Category
Lifehacks
Publication date

How to work from home and make money from it

Source:  online.ua
How to work from home and make money from it

One of the few positive things that the COVID-19 epidemic has brought to our society is the realization by most employers that many people can work remotely without losing productivity. And ordinary citizens also assessed the pros and cons of working from home. Not everyone, of course - many professions are technically unable to perform their duties remotely.

But those who can, are now more and more actively looking for vacancies where they are given such an opportunity. So now we will tell you in detail about all the stages of looking for work from home and even give some useful tips from personal experience.

What you need to know about how to start working remotely

Main organizational points

The first and most important point: the effectiveness of your work from home depends only and exclusively on your ability to self-organize. With which some people have very big problems. Unfortunately, they are simply not able to concentrate on a specific task for a long time, if there is no checker standing behind them, in the form of a team leader or a boss. However, such a minority.

So how can you work remotely without external control? Due to internal control. That depends on self-discipline. Fortunately, this skill can be developed, and quite simply. You only need to think, consider and plan the next moments.

  • Mode of operation. The main advantage of working from home is the ability to make your own schedule. Unless, of course, you are required to attend the mandatory morning meeting at 8 o'clock. But even for a freelancer who is not subject to such restrictions, it will be more convenient if he always gets up at the same time, assigns the same deadline to work, and takes breaks at strictly scheduled moments. Adherence to the exact schedule disciplines and adjusts to the working order.

  • Workplace. I have met people who can work quite effectively with a laptop while lying in bed. To be honest, I am one of those people. But this option is not suitable for most. Therefore, it is better to organize a special workplace, which should even be visually separated from the rest of the apartment, for example, by a screen or a closet. Also, this workplace should not have any extraneous things, and it should be in perfect order. So get into the habit of cleaning it every day. It also adjusts to the desired order.

  • Working clothes. You've probably seen tons of funny videos of people participating in a video conference but only looking solid above the waist. So, this is a really working method, which also sets the mood for work. A shirt with a tie or a formal blouse automatically takes you out of your usual relaxed state at home. And, of course, they allow you to look decent at work meetings.

  • Schedule. The main disadvantage of working from home is the difficulty of persuading loved ones not to distract you at this time. It is good if there is a separate room where you can lock yourself away. But if it is not there, you will have to convey to wives, husbands and children the fact that your presence at the computer does not mean that you can be pulled to solve various household issues. It is more difficult with cats - it is impossible to convince cats of this. On the other hand, during your legal breaks, as well as after finishing work, this ban is lifted. Even, on the contrary, doing household chores is a great way to switch your attention and relieve your brain a little. An alternative is to go for a walk. Fresh air and moderate physical activity will certainly benefit you. And no, smoking breaks are not considered physical activity.

Creating a resume

A moment that everyone who learns how to work from home goes through. Freelance, remote work, part-time employment - it doesn't matter. It's just the easiest way to tell the employer about yourself, your skills, abilities and "track record" that doesn't even require your presence. Therefore, a correctly prepared resume significantly increases your chances of getting an interview.

The only problem is that for each employer there is something different about what is "right". For some, a Word document with brief biographical data and references to past work is sufficient, while for others, a full-fledged presentation with a visual demonstration of achievements is sufficient. But honestly, it is better to overdo it than to underdo something when it comes to writing a resume.

For the convenience of this process, even special resources have been created. For example, canva.com , which allows you to add elements of visual design, or zety.com , which allows you to structure information as clearly and clearly as possible. There are both paid and free resources. And all of them will be useful to you in any case.

For some professions, it is extremely important to have a portfolio - a list of finished works that a person is proud of and that testify to his high professional level. And quality is more important here than quantity. Better to give 5 really good examples of your professional skills than 25, but average in quality. There are also special resources for hosting such portfolios.

For example, behance.net for designers or linkedin.com for people of all professions. The second option is especially popular among residents of Europe and the USA. It is better to carefully study each resource, review other people's examples, to understand how to position yourself from the best side. You can also post your work on social networks, such as facebook.com .

One of the most effective ways to increase the value of your resume is to list all the courses you have taken and the certificates you have received. We are, of course, talking about paid options, such as prjctr.com . Simply having a certificate shows that you have additional skills that employers value very much. Especially when it comes to confirming knowledge of the English language at the C1 Advanced level.

How to find a remote job

To begin with, you need to decide what exactly you can do, what you want and what you are ready for. Yes, there are 3 different categories. For example, I can translate texts related to medicine from English - knowledge, education and experience allow. But I don't want to do that. But I am ready if they pay very well. Therefore, make a list of possible jobs and evaluate it according to these three points. This will allow you to search for vacancies more purposefully.

Where to look for them? There are many options. On the same facebook.com, there are groups like: "Looking for a job", where people drop their resumes, and employers - possible vacancies. The option is simple, but not very convenient because everything is bad with the structure and the search is not very well organized.

Another way to find remote work is thematic portals, such as work.ua , robota.ua , djinni.co and others. Here is a good search, and the ability to download resumes, and mailing lists about selected vacancies, and much more. It is often even possible to search for offers that provide work-from-home jobs.

If for some reason you are not interested in permanent work from home online, you can try freelancing. But I'll be honest - it's much more difficult, more inconvenient and scarier. The main problem is reliability.

The fact is that even on respected resources, such as freelance.ua or freelancehunt.com , there are often people who do not pay for the work done. The resources themselves almost do not regulate this moment and do not help to get their money. The reputation system saves the situation somewhat, but even it does not guarantee protection from unscrupulous customers.

In more than 10 years of freelancing, despite all my caution and experience, they managed to dump me once. And it will be even more difficult for beginners. But this is a great option for how to work remotely without experience. Yes, for a minimal fee. But in the process, you will gain the necessary knowledge and begin to replenish your portfolio. This is the way I went at one time.

If you speak English at an advanced level and your professional skills are high, you can pay attention to upwork.com . This is a resource on which residents of Europe and the USA are looking for work. Therefore, even though there is huge competition, if you are lucky, you can count on a very decent salary. Plus, they monitor the facts of fraud much more closely there and actively fight against it.

Interview

The most difficult point for most people is how to work remotely on the Internet. You may have no doubts about your practical skills, but you may not be able to present them properly. After all, before you are invited to a profile interview, you will have to go through the "7 circles of hell" in the form of HR specialists. Which will assess your ability to communicate, present yourself, answer provocative questions and resist stress. First - in the form of a short telephone interview. Then - in the form of a more serious and long video call, or even a visit to the office. And only if everything goes well, you will be admitted to the technical stage.

Of course, there are exceptions when you will be immediately referred to a specialized specialist for assessment of specific skills, but this does not happen as often as we would like. So a lot of novice specialists with decent skills fail at the interview.

Useful tips for working from home

  • From personal experience, we can say that 2 fifteen-minute breaks and one half-hour break are not the best option. It is much more effective to rest for 15 minutes every hour. Why? And because you have been used to this kind of regime since school.

  • A great temptation for a freelancer is to work from home as long and intensively as possible. No days off, 10+ hours a day. Especially if there is a task. After all, you are not paid for sitting online, but for specific results. So, DO NOT DO THIS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. This can lead to rapid burnout - you will literally get sick of work, so productivity will drop significantly. Again, personal experience.

  • No distractions. When working - no social networks, funny pictures with cats, correspondence with colleagues off topic. During breaks - you can. But no more than 15 minutes.

  • The best way to look for work from home is through recommendations from friends. You'd be surprised, but word of mouth and personal recommendations work far better than thoughtful interviews and carefully crafted resumes. However, you will need a good portfolio here too.

  • Always clearly fulfill the tasks set by your superiors and keep in touch with them. And always clarify if something is not understood. It's better than having to redo everything later. This simple rule is the key to effective remote work.

  • Never delay the matter until the deadline! Although there is a certain category of people who effectively solve tasks only when "another 5 minutes will be too late" - this is an extremely unproductive method. Because the deadline almost always falls by a day, or even 2, the quality of such work needs to be better, and there is still no time to check errors and correct them. So my advice to you is to try to submit everything 2-3 days before the deadline. Or sooner if possible.

Conclusions

Remote work in Ukraine continues to be extremely relevant even after the recession of the Covid-19 wave. Simply because many specialists were forced to leave their place of residence due to the threat of missile attacks.

But some of them were able to keep their jobs precisely because they switched to remote work. And some organizations suddenly realized that working from home for most employees allows them to save money, for example, on renting office space and other important organizational issues. So more and more vacancies offer applicants remote work. And one of them may turn out to be exactly what you need. So - good luck in your search!

Category
Health
Publication date

Magnetic storms today. Forecast and calendar of magnetic storms in Ukraine

Magnetic storms today. Forecast and calendar of magnetic storms in Ukraine

Tracking the forecast of magnetic storms

The first and most important step is to know about magnetic storms in advance .

Magnetic storms are a natural phenomenon that occurs as a result of the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth's magnetosphere. This can lead to disruptions in the operation of technical systems, as well as negatively affect human health, especially those who suffer from chronic diseases or are weather-dependent.

Sharp changes in our planet's magnetic field can last from a few hours to a few days. During periods of increased geomagnetic activity, people often experience headaches, increased irritability, sleep problems, and spikes in blood pressure.

Since the Sun is in a phase of increased activity, it is important to know exactly when they will occur in order to take the necessary measures to minimize their impact on health and daily life.

Next, we will look at how magnetic storms occur, what consequences they have, as well as a detailed forecast and calendar of magnetic storms for Ukraine.

If the forecast indicates a severe storm (G3-G5) , it is worth preparing and planning minimal activity that day.

How to prepare for magnetic storms?

Magnetic storms can cause significant changes in the human body, especially in weather-dependent people, hypertensive people, people with cardiovascular diseases, and pregnant women. To minimize their impact, it is worth preparing in advance and following certain rules that will help maintain the body in a state of balance.

Stress management and sleep quality

One of the most common complaints during magnetic storms is increased irritability, insomnia, anxiety, and fatigue . This is due to the fact that changes in the magnetic field affect the functioning of the central nervous system.

How to reduce stress levels?

Ways to reduce stress:

  • Meditation and breathing practices help stabilize the nervous system.

  • Walking in the fresh air saturates the body with oxygen.

  • Relaxation music – classical music or nature sounds can reduce stress.

  • Aromatherapy – essential oils of lavender, mint, or orange have a calming effect.

How to improve sleep quality?

🛏️ To avoid insomnia, follow these tips:

  • Establish a clear sleep routine – go to bed and wake up at the same time.

  • Avoid gadget screens 1-2 hours before bedtime - the blue light from phones and computers suppresses melatonin production.

  • Drink soothing teas (chamomile, lemon balm, linden).

  • Ventilate the room before going to bed – fresh air improves sleep quality.

What products should you consume during magnetic storms?

Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining health during magnetic storms. Eating the right foods can help minimize the negative effects of geomagnetic fluctuations, stabilize blood pressure, reduce headaches, improve blood circulation, and reduce stress levels.

During magnetic storms, the following changes may occur in the body:

  • Blood pressure fluctuations , which can cause headaches and dizziness.

  • Impaired blood circulation , causing the brain to receive less oxygen and blood vessels to narrow or dilate.

  • Dehydration , which can cause general weakness, fatigue, and fluid and salt imbalance.

  • Increased stress levels , which negatively affects the nervous system.

By consuming certain foods, you can reduce these symptoms and make magnetic storms easier to bear.

1. Foods rich in potassium

Potassium is a vital trace element responsible for regulating heart rate, fluid balance in the body, and blood pressure stability . During magnetic storms, blood vessels can constrict or dilate, causing headaches and pressure drops, and potassium helps regulate them.

Foods rich in potassium:

  • Bananas – improve blood circulation, normalize heart rhythm, and prevent cramps.

  • Avocado – helps lower cholesterol levels and improves the condition of blood vessels.

  • Potatoes (especially baked) – contain a large amount of potassium, which helps stabilize blood pressure.

  • Beans and legumes – help cleanse blood vessels and normalize heart function.

  • Spinach is rich in potassium and antioxidants that support normal blood circulation.

How it works: Potassium reduces the negative impact of magnetic storms on the cardiovascular system, helps avoid sudden jumps in blood pressure, and reduces the risk of developing arrhythmia.

2. Foods containing magnesium

Magnesium is another important trace element that helps reduce fatigue, eliminate irritability, and stabilize the nervous system . During magnetic storms, it also helps relax blood vessels, which helps reduce headaches .

Foods rich in magnesium:

  • Buckwheat groats – improves blood circulation and normalizes blood glucose levels.

  • Nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts) - support the nervous system, reduce stress.

  • Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more) – contains magnesium and antioxidants that improve brain function.

  • Sea kale – helps improve the functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates energy and stress levels.

  • Avocado is not only a source of potassium, but also magnesium, which helps improve your emotional state.

How it works: Magnesium reduces blood vessel tension, relaxes muscles, reduces headaches, and helps normalize the nervous system during magnetic storms.

3. Products that improve blood circulation

Magnetic storms can cause circulatory problems , leading to malaise, dizziness, and headaches. It is important to consume foods that dilate blood vessels and improve circulation.

Useful products for blood circulation:

  • Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna) – contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain the elasticity of blood vessels.

  • Olive oil 🫒 – reduces bad cholesterol levels and helps strengthen blood vessels.

  • Beets – help dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and improve oxygen flow to the brain.

  • Red grapes – contain flavonoids that strengthen blood vessel walls.

How it works: These products help blood flow evenly, saturate the brain with oxygen, and prevent headaches, dizziness, and weakness.

4. Products that calm the nervous system

During magnetic storms, people may experience increased irritability, anxiety, and even sleep problems . Therefore, it is important to include foods in the diet that have a calming effect.

Products that help you relax:

  • Chamomile and mint tea – contains natural sedative components that help relieve stress.

  • Honey – contains glucose, which supports brain function and promotes relaxation.

  • Valerian or motherwort tincture helps stabilize the nervous system.

  • Bananas are not only rich in potassium, but also contain the amino acid tryptophan, which promotes the production of serotonin (the hormone of joy).

How it works: Such products help avoid stress, improve emotional state, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep during magnetic storms.

Conclusion

During magnetic storms, it is important to follow a proper diet to minimize their negative impact on the body. Including foods rich in potassium and magnesium in your diet will help regulate blood pressure, reduce headaches, and improve blood circulation.

Nutrition tips during magnetic storms:

  • Eat more vegetables, fruits, fish and nuts.

  • Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and reduce your coffee and alcohol intake.

  • Avoid heavy foods that can overload the body.

Following these simple rules will help you endure magnetic storms more easily and feel much better!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Magnetic storms can occur from a few times a month to several times a year, depending on solar activity.

Yes, people can experience anxiety, depressive moods, irritability, and insomnia due to changes in the magnetic field.

Some people, especially those with diabetes, may experience fluctuations in glucose levels during magnetic storms.

It is worth following the forecasts of magnetic storms on specialized websites of NOAA, NASA, and FIAN, or downloading mobile applications for monitoring space weather.

Yes, especially in people prone to migraines or with hypertension. Changes in atmospheric pressure and blood circulation can cause headaches and dizziness.

During storms, there is an increase in blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, and arrhythmia.

Yes, especially for infants and teenagers. Children may be more excitable, moody, and have trouble sleeping.

There are no specific medications for magnetic storms, but doctors recommend taking magnesium, drinking herbal teas, and avoiding stress.

By staying online, you consent to the use of cookies files, which help us make your stay here even better 

Based on your browser and language settings, you might prefer the English version of our website. Would you like to switch?