Why You Should Sit Less and Move More

Are you someone who spends a lot of time sitting while working or writing? If so, it’s important to understand the negative effects of prolonged sitting on your health and well-being.

Research has linked sitting for extended periods of time to a decrease in happiness levels and an increase in mortality rates. This was discussed in an article by Gretchen Reynolds, a physical education reporter for the New York Times. She explains that previous studies have shown a connection between “prolonged sitting and higher risks of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and premature death,” as well as an “association between inactivity and cancer deaths.”

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Create Moments of Joy: Listen to Music

By Angelica Ribeiro, PhD

“Should you listen to music more often?” The answer is yes, and here’s why: to create moments of joy. Kelly McGonigal, author of The Joy of Movement, says, “Listening to music that you love is one of the simplest ways to produce joy.” What’s impressive is that the benefits of joy go beyond making you feel good. According to McGonigal, “Joy also affects things like your motivation.

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TAA to Hold Member Appreciation Day on Wednesday, March 20

TAA is holding a Member Appreciation Day on Wednesday, March 20 as a way for staff and Council members to thank members for being part of the TAA authoring community. Members will receive special discounts on association products and services, a hands-on writing workshop, and a new eBook on AI & Authoring. They will also have the opportunity to purchase a TAA-logo t-shirt at a discounted price and free shipping.

Learn more and save the date for this one-day only event.

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Launching a Consulting Business? Here’s What You Should Know

By Sierra Pawlak

Launching a consulting business can be a daunting task, but in his September 2023 TAA webinar,  “How to Leverage a Textbook or Academic Book to Launch a Consulting Career,” textbook author and Public Procurement Consultant Bill Curry shared tips on how to make the process as smooth as possible.

In his presentation, Curry detailed how to set up your consulting business, what to include on your website, and how to use your textbook to promote your consulting services. Part one of this two-part series will cover the initial setup for your new consulting business.

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Busy TAA People: Dr. Karen Hardy Named President-Elect of AFERM

TAA member Dr. Karen Hardy has accepted a new position as President-Elect of the Association for Federal Enterprise Risk Management (AFERM). Hardy has written four books, including Enterprise Risk Management: A Guide for Government Professionals, which won the 2017 TAA Most Promising New Textbook Award; Mastering the Art of Success, co-authored with Jack Canfield, creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul; Building Self-Leaders: A Model Training Program for Public Sector Employees; and Destiny, Dreams & Decisions: Empowering Women for Success.

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Starting Your Dissertation? Rethink Your Lifestyle

By Noelle Sterne, PhD

You’re ready to begin your dissertation, and you deserve congratulations! But realize, though, that your current lifestyle must change.

No Structure

Doctoral students beginning this coveted stage are often shocked at the lack of external structure. No prescheduled class meetings, specific assignments, or grades to goad you on. No classmates to remind you to tackle the next assignment. You’ve got to make your own schedule and follow through.

If you work away from home, you’ve already got some structure. You can easily figure out your dissertation time: evenings, weekends, and an occasional call-in-sick day.

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