In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Don't try to brainstorm with just a cold start. This is like breaking out into a full run without a light jog first! Do a quick exercise that gets your head in that space, such as making a menu for your next week's worth of dinners, or coming up with a wish list of things you'd like to accomplish in work, school, or whatever it is you're doing. Put yourself in the shoes of your competitor, looking at what you're doing now and trying to figure out how to be better than you. How would they look at what you're doing and do things better? What would they change? Where would they go next? Giving yourself new roadblocks to reaching your goals, such as a lower budget, a new deadline, or a specific material to be used, can make you more creative and innovative. It may even give you an idea if you couldn't come up with one before. Mind maps are one of the most popular brainstorming techniques. This is where you write down an idea (or several!) on a notecard. Pin the notecard to a wall and then build on the idea. Write down every little thing you think of and start connecting the ideas. Create three categories: easy ideas, tough ideas, and crazy ideas. Try to come up with at least five ideas for each category. Usually, in coming up with ideas we think we can't or shouldn't actually carry out, we find ourselves with ideas that we actually can use. , analysis, or review. Write a poem that describes what you're trying to do. You can also write a theoretical analysis or review of the thing you're hoping to create. By outlining what you're hoping to get out of the project, you may have an easier time thinking of ways to do it. Take something you've done before, a long time ago, and find a way to update it. You can also take old concepts that aren't yours and find a way to bring them into this era. For example, Twitter was basically telegrams for the internet. Some of the most popular products right now make use of classic designs. Online idea generators can be really helpful in getting you started, even if it's just used as a warm-up. Don't feel burdened by or tied to the ideas that it gives you, but try to use them as a jumping-off point. Try this: http://ideagenerator.creativitygames.net/ Always ask questions. Ask questions of yourself. Ask questions of the people you're brainstorming with. Ask questions of your friends and family members. Questions lead us to really think through things that we might have glazed over in our minds. Ask detailed questions and questions that really get at the heart of the issue. And don't go for the short, obvious answer.  Why do I want to paint with oils? Why does my customer want this product? You can even incorporate these questions into your mind map. You won't have all the answers yet because you're just starting your project, but you will be able to chart your thoughts. There are lots of little exercises, like mind maps, that can be really useful. But a lot of the time they're also a distraction and can hold you back from really getting work done. Don't waste too much time on brainstorming activities, and instead try to just get down to business as quickly as possible. Freewriting is where you start writing and you just don't stop. This also involves some free association, where you naturally follow the course that your thoughts take instead of trying to direct the current. Just write down a sentence that deals with the topic you're trying to brainstorm on and then follow your brain, writing down every word that ambles through your internal dialogue without stopping to think. You never know where it will lead you!
Summary: Warm up. Change your perspective. Introduce roadblocks. Make a mind map. Create idea categories. Write a poem Bring an old technique into the new age. Use an online idea generator. Keep asking questions. Don't waste time. Do some free-writing.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Reuniting with long lost relatives can be an emotional experience—one in which you can’t predict the outcome. Before you make contact, it’s important to clarify your rationale for wanting to connect.  Do you simply want them to know that you exist? Are you suffering from a terminal illness and seeking closure? Do you lack other family or a solid support system? Has a parent or grandparent recently passed away, prompting this sudden interest? Think long and hard about why you want to do this beforehand. Always keep in the forefront of your mind that this has all been hidden for quite a while, and the door might not be open! It’s also a good idea to anticipate how you expect them to react. Of course, you don’t know them, but perhaps recounting the details of why you were separated in the first place can help you determine how a possible reunion would play out.  For example, if you were the secret love-child of a married man, your introduction to half-siblings might lead to everyone finding out about an instance of infidelity. If your half-siblings are from a wealthy background, they might distrust your motives, assuming you want something from them. In addition, if your half-siblings are young and your biological parent is still married, it may be very upsetting for them to learn that their parent’s marriage consisted of this betrayal. If either of your parents is alive or in your life, talking to them may assist with your decision-making. They may not approve of your desire to connect with your half-siblings, or they may have some insights about your relatives that haven’t been previously shared.  Choose a time when everyone is feeling relaxed, present, and free of distractions and approach the subject. Bring up the topic by saying, “Mom/Dad, I have been thinking about my half-siblings a lot lately. As I grow older, I really have a desire to get to know them. What do you think about that?"  Be prepared for the possibility that your own parent also might not want to open it up.
Summary: Question your reasons for making contact. Weigh possible negative consequences. Get the advice of your parents, if possible.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Your body needs time to store the water, and trying to chug a water bottle right before you leave is ineffective and uncomfortable. Aim to drink one glass of water every hour up until you set out on your run.  You need to drink water to stay hydrated and energized. Aim for 8-16oz of water 1-2 hours before running. You don't need to eat a lot unless you plan on running more than 12-13 miles. A bagel with honey or jam, a granola bar and fruit, or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich will provide fuel that your body can digest quickly. Avoid slow to digest foods like thick pasta sauces, fried foods, or cheeses. Aim for a simple combination of carbohydrates (bagel, toast, granola, oatmeal), natural sugar (jelly, banana, apple, honey), and protein (peanut butter, yogurt, grilled chicken). This is especially important if you are just beginning to run regularly. Use a map or a running specific app, like MapMyRun, to plan out a route that works for you. A good start for your first few weeks is 20-30 minutes, running 2-3 miles at a time. As you progress, listen to your body -- if your muscles and joints are hurting after every run, slow down and do less mileage until you are better prepared. You should wear light, breathable clothing that doesn't trap sweat. If you are going for a short run, then a cotton shirt will be fine, but you should use synthetic athletic wear for longer runs. Your body will raise it's temperature by 10-15 degrees, so dress as if the weather is 10-15 degrees warmer. Make sure your sneakers fit by trying them out on short runs. If you get any blisters or feel numbness in your toes, you need better fitting shoes.  Your heel should stay snugly in the shoe. You should have room to wiggle your toes. The balls and arches of your feet should be comfortable but not tight.  There is a growing movement to run barefoot for it's supposed health benefits, but only try it if you are sure you will not step on anything dangerous.
Summary:
Hydrate throughout the day. Eat a simple meal 2-3 hours before you plan on running. Set a reasonable goal. Dress to exercise. Buy running shoes.