December 2014 Summaries

We're serious about blogging at Zapier, and we have high admiration for companies that carry the same commitment. We follow blogs of our partners, one of the 350-plus companies whose app is integrated with Zapier, to discover interesting content. These include HubSpot, Buffer, Intercom, Help Scout, and Unbounce. To identify popular posts from these sources, we use BuzzSumo, a tool that surfaces most-shared content, and apply our own editorial judgment. The following 30 posts are well worth your time, covering various topics such as marketing, product development, sales, ecommerce, productivity, and customer experience.

Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables can significantly increase productivity, well-being, happiness, and reduce stress. A mismanaged diet can lead to issues such as fatigue, irritability, brain fog, and decreased willpower, making it harder to focus and be productive. To optimize this for maximum productivity, one should stick to foods with a low glycemic index, which release energy slowly and prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. This includes opting for meats, eggs, and vegetables instead of carb-heavy meals like bagels, pancakes, and sandwiches. Additionally, avoiding sugary drinks, artificial sweeteners, and late-night snacking can also help improve productivity. By making these changes, one can experience a significant increase in energy, focus, and overall well-being.

Looking at screens for extended periods can have negative effects on our physical health, particularly our eyes. Bright screen brightness and blue light emission from electronic devices can cause eye strain, dryness, and disrupted sleep patterns. To mitigate these effects, it's recommended to maintain high contrast settings, use night mode or adjust the color scheme to reduce blue light emission before bedtime, and take regular breaks to rest your eyes every 20 minutes. Proper positioning of screens, including distance from the viewer, glare reduction, and ergonomic setup of chairs and desks, can also help prevent eye strain and promote good posture. By taking these precautions, individuals can reduce their risk of developing computer vision syndrome and maintain healthy eyes for extended screen time.