| How to Teach Parrots to Talk Posted: 17 May 2019 05:00 PM PDT Many types of parrots love to mimic human words, including cockatoos, parakeets, macaws, Amazons, and African greys.[1] Getting your parrot to say specific words may take a little time and work, but if you're patient, you may be able to get it to say some fun things! Work on simple phrases at first to encourage your bird to talk. You can also use treats to help teach your parrot words. EditWorking on Simple Words - Put the parrot's cage in a central room in your home. Parrots need to interact with you and anyone else in your household, so put yours in a room with a lot of traffic. The more you interact with it, the more social it will become. The more words it hears, the more likely it is to repeat them![2]
- However, don't put it in the kitchen or the bathroom. Both have too much temperature variation, and the kitchen can have dangerous toxins in the air.
- Talk to your parrot like you would a 3-4-year-old. Parrots are very intelligent, so even when you're not trying to teach your parrot specific words, engage it by speaking sentences to it all the time. That way, it gets used to hearing you talk, and it will want to return the favor because it is a very social creature![3]
- For instance, as you walk by the cage, you might say, "How are you doing today, Bridget? Do you like the sunny weather? Your feathers are looking nice!"
- Start with an easy, frequently used word. Simple words will be easier for your bird to pick up, especially at first. "Hello!" and "Bye-bye!" are a good place to start. Say them when you come and go from the room to help your bird understand what you want it to do.[4]
- You could also try "bird." It really doesn't matter what the word is, as long as it's simple.
- Repeat the word as often as you can. Repetition is key to getting your bird to say a specific word. The more you speak it around the bird, the more likely it is to say it back to you. If you're starting with a word like "Hello!" make sure you say it every time you enter the room with the parrot.[5]
- Similarly, if you're trying to get it to say the word "bird," repeat it to the parrot a few times when you walk by the cage. Make sure to emphasize the consonants of the word to help your bird learn the word.
- Speak with the same inflection each time you address your parrot. When you're repeating the word to your parrot, make sure you're saying with the same inflection each time, the way you want your parrot to repeat it. This will help your parrot grasp the word better – they mimic tone as much as other aspects of the word. [6]
- Try a higher pitch if your parrot is having trouble. Parrots seem to like higher pitches better, probably because their range is higher than yours. If your bird isn't quite getting a word, try changing your pitch to a higher one, and it may help.[7]
- Tell your parrot it's doing a good job. Like most animals, parrots like to be told "Good job!" or "Good bird!" Say it in a happy and encouraging tone when you hear it attempt to say one of the words you're repeating to it over and over. You could also try "Good boy!" or "Good girl!"
- Give your parrot time to learn the word. Parrots are good mimickers, but it may take yours a while to learn the words you want. You have to be patient and keep working with your bird a little each day to help it learn new words! Also, stay focused on 1-2 words at a time. Wait until your parrot learns one before moving on to a new one.[8]
EditTeaching Words for Treats - Say the word for the treat each time you give it to your bird. Whatever the treat is, repeat its name a few times as you hand the treat over. So if the word is "banana," say "Banana! Banana! Banana!" Then, hand the bird a piece of banana.[9]
- Do this for every kind of treat or food you give it. If you're feeding it a strawberry, say "Strawberry! Strawberry! Strawberry!"
- Wait until the parrot looks at you the next time you give it a treat. As you reinforce the word, try to wait for your bird to respond. Hold out the treat and say the word. However, don't give it to the bird yet. When the parrot looks at you after you say the word, give it the treat.[10]
- This helps connect the treat to the word for the parrot.
- Give your parrot a chance to try the word. After your parrot is consistently looking at you when you say the word, wait until the parrot attempts to say it on its own before you give it a treat. Hold the treat out and say the name of the fruit. If the parrot makes an approximation of the word, give it the treat.[11]
- You may need to repeat it a few times to get the parrot to try it.
- Work on pronunciation by waiting for longer periods. Now that the bird is trying to say the word, encourage it to say it more distinctly. Repeat the word while you hold out the treat, but wait until the bird gets closer to the correct pronunciation before offering it the fruit.[12]
- Use treats to teach other words. Use the same technique for teaching names of objects that you did with treats. Hold it up and say the word, such as "Ball!" When the bird looks at you while you say ball, offer it a little treat. Soon, the bird will likely start to mimic you, and you can offer treats for that.[13]
- Parrots, like most animals, are food-motivated, so you can offer treats to help learn other words, too. Teach the parrot the word for the treat first, then try using it to help learn other words, particularly for objects.
EditEncouraging Longer Phrases and Songs - Build on words your parrot already knows by stringing them together. Your parrot can put phrases together, but it helps if it's already got parts of it down. Repeat the words or phrases you want your parrot to say, but now, always say them together so your parrot figures out what you want it to do.[14]
- For instance, maybe you've taught your parrot, "Hello!" and "How are you?" If you treated "How are you?" as one quick word ("HowAREyou?"), then simply putting them together shouldn't be too hard: "Hello! How are you?"
- Sing your phrases the same way every time you repeat them to the parrot. Try starting with a simple song to encourage your parrot to say longer phrases. Use the same pitch and speed each time to make it easier for your parrot to hear what you're trying to get it to repeat.[15]
- Just like saying words with the same inflection encourages your parrot to pick up words, so does singing words and phrases.
- Add extra words on slowly. While your parrot can learn phrases, it's going to take time. Be patient, and only add 1-2 words at a time. That way, your parrot won't get overwhelmed trying to learn longer phrases or even songs.[16]
- Use your voice to praise your parrot when it does well. As it picks up on words and phrases, be sure to offer praise to your parrot. You can say "Good job, Polly!" or "Good girl!" As long as you use a happy and engaging tone, your parrot is likely to get the idea.
- Keep your training sessions short. You don't need to spend more than 5 minutes at a time several times a day.
- Be careful what you say around your parrot! It's likely to pick up something you may not want to be repeated when company is over.
EditReferences
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| How to Use a Yoga Block Posted: 17 May 2019 09:00 AM PDT Yoga blocks are a rectangular prop that can help you enhance your yoga practice. Whether you're new to yoga or have years of experience, using a block helps with balance, posture, and intensifying stretches. Try using the block with different poses to find your best fit! EditSupporting Balance - Place the block in front of your feet for a Standing Forward Fold. Standing with your ankles and knees aligned your hips, slowly fold your body from the hip joints, bending your knees slightly. Instead of reaching to touch the floor, put your hands on the block.[1]
- Using this modification allows your body to relax more and puts less strain on your hamstrings.[2]
- Position the block under your hand for stability in Triangle Pose. Keep your feet wide, making the distance between them about the length of your leg. Stretch your arms to your sides so they are parallel with the ground. Turn the toes of your the foot closest to the front of the room 45 to 90 degrees to face the front of your mat. Place your back hand on your hip and ease your front hand down the shin and then onto the block.[3]
- The block reduces the risk of over-extending hamstrings and joints while opening the chest.[4]
- Avoid locking your knees in this position.[5]
- Rest your head on the block during a Wide-Legged Forward Bend. Standing with your feet just wider than your hips, place the block in front of you on the floor. Bend from the hips toward the floor, balancing your head on the yoga block to avoid overextending or straining.[6]
- Use the block to "elevate the floor" in any standing pose. When in a yoga pose that requires you to both stand and stretch toward the ground, the block adds height to the floor so that you can find your balance and settle into the posture.[7]
- Balancing is a key part of practicing yoga that challenges beginners and experts alike. Even if you have practiced yoga before, poses may feel different from day to day, so feel free to keep a block nearby for days when you need it![8]
EditEnhancing Posture and Form - Place the block between your thighs in Downward Facing Dog. Stand with your feet under your hips and use your thigh muscles to secure and hold the yoga block between your legs. Fold your body forward at the hips, bending your knees slightly, and place your hands on the ground in front of you, walking them forward slightly to balance your weight. Balance on your hands and knees with your hips reaching upward.[9]
- The block keeps your leg muscles active in this pose and keeps a strong alignment from head to toe.[10]
- Hold the block between your thighs in Bridge Pose. Lie on your back and align your legs in a straight line with your hips. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the ground. Place the block between your thighs. With arms to the side, press into your elbows and shoulders to lift up your back and hips toward the ceiling. Bring your hands together underneath of your back and move shoulder blades closer together on the mat.[11]
- Instead of allowing your legs and knees to move apart, the block to ensure that you engage your legs. [12] Proper alignment reduces the chances that an injury would occur during your practice.[13]
- Sit on the edge of the block for Sukhasana. Also known as "Easy Seated Pose," this position can be uncomfortable if you experience tightness in your hips. With the block at its lowest height on the floor, sit on the edge. Bend the knees and bring the ankles closer to the body. Cross one ankle over the other and open your knees to rest naturally to each side.
- Laying the block to its lowest point and sitting on it supports the hips, back, and knees.[14]
- Additional blocks can be used to support the knees in this position.[15]
- Use the block to support your spine and knees in Hero's Pose. Kneel on your mat with your knees in line with your hips. Put the block between your calves and sit on top of the block. Allow hands to rest on the thighs.[16]
- Keep the core and spine long and strong. Using the block supports this posture by lifting the hips and lessening pressure on the knees.[17]
EditIntensifying and Deepening Poses - Position the block under your pelvis in Viparita Karani. While lying on your back, place the block under your pelvis. Raise your legs in the air so that they are aligned straight above the block. This reduces lower back pain and pressure while supporting the hips.[18]
- Inverting your normal posture in this pose encourages calmness in the body.[19]
- Use the block between your shoulder blades in Reclined Hero Pose. Kneeling with your feet slightly wider than hip-width, place the block in the space between your feet. Use your hands to help you lie back, with your block supporting your upper back.[20] Rest your arms on the ground beside you.[21]
- The block opens the chest to encourage breathing and relax the body. Breathing deeply during yoga is important to help the body perform at its optimal level.[22]
- Place the block under the elbows in Frog Pose. With hands and knees on the ground, position your elbows onto the block. Widen your knees and bring your hips closer to the ground, aligning ankles with knees.[23] The block helps to open and stretch the hips and groin area.
- Use separate blocks for the elbows for added comfort.[24]
- Put a block underneath your ankles in Elevated Butterfly Pose. Sit on the floor and place the soles of the feet together. Move your feet closer to your body and let the knees lower toward the floor. Elevate the ankles onto the block and allow the back to fold forward over the ankles.[25]
- Using the block helps increase flexibility in the hips without straining the IT bands.[26]
- Pay attention to your body's signals to avoid overstretching![27]
- Use two blocks under your back and neck in Fish Pose. Sit in the middle of the mat, leaving enough behind you space to lie down. Place one block vertically where your shoulder blades and the other horizontally where your head will be. With your legs stretched out in front of you, lean back to position yourself onto the blocks and allow your arms to fall to the sides and rest on the mat.[28]
- Creating this space in your chest allows you to relax more by breathing deeply.[29]
- When practicing yoga, avoid poses that hurt your body. Be aware of how your body feels and talk with a specialist such as a doctor or yoga instructor about your questions or concerns.[30]
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| How to Stop Dreaming About Someone Posted: 17 May 2019 01:00 AM PDT Sometimes, when you can't get someone off of your mind, they can even manage to find their way into your dreams. Trying to force yourself to stop thinking about the person doesn't do much good, since dreams just kind of happen on their own. It's better to find a way to refocus your thoughts just before you fall asleep, such as reading a book or meditating to empty your mind. If that doesn't work, you may need to find a way to come to terms with your relationship or past experiences with the person in question in order to oust them from your dreams once and for all. EditRefocusing Your Thoughts Before Bed - Keep yourself busy throughout the day. Make it a point to be more productive in the hours between waking up and going to bed. You might hit the gym, run all the little errands you've been putting off, or take some time to tidy up the house when you get home. Scientists believe that dreams are a way of processing daily experiences. The more you do during the course of the day, the more raw material you'll be giving your subconscious to build dreams of another kind.[1]
- Staying active and engaged can help fill your dreams with new events, images, and themes.
- You can't run from your dreams, no matter how much you take on. If you're chronically stressed or having difficulty juggling all of your various responsibilities, it probably means you're doing too much.
- Read a book before turning in for the night. Choose a title that you can fully invest yourself in for at least half an hour. Reading is a good way to take your mind off of the kind of thoughts you have in your waking life that might influence the content of your dreams. It essentially gives you something else to think about, which may keep you from fixating on the person who's been sneaking into your dreams.[2]
- An added benefit of reading is that it can help you get to sleep faster if you struggle with insomnia or restlessness.[3]
- Reading is preferable to watching TV or playing games on your phone, since the blue light emitted by digital screens can stimulate your brain and actually make it harder to fall asleep.
- Meditate for a few minutes to calm your mind. Take a comfortable seat on the floor, close your eyes, and relax your body as much as possible. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose and out of your mouth, focusing on the repetition of your breath and the sensations of sitting. The longer you sit and breathe, the more unnecessary thoughts you'll feel melt away.[4]
- When you find your thoughts wandering to the person you've been dreaming about, gently steer them back towards the awareness of your body and breath.
- This style of meditation is often termed "mindfulness meditation." Many people find mindfulness meditation a useful practice for curbing overthinking, which can easily result in distressing dreams.
- Use sound to guide your dreams. As you're preparing to drift off, queue up some soft, soothing music or a recording of something you find comforting, such as a flowing stream or thunderstorm. White noise machines are another option that many people use to lull themselves to sleep gently. These sorts of audio cues may be enough to induce a more pleasant type of dream, one that doesn't feature the person you're trying to forget about.[5]
- Adjust the volume of whatever you're listening to so that's loud enough to hear but not so loud that it might make it hard to sleep or wake you up later.
- If you're not sure what to put on, give ASMR a shot. ASMR ("Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response") is a type of sound therapy that uses commonplace noises like tapping, scratching, and whispering to relieve stress and promote deep, peaceful sleep. There are plenty of ASMR recordings available for free on sites like YouTube.[6]
- Avoid putting on anything that might trigger a mental association with the person, like their favorite album or an ambient noise track that reminds you of a trip you once took together.
- Think about another person you have a special connection with. Studies show that one of the best ways to stop thinking about someone is to redirect your mental energy toward someone else who you feel strongly for. Recall fond memories of a partner, friend, or family member, or single out a few of their qualities that you love most. Concentrating on them could dislodge the presence of the other person in your mind as you prepare to dream.[7]
- Turning your thoughts to someone dear to you can help put you at ease anytime unwanted memories start to pop up, not just while you're trying to fall asleep.
- This kind of visualization also serves to strengthen bonds that are already in place, improving your associations of the person and reminding you of their importance in your life.
EditConfronting the Source of Recurring Dreams - Come to terms with any unresolved feelings you have for the person. If the object of your dreams is someone who's hurt or abandoned you, it's possible that their actions have left a lasting impression on your psyche. In this case, it will be necessary to make peace with their memory before they'll disappear from your dreams. Do your best to accept the experiences you've had with the person as part of your history and forgive them for whatever grief they've caused you.[8]
- Dreams that are sexual or romantic in nature could be a sign that you feel unfulfilled in your current relationship. Addressing these concerns could bring the dreams to a halt.[9]
- It's not uncommon or unhealthy to have dreams about a lost loved one—it's just part of the mourning process. These dreams will usually begin to occur less frequently as you heal.
- Work out your issues with the person directly if you think it may help. If you feel safe doing so, it might be a good idea to try talking to the person in real life about what they did and the effect it's had on you. See if they would be willing to sit down with you and let you get some things off your chest. A face-to-face discussion could offer you the closure you need to move on and put them behind you for good.[10]
- If you don't feel comfortable meeting in person, pick up the phone instead. A phone call can still give you the opportunity to hear and be heard in a more personal fashion.
- Having one last chance to talk things out can be especially helpful when you're going through a bad breakup or getting over an unhealthy relationship.[11]
- If you're unable or unwilling to communicate with the person any further, another option is to write them a letter saying all the things you want to tell them. Even if you never send it, getting your pent-up frustrations off your chest can bring you a feeling of immense relief.
- Analyze your dreams to better understand what's causing them. Rather than being a passive participant in your dreams, try becoming an impartial observer. Remind yourself that you're dreaming, then step back and watch what happens without letting yourself respond emotionally. When you wake up, come up with a theory about what you think the events of your dream might have meant, and be prepared to accept whatever answer you arrive at.[12]
- In order to become more engaged with your dreams, it may be necessary to experiment with lucid dreaming or similar techniques.
- If dissecting your dreams logically doesn't work, exercise some agency. Tell the person that you don't want to see them anymore, or even try taking some kind of metaphorical action, such as walking away or closing a door on them.[13]
- Some dreams are like knots waiting to be untied—once you pull the right thread, the thing that's been keeping you stuck may come apart.
- Consider seeing a psychologist if the dreams persist. If your dreams are getting to the point where they're becoming disruptive, you may feel powerless to put a stop to them on your own. A qualified counselor can help you work through difficult emotional issues and give you constructive exercises to transform the way you think. This, in turn, may transform the way you dream.[14]
- Look for a therapist who specializes in dream analysis or interpretation of unconscious thought patterns as part of their practice to make sure you're getting the help you need.
- The saying, "Time heals all wounds" may be a cliche, but that doesn't make it any less true. If nothing else is working, just give it time. Sooner or later, the complexion of your dreams will begin to change.
- While it's possible to influence your dreams to an extent in some cases, they're a more or less involuntary mental activity, which means there may not be anything you can do to completely control who or what appears in them.
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