INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you have trouble getting the ball down the lane at high speeds, certain ball types can improve your speed, though it will be at the expense of your hook. As a rule, balls that are shinier produce less friction and thus can move faster. Balls that have a dull appearance produce more friction and thus are easier to hook.  To  hook a ball is to cause it to swing to the right or the left after tossing it. This creates the optimal trajectory for a strike, but it is a technique that typically only skilled bowlers can perform correctly Urethane balls are good for players who want to increase speed, but retain some hook in their throw. Resin, reactive, and particle balls are better for grip and hook than speed. These are good for experts who have built up a good ball speed and now want to master their hook. Plastic balls are good for beginners because they tend to go straight without losing control. They are not optimal, however, for either speed or hook.  At a pro shop, balls made of any substance can be polished to reduce friction, thus increasing speed and decreasing hook.   60-80% of a ball's performance depends upon its coverstock (the hard exterior). This is the most important customizable feature of the ball. Next to the cover, the most important feature of a bowling ball is its core. The heavier the core, the quicker the ball will begin to hook. A lighter core will cause the ball to hook further down the lane. There is no best core, just the core that fits throw.  Core design varies significantly from one ball to another, making it a complex issue. You should talk to an employee at the pro shop about the core design of any ball that you are interested in.  The core is an area inside the ball that offsets the weight imbalance created by the finger holes. Because this is inside the ball, you can't actually see it and it can be difficult to understand what effect it has on your throw. That is why it is important to consult a professional about the core of your ball. Determine whether your bowling lane is dry or oily. This will help you decide whether to pick a polished or rough ball. An oily lane will cause more skidding and, if your ball has begun to skid out of control, you should switch to a ball that is less polished. Resin, reactive, and particle balls have the grip necessary for oiled lanes.  There is no easy way to determine how the lane is oiled. You can ask the staff, but often your only real recourse is to toss the ball a few times and see how it skids. Typically lanes will be oiled unevenly. Often they are oiled more around the center than the edges. This will help the ball retain control before sliding into the gutter. Sometimes, the lane is oiled more in the front than the back of the lane, causing the ball to skid earlier. Thus, whether you switch to a ball that produces more friction should also be determined by whether the position of the oil is throwing off your game. Wipe down your ball before every throw if your lane is oily. Use a dry towel to wipe your ball. Bowling balls are available in a wide variety of colors. Some balls are available in multiple colors, swirl patterns or even glow-in-the dark designs. The color of a ball won't physically affect how the ball travels, but a ball that makes you proud can give you the confidence you need to play a better game.

SUMMARY: Choose between speed and hook. Pick a ball with the right core for your hook. Pick an appropriate ball for lane conditions. Select a color.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You totally need storage in your room! Have some big funky containers in your room or display your stuff on shelves. Either way is awesome. Also, you'll need a closet to keep your clothes. Don't have a messy closet. Keep it organized and clean. Try to make sure you have special places for your shoes, hats, purses, and clothes. Don't mix them up. Put your sweaters in drawers so they don't get wrecked , corner cupboards work well in small rooms. Don't overdo it. Make sure you don't junk up your room with a ton of stuff. Put one or two ten-cubbie shelves against the wall and put stuff in bins. That also works with clothes if you can't find a cheap new dresser.

SUMMARY: Have some storage space.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Exercise increases the chemicals serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These chemicals reduce stress and are as effective as anti-depressants. Even doing mild exercise regularly, such as taking your dog for a walk around the block, will increase your heart rate and boost your mood. Aim for 30 minutes a day.  Make sure to choose exercises that match your mood and personality, rather than forcing yourself to do something you don’t enjoy. Focus on foods that are good for your body and brain. Alcohol, sugar, and foods that are processed or high in fat may temporarily boost your mood, but you’ll often experience a mood and energy crash soon after consuming them. Instead, focus on  Eating fresh fruits and vegetables Consuming healthy fats, like olive oil and nuts Limiting sugar and artificial sweeteners Limiting or avoiding alcohol Eating lean protein and complex carbohydrates Eating small meals and snacks every few hours People who get fewer than 6 hours of sleep per night tend to feel more stressed and sad, while people who regularly get 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep tend to report being in better moods. To improve your mood and mental health long-term, evaluate if you like your job. It doesn’t matter so much if you get paid well, as much as if you’re satisfied with what you’re doing. Does your work challenge you? Do you feel creative and productive at work? If you don’t like your job, but for some reason cannot quit and find something different, do other activities and hobbies that bring you joy. As long as you’re doing something personally meaningful and fulfilling to you, you’ll improve your mood. Humans are social by nature, so make sure you’re not isolating from other people. Create a network of supportive people, whether that’s friends, family, and/or coworkers, and interact with them on a daily basis. Surround yourself with people who will listen well without judging, help you reach goals, and be there for you during rough times. If you’re having trouble meeting new friends:  Avoid spending so much time using your phone, computer, or TV. Get outside and interact face-to-face with people! Join a support group, a professional networking group, or a club. Take a class at the gym. Take a walk and introduce yourself to neighbors. Volunteer. Doing yoga a few times a week reduces symptoms of depression, and allows you to focus on breathing instead of what’s bringing you down. The stretching in yoga can help open up spots on your body that may be storing tension. Some good yoga poses to boost mood are:  Tree pose, which requires you to focus on balance Side plank, which strengthens the side and core of your body Twisted lunge, which energizes and stretches your back Looking inward and enriching your spiritual life can be a source of happiness, motivation, and inspiration when things might not be going well in your life. Some ways you can strengthen your spirituality include:  Prayer Meditation Attending church Think about an organization or charity in your neighborhood you’ve been wanting to help out. Give them a call and schedule, ask how you can help, and schedule a time to go in to volunteer for them. Committing to take time to help others, especially for a cause you care about, will instantly lift your mood. Aromatherapy can help boost productivity and mood, mostly because your sense of smell is connected to the area of the brain where emotion gets processed. You can buy essential oils at your local drug store or online. Simply put one or two drops on a cotton ball and inhale whenever you need a boost. Some essential oils and scents that are good mood boosters are:  Lavender Jasmine Peppermint Rosemary Lemon

SUMMARY:
Exercise. Change your diet. Get better sleep. Enjoy your work. Create a positive social network. Do yoga. Cultivate a spiritual practice. Volunteer. Try aromatherapy.