| How to Develop Good Study Habits for College Posted: 02 Nov 2017 05:00 PM PDT Effective studying is critical to success in college, and many new college students quickly find that their prior study habits need major adjustments. To begin making the change, find a quiet, organized space to study. Study with a positive attitude and specific goals in mind. If you need help, there's no shame in asking. Your professors and peers are there to help you learn. You can develop excellent habits that help you navigate the difficulties of entering college. EditGetting Organized to Study - Create a dedicated study space. Find a quiet space in your dorm room or somewhere on campus where you can focus. Studying in the same place every day trains your brain to associate a certain environment with work. This will help you get into the zone when you start studying.[1]
- Pick a place that's quiet and distraction free. The basement of your dorm may not be a good choice if it's a common place for socializing, but you could instead study at your desk in your dorm room.
- Find a regular time for studying. If you study at the same time each day, your brain will be prepped for learning when you sit down. Review your schedule and see when you have free time. Schedule an hour or two for studying during those times each day.[2]
- You can study during gaps between classes or in the evening after your classes are done for the day.
- In addition to finding times that work, find times when you're naturally more energetic. If you tend to get sleepy in the afternoon, do something relaxing for yourself around two o'clock and schedule study time sometime after dinner.
- Organize your materials. Make sure you have everything you need to study at your study space. If you're studying in a place in your home, keep things like your books, pencils, pens, and scrap paper in that area. If you go out to study, invest in a book bag with a lot of compartments and keep all your study supplies stored there.[3]
- It can help to stop by a local office supplies store to get things like notebooks, pencil boxes, and other storage contraptions to keep yourself organized.
- Eliminate distractions. When readying your study space, it's important to keep it distraction free. Remove any technologies that will take your mind off your work, like your smart phone. You can even use apps to block distracting websites like Facebook while you're studying, forcing you to focus on academic websites instead.[4]
- Keep other distracting material, such as outside reading, away from your study area.
- If you go out of your dorm or apartment to study, do not take anything potentially distracting. Stick to your school supplies only and leave things like your iPod at home. However, if you are studying in a noisy place, you may want to bring your headphones if music helps you focus.
- Figure out your needs via trial and error. College is all about experimentation. It can take awhile to find your groove when it comes to studying. For a few weeks at the beginning of the semester, experiment with studying at different times and places until you figure out when and where you're more productive.[5]
- For example, study in your dorm one day and a coffee shop the next day. Take note of which place you feel the most relaxed and engaged and make a habit of studying there regularly.
EditUsing Good Study Techniques - Create one goal for each session. Your study sessions are most effective if they have some direction. Just blindly studying can be overwhelming and you may waste time fumbling to figure out where to start. Before each study session, figure out what topics are most pressing and set goals.[6]
- For example, if you're studying for a math final, focus on one concept each day. You can study multiplication one day and things like division the next.
- You can also set goals based on days of the week. Focus on your math and science courses on Mondays and Wednesdays and your humanities courses on Thursdays and Fridays, for example.
- Start with difficult material first. You'll be most energetic at the beginning of your study period. Therefore, it makes sense to begin by studying the most challenging materials. Tackle the most difficult subjects and topics first before targeting your strong points.[7]
- For example, if you're really struggling understanding a concept for a philosophy class, study your notes and reading on that concept first. Then, you can move on to easier topics.
- Rewrite your notes. Studying requires a lot of memorization. It can help to simply rewrite your notes and reword them as you go. Read over all your notes for one session and then rewrite them on a separate sheet of paper. This will force you to engage with the material and write it in your own words again, which increases understanding and helps you remember what you've learned.[8]
- Use memory games. Memory games can help you remember tough concepts and terms. You can use visualization techniques or string together words that help you remember concepts. These can be highly useful for an exam.[9]
- For example, a well known memory device is Kings Play Cards On Flat Green Stools, used to help you remember the taxonomy order used to classify species (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species).
- You can also use visualization. For example, you're trying to remember Jeanette Rankin was the first woman to serve in Congress and you have an Aunt Jeanette. Picture your Aunt Jeanette talking on the floor of Congress to help you remember.
- Take breaks. No one can study for hours on end without getting frustrated and burnt out. Breaks help you relax, recharge, and approach a situation with new eyes. Make a habit of studying for one hour and then taking a five minute break to do something you enjoy, like go on social media or text a friend.[10]
- Set a timer to make sure you're on task. You don't want to study for too long, leading to frustration, or take a long break, which can ruin your concentration.
- Study with a positive attitude. If you see studying as a chore, you're likely to get frustrated and burn out. Instead of seeing studying as something you have to do, look at the positives. Think of this as a way to improve your skills and abilities and get the most out of your education.[11]
- Studying can be stressful, and it's important to address and challenge stressful thoughts. For example, don't think, "I'm a mess. I'm never going to understand this." Instead think, "I'm sure if I work a little each day, I can figure out this material."
- Give yourself rewards. Studying feels easier if you have something to look forward to when you're done. Develop a reward system for yourself so you're motivated to get through your work.[12]
- For example, agree that if you study for three hours, you can go to the cafeteria and have something like ice cream or pizza for a treat.
EditSeeking Outside Resources - Refer to your syllabus as needed. It's important you understand the expectations of your course as you're studying. Use the syllabus as your guide if you feel overwhelmed or lost while studying. The syllabus will outline major concepts, grade breakdowns, and so on.[13]
- For example, say you've been getting frustrated memorizing the years of major scientific breakthroughs for a science course. The syllabus says the goals of the course are to help you gain a better understanding of scientific theory. It's more important for you to understand the overarching theories than know the exact dates.
- Form a study group. Find peers who are hard workers and do well in the course. Ask them to form a study group. The right study group can really help you stay focused and engaged and gain a better understanding of course material.[14]
- Choose the right peers. If your study group is made up of friends, studying may turn into socializing fast. Pick good students who are genuinely engaged in class.
- Bounce off one another's strengths. If a classmate is confused on a subject you're skilled at, and does well in an area that confuses you, they would make a good partner. The two of you can help one another out.
- Go to your professors with questions. There is nothing to be embarrassed about if you have questions. Everyone gets confused sometimes and needs some extra help. If you have questions on a concept or subject, e-mail your professor or go to office hours. They may be able to offer you tips and tricks to better understand the material.[15]
- Go to review sessions if they are offered. Some teachers have review sessions each week or before an exam. Always make a habit of going if you have time in your schedule. Review sessions can help you gain a better understanding of course materials. They can also be a great place to ask professors or teaching assistants questions.
- Use a tutor. If your campus has tutoring centers, make use of them if you ever need help. You can also look for a private tutor in your area online. A little one-on-one help can go a long way if you're confused about a subject.
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| How to Eat Bitter Melon Posted: 02 Nov 2017 09:00 AM PDT Bitter melon is a unique vegetable that grows best in tropical regions and is healthy to eat. Consuming this veggie may strengthen your immune system, detoxify your liver, improve your eyesight, and even kill cancer cells.[1] If you're wondering how to incorporate bitter melon into your diet while still enjoying the taste of your food, there are many ways to do it. Select and cut your bitter melon properly before cooking and/or eating it. Try stir-frying your bitter melon or blending it into a tasty beverage. EditSelecting and Cutting Bitter Melon - Look for a long, green warty fruit at the summer farmer's market. Despite its name, bitter melon doesn't look like typical melon. Head to the farmer's market in July and August and keep an eye out for a vegetable that resembles a cucumber, but with much bumpier skin.[2]
- Choose small, firm melon. When choosing from a group of bitter melon, it's best to go for the smaller, harder ones that are light green, as these won't be quite as bitter. As bitter melon age and grow, they become more bitter.[3]
- If you see any bitter melon with a touch of orange or yellow, get them. These tend to be milder in flavor.
- Store bitter melon in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. Once you've acquired some bitter melon and have brought them home, put them in an airtight container. Keep them stored in the vegetable drawer in your refrigerator until you're ready to prepare, cook, and eat them.[4] Don't wait longer than 5 days or so, or else the bitter melon may start to spoil.[5]
- Wash the melon. Before you cut and cook your melon, turn the kitchen faucet on cold and hold it under the water. Rub it with your hands or scrub it softly with a clean sponge to remove any dirt and/or pesticides.[6]
- Slice the melon in half lengthwise and scoop out the core. Put the bitter melon on a cutting board and carefully slice it in half down the middle. Then take a spoon and scoop out the pith and seeds. Finally, slice the melon into thin half-moon-shaped pieces.[7]
- Sprinkle salt onto the melon. Lightly and uniformly sprinkle salt all over the bitter melon pieces and let the salt sit on them for about 10 minutes. This will minimize the bitter taste of the melon, making it more palatable.[8]
EditMaking Bitter Melon Stir Fry - Heat some oil in a wok on the stove. Get a wok or large, deep saucepan and pour in 1 tablespoon (14.8 mL) of vegetable or olive oil. Place the wok on a burner and turn the burner on medium-high heat.[9]
- Add chopped garlic and onion to the wok. Use a knife to finely chop one small onion and 3-4 cloves of garlic on a cutting board. Put the chopped garlic and onion into the wok and stir it with a large wooden spoon until it's cooked and appears brown.[10]
- For more flavor, chop and stir in tomatoes once the garlic and onion have browned.
- Add the sliced melon and stir fry for 2-3 minutes. Put 2 sliced melons into the wok and continuously stir it while it cooks. After about 2 or 3 minutes, you should notice that the melon is beginning to turn slightly translucent, which means it's almost cooked.[11]
- Beat and pour 2 eggs into the wok. After the melon has been cooking for 2-3 minutes, whisk 2 eggs and slowly pour them into the wok and over the melon pieces. Continue to stir fry until the eggs are cooked and dry.
- Remove the wok from heat, and season with salt. Move the wok to a cold burner and turn off the warm burner. Use your wooden spoon to scrape the food out of the wok and into a bowl. Sprinkle in some salt to taste, and serve with rice or noodles.[12]
EditDrinking Bitter Melon - Make a bitter melon smoothie. Use a knife to chop the bitter melon as finely as possible on a cutting board and put it into a blender or food processor. Add in some pomegranate seeds and/or chopped mango to create a nice flavor. Either blend the chopped melon and fruit into a thin liquid and drink it as a juice, or add in some yogurt to make a smoothie.[13]
- Drink bitter melon tea. Oftentimes, Asian markets carry bitter melon tea in the form of tea bags. The taste is similar to green tea. Drink a cup in the morning and cup at night to get a healthy daily dose.[14]
- Have a cocktail made with bitter melon extraction. If you're of legal drinking age and are looking for a more creative way to consume bitter melon, try it in a cocktail. Use a box grater to finely grate the skin of one medium melon. Wrap the skin in a cheesecloth and twist it to squeeze out the juice. Put 1 tablespoon (14.8 mL) of juice into a cocktail shaker and add in 1 oz (29.6 mL) of simple syrup, ¾ oz (22.2 mL) of lime juice, ¾ oz (22.2 mL) of gin, and ice. Shake and pour the drink into a glass. Stir in 2 oz (59.1 mL) of soda water and enjoy![15]
EditThings You'll Need EditSelecting and Cutting Bitter Melon - Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Salt
EditMaking Bitter Melon Stir Fry - Wok
- Vegetable or olive oil (1 tablespoon)
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Garlic (3-4 cloves)
- Onion (1)
- Wooden Spoon
- Tomatoes (optional)
- Eggs (2)
- Whisk
EditDrinking Bitter Melon - Knife
- Cutting board
- Blender or food processor
- Mangoes and pomegranates (optional)
- Yogurt (optional)
- Bitter melon tea
- Box grater
- Cocktail shaker
- Cheesecloth
- Simple syrup (1 oz)
- Lime juice (¾ oz)
- Gin (¾ oz)
- Ice
- Soda water (2 oz)
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Create a No Dig Garden Posted: 02 Nov 2017 01:00 AM PDT Gardening is fun and rewarding, but the digging process can tiresome. That's why a no-dig garden is a great, alternative solution to the typical garden. A no-dig garden is similar to composting, meaning ingredients are layered to decompose the soil. After building up layers, plant your seedlings and wait 2 to 4 months for noticeable growth. EditSetting up the Location - Choose a large, level site for your no-dig garden. A good amount of space is , though you can make it smaller or larger. An ideal area should get 4 to 5 hours of sunlight a day.[1]
- If the area is not very level, even it out with garden tools. Then, then fill in the gaps with things like twigs, leaves, and bark.
- Contain the garden by building a wall around it. This is optional, but it can be helpful when it comes to containing your garden in one space. You can use wooden planks, or you can use materials such as branches, bricks, or rocks.[2]
- The material you choose for your garden depends largely on cost and the look you're going for. For example, wooden planks are commonly used and look nice, but they are more expensive than branches.
- Mow or cut the area in preparation. Once you've cut the grass and weeds, do not remove these cuttings from the area. If you leave them there, they can help fertilize your no dig garden![3]
- Water the area thoroughly. Once your no-dig garden is established, it will retain water. However, while it's being established, water runoff and dry soil are a concern. Check the soil daily, and make sure you water to keep the soil damp, if necessary.[4]
- You can also let the next rainstorm do the job. If you do let a rainstorm water your garden, it won't be necessary to water it yourself until the soil begins to dry out.
EditAdding Layers to the Garden - Cover the area with of mulch. You can also use old hay or collect leaves in autumn to use as mulch. The hay or leaves will gradually break down and nourish the soil underneath, and while they do, they will keep moisture in and weeds in check.[5]
- You can also purchase mulch from your local nursery.
- Another option for the bottom layer is plain, brown cardboard.
- Use newspapers as a barrier between the ground and your garden. Avoid the glossy, colored, or advertising brochures, and opt for basic newsprint instead.[6]
- You will need quite a bit of newspaper, so it is helpful to save newspapers for a few weeks.
- Fill a wheelbarrow with water and insert the newspaper. The newspapers need to be wet when they are laid out on the mowed or cut ground. Leave the newspaper until it is completely wet and then remove.[7]
- If you don't have a wheelbarrow, use another large container.
- Layer 3-4 sheets of newspaper on top of the mulch, making sure to overlap. Your newspapers should have between of overlap. Make sure you cover the entire space in your garden.[8]
- Spread thickly enough, the paper and other matter will block light to whatever weeds or sod you cover with it.
- Certain weeds, such as Bermuda grass, don't respond especially well to smothering and seem to come up through just about anything. If you try newspaper for such weeds, use extra and make sure that the offending weeds remain buried on all sides for at least 2 years.
- Use more paper if the ground is uneven.
- Add a layer Lucerne hay until you can't see the newspaper. If you can't find Lucerne hay, you can also use straw mixed with grass clippings.[9]
- Lucerne hay can be purchased from horse stables or your local gardening store.
- Water in between each layer in your no-dig garden. After the Lucerne hay, water the area until it is wet but not soaking. Continue to water after each layer you put down.[10]
- Spread a layer of fertilizer over the hay. Try natural commercial fertilizer. However, you can also use well-rotted horse, chicken, or cow manure as fertilizer as well. [11]
- You can purchase fertilizer at your local gardening store.
- Put down a layer of straw. This is just your basic straw that is very easy to find. Make sure to cover the entire garden area.[12]
- Finish with a layer of mulch. You can use the same mulch that you used underneath the newspaper. You only need , though you can use more if you'd like.[13]
EditPlanting in Your Garden - Create small, deep holes. You can dig the holes with your hands or another instrument. Each hole should be at least apart.[14]
- Fill the holes with compost. The holes should be almost or completely filled with the compost.[15]
- Create a hole in the compost and plant. You can plant 2 to 3 seedlings per hole.[16]
- Choose your no dig vegetables carefully. Leafy greens often do well in no-dig gardens, while root vegetables, beans, and peas may not grow as well.
- Keep the soil in your garden damp at all times. How often you water your garden largely depends on what you plant. Check your garden daily to see how wet or dry the soil is. Water whenever the soil feels dry.[17]
- Wait a few months to see significant growth. Root vegetables, beans, and peas call be grown in a no-dig garden, but they take more time to grow. Vegetables won't grow especially well in the first season, but they will begin to grow better in the second season after planting.[18]
- Add compost once or twice a year to keep your garden healthy. You can make compost out of things like yard clippings, table scraps, eggshells, and leaves. Compost at the beginning of spring and at the beginning of autumn if you plan to do it twice a year.[19]
- If you have worms, ants, or other digging creatures around, they will help spread the organic matter you add into the upper layers of soil.
- Plan paths alongside your bed so that you can avoid walking in it. Walking on soil compresses it, which is not desirable in planting areas.
- Manure is preferred in this. It is more natural, and when building a garden, the more natural, the better.
- Make sure that you have permission to use the space before beginning your no-dig garden.
EditThings You'll Need - Wooden planks (or bricks or rocks)
- Newspaper
- Watering can
- Mulch
- Compost
- Lucerne hay
- Straw
- Fertilizer
- Seedlings
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