Francine Acelar, Author at Insights

Asst. Prof. Naciye Güliz Uğur: Digital Clutter, Its Harms, and Measures | Room by Room #15

Francine Acelar — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 11:46:01 +0000

Our homes aren’t the only things that clutter – digital devices can also show the effects. Messy files and overflowing inboxes can go unnoticed, allowing important messages to slip through the cracks. So how can we keep our digital devices clean? Let’s learn from Dr. Naciye Güliz Uğur.

Meet Naciye Güliz Uğur

Dr. Naciye Güliz Uğur is an Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems at Sakarya University. As an experienced business & management professional, she holds degrees in Business Informatics and Management Information Systems from Marmara University as well as a Ph.D. from Sakarya University in Management Information Systems. She has been researching how people interact with new technologies.

About the episode

In this podcast hosted by Gabriella Joustra, Dr. Uğur talked about digital clutter and how it can mess up our lives. Digital clutter means messy digital files and devices — like having too many emails or a messy desktop. Unlike physical clutter, one might overlook digital clutter, but it can cause significant problems, making it hard to find important things and even making one’s information less secure.

She explained that digital clutter is a big issue because people are getting tons of information daily from different places, which piles up. One must manage data wisely to make the most of the digital age. Unfortunately, digital clutter can make life less productive, impede searches, and cause stress.

Moreover, Dr. Uğur gave some practical tips for cleaning up digital mess. One should delete things you don’t need, give files clear names, and use helpful apps to stay organized. She warned against hoarding digital stuff and to clean up regularly to avoid a big mess.

She also warned about the cost of digital clutter — it can slow down devices and even make data less secure. She suggested keeping data safe and organizing it based on what’s important.

In conclusion

Digital clutter is a big problem that many need to think about. But by cleaning up digital mess regularly, one can avoid problems like being less productive, stressed, and even facing security issues. By following Dr. Uğur’s advice and keeping digital spaces clean and organized, one can make the most of the digital benefits and have a better, more secure digital life.

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Anthony Davis: Grit: When Perseverance Meets Passion | Doing Well #15

Francine Acelar — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 11:45:17 +0000

Feeling stuck and finding it hard to get through tough times? In these situations, grit comes into play – it’s like the combination of never giving up and having a strong passion. Whether you’re a student, worker, or just aspiring to lead a more meaningful life, developing grit is crucial. In this podcast, Anthony Davis will talk deeply about how perseverance is important for doing well in life.

Meet Anthony Davis

Anthony J. Davis is a certified speaker, writer, and coach who’s all about empowering people. As a passionate speaker and positive impact maker, Anthony has worked with many groups and companies, sharing methods for living life to the fullest. He is eager to help students and working people overcome challenges, find their purpose, and break out of cycles that hold them back. His own story, which includes living in a homeless shelter, has touched the hearts of many people in the United States.

About the episode

During this episode, hosted by Lu Ngo, Anthony discussed how to stay focused and not give up, even when obstacles arise.

To start, Anthony discussed what well-being means to him. He said it’s more than just looking good on the outside. Instead, it’s about having a healthy mind and spirit. He said that true well-being comes from within, from your strength and determination.

The episode also talked about how having mentors, role models, or people who hold you accountable can help you develop grit. It’s like surrounding yourself with others who’ve faced similar challenges and kept going. Anthony also talked about how having a growth mindset – being open to learning and growing – is important for overcoming difficulties and not giving up. He said that seeking help and looking at things from different angles can make a big difference too.

To build up grit, Anthony suggests doing things like writing in a journal, meditating, staying active, and talking with a counselor. As he mentioned, counseling can be a great tool for personal growth and coping with tough situations. The frequency and timing of your sessions depend on what works best for you.

In conclusion

Developing perseverance, inner strength, finding support, and keeping a balanced approach remind us that true well-being and grit start from within. By not giving up and staying focused on your goals, you can take on challenges and create a positive impact on your journey.

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Dr. Trivess Moore: Zero Emission Housing | Room by Room #14

Francine Acelar — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 05:54:08 +0000

Recently, zero-emission houses have gained significance due to concerns about the Earth getting warmer and resources being used rapidly. In this podcast, Dr. Moore explains that we can design less energy and less-polluted homes to benefit everyone and the environment by building zero-emission housing.

Meet Trivess Moore

Trivess Moore is a well-known researcher who explores the complex world of sustainable housing and its profound effects on people and society. With an impressive 15-year background in this field, Dr. Moore is dedicated to creating good homes for people’s lives and the planet.

He is a Senior Lecturer in the Sustainable Building Innovation Lab (SBiLab) at RMIT University in Australia. His research is about making homes better and focuses on how homes perform technically, how comfortable they live in, their social impact, and the rules that guide them. He’s also a Trustee of the Fuel Poverty Research Network.

About the episode

During the podcast, Dr. Moore discusses how caring for the Earth is essential. Not only does this benefit the environment, but it also makes homes healthier and more comfortable and can even save money. In Dr. Moore’s view, adding plants to homes can make them warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, thereby saving energy. He emphasizes the importance of good air circulation to keep homes comfortable despite having hot weather outside.

Then, Dr. Moore talks about his most significant concerns about how to make old houses more environmentally friendly and less polluted. He believes that homes should be both energy efficient and comfortable. To create places more environmentally friendly, he believes that the government, people who build houses, and those who decide the housing rules all need to work together to change how the house should be made.

In his opinion, if houses don’t emit pollution, it can benefit people’s health and even save money on healthcare. Also, he speaks about how people can reuse things, like appliances, and how building more houses in a single area would reduce land use and resource consumption.

In conclusion

Concerns about global warming and the potential for resource exhaustion have increased the need for zero-emission homes in recent years. Zero-emission houses use less energy and cause less pollution, benefitting people, communities, and the planet.

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Dr. Max Sherman: HVAC Roles in Improving Indoor Air Quality | On the House #13

Francine Acelar — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 10:55:17 +0000

You might think that shutting windows and doors shields you from outdoor pollution, but did you know it is not enough to keep indoor air quality good? Various things, including furniture varnish, mold, and cooking spices, can make your home’s air less healthy, resulting in health problems. That is why Max Sherman is here to discuss how your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can improve indoor air quality.

Meet Max Sherman

A Building Science expert, Max Sherman specializes in maximizing ventilation, improving indoor air quality, and using energy efficiently in buildings. He is also an honorary professor at the University of Nottingham, where he studies how air inside buildings affects our health and energy consumption.

About the episode

In this podcast hosted by Gabriella Joustra, Dr. Sherman talks about bad indoor air that can create health issues, like chemicals such as formaldehyde and tiny particles that can cause lung problems over time. Unlike fast-spreading infections, bad indoor air quality can harm us slowly over many years. Therefore, improving a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can improve indoor air quality and prevent health problems.

A good air circulation serves two purposes: it mixes air inside your home and brings in fresh air from outside. Although opening windows and doors can be helpful, there may be better solutions depending on the weather and energy consumption.

Therefore, It is possible to improve air circulation using the home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Fans, filters, and air cleaners can be utilized to remove particles and use special fans in places like the kitchen and bathroom to eliminate lousy air.

Dr. Sherman also suggests using filters that catch tiny particles, but the best way to apply this filter may differ from home to home. For example, since modern homes are better insulated, they have another method to apply the HVAC system to keep the air quality.

In conclusion

You want to ensure your indoor air quality is as good as possible by ensuring the indoor air moves well and gets some fresh air from the outside. One way to do this is by implementing HVAC systems in your building.

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Emeritus Prof. Michael Bittman: Gendered Division of Housework | On the House #11

Francine Acelar — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 03:22:55 +0000

Do you notice how you typically seek cooking advice from your mom and car repair tips from your dad? This stems from the “Gendered division of housework,” a societal belief explored by Emeritus Professor Michael Bittman with far-reaching impacts.

Meet Emeritus Prof. Michael Bittman

Michael Bittman is an Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of New England. He was the President of IATUR from 2005 to 2013 and is recognized as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia.

His research covers various topics, including how work is divided between genders at home, how families balance work and personal life, and even the use of technology in our daily lives. Recently, he contributed to a training manual for the United Nations and is part of a team looking into changes in how we organize our meals socially.

About the episode

In the podcast hosted by Gabriella Joustra, Professor Bittman explores the idea of gender-based division in household tasks. He discusses how these stereotypes push men and women into specific roles, impacting their mental well-being and careers. To address this, he suggests involving men more in parenting and changing how we think about fatherhood. He emphasizes that fathers being active in their children’s lives can have a positive effect.

Bittman points out that despite changing attitudes, obstacles still prevent men from taking on larger roles in childcare. These include a lack of adequate parental leave policies and societal pressures. He also discusses how this division of labor affects both on-site and remote work and how both genders can adapt to manage household tasks, especially with the rise of remote work. This calls for effective time management, a healthy lifestyle, and partner cooperation.

In conclusion

Women are expected to do household chores, while men are expected to do more mechanical tasks. This stereotype is usually called the gendered division of housework. The situation affects both genders’ well-being and careers, and there needs to be some adjustment, especially for those who work remotely.

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Amy Dirks: Mental Health & How Nutrition Can Affect It | Self-improvement Atlas #2

Francine Acelar — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 10:34:37 +0000

Did you know that anxiety, depression, trouble focusing, brain fog, and other mental health issues have a connection with lifestyle, most especially nutrition? Now you know. This episode will explore the systemic connection between what you eat and how your brain functions.

Meet Amy Dirks

Amy Dirks is an experienced registered dietitian-nutritionist with a demonstrated history of working in wellness and the sports industry. She is skilled in Nutrition Education, Wellness Coaching, Sports Nutrition, Integrative & Functional Nutrition, and Health Promotion. Amy is skilled in educating clients and athletes in functional nutrition and how it can impact their lives and performance. She drives results through clear communication and expectations utilizing social and emotional intelligence. With her experiences and knowledges in Dietetics, Nutrition, and Exercise, she has helped many people adjust and manage their lifestyles to find the right nutrition, physical activity, and overall wellbeing to maintain a healthy body and healthy mind.

About the episode

The episode started with Amy defining personal development and the challenges that come with it. She also went on to talk about how nutrition can affect efforts in personal development. Amy also listed out food that are good for mental health and the brain, and the list starts with vegetables — earth’s medicine. A discussion on meal plans ensued where Amy emphasized the importance of quality over calorie. Take special attention to the part where Amy talked about food that you should cut out immediately as some of the food she mentioned seem to be harmless but actually can result to health issues such as allergies, leaky gut syndrome, and more.

In conclusion

When you improve nutrition, everything else falls into place — better sleep, improved mental health, and more. One quick, easy change you can make is add probiotics. However, not all probiotics are made equal. Different probiotics have different bacteria strains so you should switch around to ensure a variety of good bacteria in your gut. Also, cooking at home is underrated, but it’s one way to ensure you are eating whole, nutritious food.

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Teresa Kleeman: Bathroom Design and Organization | Room by Room #2

Francine Acelar — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 08:30:52 +0000

When it comes to organizing the bathroom, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? What are some rules you need to know in order to prepare the right bathroom design and organization? This episode has the answers.

Meet Teresa Kleeman

Teresa Kleeman is the founder and interior designer of Embracing Space. She specializes in kitchen and bathroom spaces. With over 15 years in the design industry, she brings her knowledge and design flair to all aspects of residential design.

About the episode

The episode started with Teresa establishing the importance of home organization and how it impacts daily functioning. She then goes into the questions she asks clients so she can tailor a renovation design for them. Teresa also explored some of the common design mistakes that people make, some of which are unintentional. She also has some helpful tips for renters and those with small bathrooms. And if you want to know about grout and mold, Teresa has some handy advice about those too, one clue: squeegees!

In conclusion

Underfloor heating is one of the most underrated design features that a bathroom can have. Also, storage should be a top priority when designing the bathroom. And if the heating panel can be placed in a cabinet, that would be a lot better than leaving the panel hanging on the wall. If you want a small space to look wider, “light and bright” is the strategy. Also, if many people are using a bathroom, it’s important to create a section for everyone.

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Dr. Martha Tara Lee: The Relationship Between Sexual Routine and Sexual Intimacy | Reloscope #1

Francine Acelar — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 10:51:55 +0000

If your relationship seems to turn sour, the episode today is worth a watch. One of the many ways to save a relationship or boots its intimacy is to establish a routine. And this episode will leave you with plenty of tips on how to go about making one.

Meet Dr. Martha Tara Lee

Born and bred Singaporean Chinese, Dr. Martha Tara Lee is a Relationship Counselor and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching. She has a doctorate in human sexuality, a Master’s degree in counseling, and two other degrees.

In practice since 2009, Dr. Lee is also the appointed Resident Sexologist of the Singapore Cancer Society, as well as OfNoah and OfZoey.

She was also recognized as one of the ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women under 40’ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011.

She is the author of Love, Sex and Everything In-Between (2013), Orgasmic Yoga: Masturbation, Meditation and Everything In-Between (2015), From Princess to Queen: Heartbreaks, Heartgasms and Everything In-Between (2017), and {Un}Inhibited (2019).

About the episode

The episode started with Dr. Lee defining relationship and couple’s routine. Also, should you be spontaneous or should you schedule routines? Dr. Lee said there is no right or wrong way to go about it. Dr. Lee also has helpful tips on how to find a routine — not to overthink this part though, as most of the time, couples end up finding a routine organically. Dr. Lee also discussed practices and habits and the 3 benefits of cuddling after sex.

In conclusion

Not everyone has time to spend a substantive amount with their partner, so having a routine can serve as a touchpoint of the day. Also, routines are meant to show that you prioritize your partner, not simply giving them attention in your spare time.

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Darren Finkelstein: Goal Setting & Staying Accountable | Work in Progress #1

Francine Acelar — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 09:36:02 +0000

One of the many hindrances in achieving productivity is not having accountability in meeting our goals. So how and where do you start in taking responsibility and applying accountability?

Meet Darren Finkelstein

Darren is known as The Accountability Guy®, something he’s very proud of “due to being known for something so crucial to a business’s success”. By holding people to account, he genuinely enjoys making a difference in people’s businesses and personal lives.

Darren delivers measurable results to high-performing individuals and teams through his boutique advisory practice aptly named Tick Those Boxes.

Having lived an extensive entrepreneurial journey filled with highs, lows, remarkable achievements, and success, Darren has over 30 years of experience in the corporate world and small business. He brings solid skills and an informed perspective to the table, confirming he is someone who walks the talk.

About the episode

In this episode, Tia and Darren talked about the definition and challenges of productivity, the influence of accountability and goal setting on productivity, and where to start if you’re struggling to achieve your goals. They also explored the idea of employers setting goals for employees and their achievability. Darren also has some insightful ideas on adopting a positive attitude toward accountability.

In conclusion

If there’s a better time to begin practicing accountability, it would be today. Start by looking for an accountability partner, record what you have agreed upon, and communicate the expectations.

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Ashleigh Chapman: Practical Strategies to Improve Family Functioning | All Together #1

Francine Acelar — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 08:36:05 +0000

Conflict is a part of normal family dynamics. However, if it becomes too severe that it starts to affect family functioning, it needs to be nipped in the bud. This episode talks about trauma, safety responses, and what can be done to not let conflict get in the way of a functional family.

Meet Ashleigh Chapman

Ashleigh Chapman is a behavioral-based therapist working with families who experience domestic and family violence. She works with the whole family system to address conflict and aggression within relationships.

Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Psychology, postgraduate completions in Autism Studies, Health Science, and research, a Master’s in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and have returned to study to complete her Psychology registration.

Ashleigh’s clinical career began by working with children with Autism as an Applied Behavioral Therapist. She didn’t like how limiting this was — working one-on-one only with the child and not the whole family. She then found her career in Functional Family Therapy and she is now the Team Leader at OzChild, leading a team of 5 therapists to address adolescent violence in the home.

She is a Mum to a 2-month baby girl, starting her own family unit with her fiance and two kelpies. She enjoys sports and remains pretty active outside of study and work.

About the episode

The episode started with Ashleigh defining what a family functioning is, how it affects the members of a family, and what a functional family is. The part in the episode where Ashleigh differentiates a traumatized child and a pretender will be helpful for someone to spot red flags in children’s behavior. Also, Ashleigh clarifies that a functional family doesn’t necessarily have to be 100% happy all the time. The episode also tackled challenges and what practices can be implemented to improve family functioning.

In conclusion

One of the many helpful nuggets of wisdom left us is the practice of “connect before correct”. The primary step to improving family functioning is communication. How to do that is to step in the other person’s shoes, hear their opinion, and try to understand their difficulties.

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