]
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • An example of a positive meditation that you can focus on might be: "I am loved," or simply the word "love".
    • Concentrate on the feeling of your breath. If you start to notice self-judgments entering your consciousness, let them go.
  5. Practice vulnerability. Try wearing clothing that draws attention, such as animal prints, bright colors, or revealing necklines. If you pay attention to how you feel when you wear these "forbidden" clothes, you'll build courage slowly over time.[10]
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • Wearing clothing that feels revealing to you, like short skirts or low-cut tops, is a way to get used to feeling brave about your clothing choices.
    • It may seem hard at first, but gradually you'll come to realize that you deserve to be noticed and to be seen.
  6. Notice how you look at others. If you find yourself being hyper-critical of others, chances are you're being too hard on yourself as well. Instead, try focusing on what you admire about others in their swimsuits. Practice turning your negativity in a new, positive, direction.[11]
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • Try to avoid using this as an opportunity for comparison with yourself. Your goal is to improve your overall kindness, so that you're more likely to be kind to yourself.
    • This is a way to realize that no 2 bodies are exactly the same: everyone's body is differently beautiful. This includes your own!

[Edit]Treating Your Body Well

  1. Avoid crash diets. Crash diets usually involve severely restricting your caloric intake for a period of time, with the goal of losing a lot of weight quickly. Sometimes the 500 or 1000 calories-per-day are supplemented with juice "cleanses," diet pills, or diuretics. While the diet might seem to be working at first, most of this weight loss is due to water loss. Meanwhile, your body's metabolism is actually slowing down, burning fewer calories.[12]
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 13 Version 2.jpg
    • You won't be able to get a healthy nutritional balance for most crash diets.
    • Crash diets also have a negative consequence on your mental health. Not getting enough calories is likely to make you irritable, tired, and lethargic.
    • You're unlikely to feel more confident when you're not getting the daily nutrition you need.
  2. Don't skip meals. Skipping meals increases the amount of fat stored around the midsection, or belly fat. Eating smaller meals throughout the day, rather than skipping meals, is more likely to result in weight loss, according to clinical research.[13]
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 14 Version 2.jpg
    • Skipping one meals leads to being hungrier for later meals, and can result in eating more calories later in the day. This can set off a cycle of overeating, followed by fasting, that can lead to a host of health concerns.
    • Going for extended periods of time without eating will send your body into survival mode: your body will turn to muscle mass for fuel in order to preserve its fat supplies. Clearly, this is the opposite of what you'd like as you prepare for bathing suit season!
  3. Include moderate exercise daily. If you're trying to lose weight to gain confidence in your swimsuit, remember that both diet and exercise have a part to play. Each week, aim for at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) of vigorous activity, or a combination of the two.
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 15 Version 3.jpg
    • For teens, the amount of exercise recommended is about an hour per day.
    • Choose exercise routines that you can sustain over time, which means doing activities that you like., finding the mix that works best for your body will lead to feelings of confidence, whether it's biking, jogging, swimming, biking, dance classes, or a combination.
    • Include muscle-strengthening activities on at least 2 days per week. Muscle-strengthening activities include weight lifting, resistance training, sit-ups and push-ups, and many yoga classes.
  4. Eat healthily. A healthy diet includes plenty of vegetables and fruits, a good amount whole grains. Make sure to include lean meats and other proteins, such as fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Avoid trans fats and saturated fats, but include small portions of healthy fats from vegetable oils, made from olive, sunflower, peanut, canola, and others.[14]
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 16 Version 2.jpg
    • Avoid drinking sugary drinks, including sodas, energy drinks, sweetened coffee drinks. Limit juice to one serving a day.
    • Alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and liquor, are high in sugar content as well. Limit your drinks to one per day if you're trying to lose weight.
  5. Stand up straight. Acting confident on the outside will often result in the feelings of confidence inside. In addition, when you sit or stand straight, you'll improve your blood flow to the brain. You'll receive more oxygen, which will result in sharper attention and you'll feel more energetic.[15]
    Feel Confident in a Bathing Suit Step 17 Version 2.jpg
    • Check and see how you are holding your hands. Hands held with palms facing outward are a sign of insecurity.
    • Poor posture, or slouching, presents an impression of poor self-confidence and insecurity. It also makes your muscles work harder, since they're being held in an unnatural position, and can result in health difficulties over time.


[Edit]Video

[Edit]Related wikiHows

[Edit]References

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