Just because I know these things doesn’t mean I do them. I’ve read them in blog posts, tweets, and conversations with LLMs: take that how you will.
None of this is comprehensive or perfectly sourced. Some I’ve tried, some I’ve ignored, some I just believe. If you want to add sources, message me. I try to be aware of my own biases and trusts in data, but finding good sources is really hard.
I suggest actually thinking about your life on a longer timescale once in a while, because, even if you think so right now, you are probably not gonna kill yourself.
People
Almost everything in life revolves around people. Relationships are one of the main pillars of life.
- Find your people: the ones you actually belong to. It takes time, but it’s worth everything. I highly suggest reading Loneliness: The Four Circles of Belonging
- Maintaining a friendship takes effort
- Meet people and get to know them: expand your network, a zero-downside activity
- Notice that the people you treasure most will probably die before you, be more present.
- Go to events regularly: I’ve been going to HackerFab-Waterloo, Socratica, Tea Club, and hopefully Claude Builder Club. Use Luma and Twitter/Facebook to find events
- If you can be mentored, take it. If you can mentor, do it. It benefits both sides
- Reaching out is basically free: a cold DM or email could work
- “Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity” - Hanlon’s razor
Actions
You only get one body for life.
Sleep
- Sleep: foundation of everything - free 20% improvement in QoL by sleeping from 10pm-7am every day.
- Sleep 7–9 hours a night
- Go to bed and wake up at consistent times
- Use your bed for sleeping only (see Spaceship You)
- Dark, cool room
- Avoid caffeine late in the day
- If you suspect sleep apnea, get it checked
Health
- Exercise daily: even a walk counts
- Go outside: sunlight regulates circadian rhythm and mood
- Eat to meet caloric goals, not until you feel "full", it's very easy to eat more than you need to and gain weight.
- Floss daily and visit the dentist every 6 months
- Never smoke, vape, or use recreational drugs
- Alcohol: no safe dose, per WHO. I get kind of upset when my parents drink because it reminds me that they are just gonna die sooner.
- 20-minute naps can restore alertness without grogginess, this is OP especially with caffeine
- Caffeine has positive effects on longevity
Mind
- Meditation
- Try to go somewhere for working to work (e.g. a library). The mental separation is highly beneficial
- Staying in your room all day is probably not ideal
- Don’t speak when angry
- Journaling helps. Even if it doesn't, reflection and tracking patterns is interesting.
- Feel your emotions instead of suppressing them, this is pretty important
- Gratitude practice might not increase happiness (Dynomight) but probably wouldn't hurt
- When anxious: imagine the worst-case scenario. It’s rarely catastrophic. This has also made me realize some actions are zero-cost
I've heard writing is good for you too. I'm not sure why, wondering if anyone has data on this.
Your time
Finally, and most importantly your time. Every time you do something, just think of the opportunity cost. If I play a video game for an hour that's 4% of my day that I could have spent learning something new.
If you don't have anything to do, it is very easy to waste your time. I tend to waste time without structure.
Mindset
I believe in grindmaxxing. Be aware of burnout, try to catch it early.
- Consistency >> rare intensity
- Accountability partners
- Cognitive reappraisal (reframing how you interpret events) reduces stress
- Don't chase perfection
- "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." - James Clear
Skill
- Learning to learn is probably the most important thing you can do
- Be willing to take on projects that surpass your current skillset - this is one of the most effective ways for me to learn (personally)
Reading
Reading is better for your attention than short-form content. I’ve been getting back into reading.
- Slate Star Codex and Astral Codex Ten - Scott Alexander’s writing
- Dynomight - data-driven, interesting studies, and tips
- Alexey Guzey - amazing and also hilarious
- Near Blog - incredible reading list and other tips. If you are going to read one of these read this.
If you have any book recommendations let me know.
Meta
If something helps you live better, keep it. If not, discard it. I probably don't even effectively follow half the advice on this list, but still, you are better off knowing this information than not.