The Technorati 100 is a pretty predictable place. This ranking of major blogs is based on the number and quality of inbound links, so it isn’t surprising to see that the blogs with the highest authority often come from the technology, digital media or political/news spheres. Sandwiched in there at number 16 is a blog that doesn’t necessarily fit in to any of those categories (although, there would probably be some overlap in a Venn Diagram): Lifehacker.
Lifehacker is the most well-known among a fairly prevalent group of blogs dedicated towards efficient living and self-sufficiency, sometimes called Do-It-Yourself, or DIY, blogs. There are many DIY type blogs out there, and Lifehacker often times will discuss the topic. It’s important here because there are times when the tips relate to personal health. In that spirit, here are a few simple ideas to consider, courtesy of the Lifehacker and other DIY blogger archives.
Another great reason to familiarize yourself with this network of blogs? They may be the right fit to any program that seeks to promote personal health management. Before reaching out, though, make sure it’s a topic that hasn’t been discussed by the bloggers before or its truly a new tip.
Water
In a post so nice, Dumb Little Man printed it twice, Leo Babuta broke down nine different reasons why drinking water is an overlooked health management solution. He also provided some really solid tips on how to make water a more important part of your daily habit, which may convince you to switch that morning cup of coffee for a bottle of H20.
Fruits and Vegetables
The posts on DIY blogs aren’t always lengthy essays, and it’s probably more common that they merely contain a simple chart or infographic. For example, here’s a post from earlier this week on Lifehacker that offers a truly simple way to decide which foods should be bought organic and which fruits and veggies are good to go on their own – helping you manage your wallet and your health at the same time.
Fitness
The editors and authors at Lifehacker are some of the most well-read individuals online when it comes to personal health studies, so when new research comes out related to fitness or exercise, you can bet that it will be published post-haste. Since the site has some of the most active commenters, it is pretty common to see a new study shared – like this one on the different schools of beliefs regarding weightlifting mass versus repetitions – and then develop more of a crowdsourced verdict on what may be the best fitness solution.
Emotional Health
Just as it’s important not to overlook the value of fitness and nutrition, there is certainly something to say about keeping your emotional health in check as well. Instructables recently published a simple guide that, even if it doesn’t provide a revelation in the way you take care of your personal mindset, is a set of reminders that show you can also take care of this aspect of your life.
Why DIY?
Why are people turning so often to Do-It-Yourself mentalities? It’s partly a philosophy, related to the fact that technology puts more things in reach – from communication to thought leadership to personal management – for more and more people. But it’s also financial in nature: Smart Money pointed out that the economic strains of the last few years have pushed people to consider more at-home and DIY remedies or prevention measures.
Have other ways to “life hack” your health? Add your thoughts.
