How to Be a Better Listener with ADHD Posted: 28 Sep 2021 05:00 PM PDT Does this sound familiar to you? You're listening to someone talk, and they say something that reminds you of something else—and then before you know it, you're thinking about something you forgot to do, what you want to eat for dinner, or a song you heard recently (or maybe all three at once). If you've got ADHD, staying focused can be a real challenge, especially when someone is talking to you. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do about it. To help you out, we've put together an authoritative list of great tools and strategies you can use to keep yourself focused and be a better listener. [Edit]Stop anything else you're doing to listen. - Multi-tasking can make it harder for you to pay attention. If someone wants to talk, put away your phone, close your book, or turn off the TV. Pull up a chair and give them your undivided attention. They'll appreciate it and it'll make it easier for you to focus on what they're saying.[1]
- Your ability to multi-task may be great for getting things done at work and around your home, but it won't make you a better listener!
- Catch yourself when your mind starts wandering off.[2]
[Edit]Smile, nod, and say brief words or sounds. - It'll help keep your mind from wandering. While you're listening to someone talk, nod your head to acknowledge that you understand what they're saying and smile occasionally (like when they say something funny) to let them know you're listening. Every now and then, make a sound like "uh-huh" or say something brief like, "okay" or "right." It can help you stay focused on the conversation and it'll make it seem like you're really listening, which the person talking may really appreciate.[3]
- For instance, while the other person is talking to you, when they make a point, you could say, "Gotcha."
- Focusing on what they're saying in order to respond or react can help you pay attention.
[Edit]Mentally repeat their words. - It may help you follow along in the conversation. As they're talking to you, echo the words in your mind. It'll help them stick and will force you to really pay attention to what they're saying. If you get lost or you aren't sure what they said, just ask so you can get back on track.[4]
[Edit]Visualize the story. - Imagine what they're saying like a movie in your head. Many people with ADHD are visual thinkers and learners, so take advantage of the way your brain works. When someone is talking or explaining something to you, try thinking of it like a movie with characters and lots of detail. It can help you follow along in the conversation and may help you better comprehend what someone is saying.[5]
- For instance, if a teacher is explaining a concept, try visualizing it in your mind. If your friend is telling you about their day, imagine it in your mind as they talk about it.
- Make sure to visualize and listen, though—you don't want to start daydreaming!
[Edit]Use fidgeting to help improve your focus. - Keeping your hands busy can make it easier for you to listen. Fidgeting is a mindless activity that you can do while you're working on another task (like listening). It's been proven to be an effective way to help people with ADHD improve their ability to focus. Try playing with a fidget toy while you're listening. If you can't use a toy, try carrying around a small, smooth stone (known as a "worry rock") in your pocket that you can fiddle with when you need to focus.[6]
- You can also try explaining to people that fidgeting actually helps you pay attention so they'll understand and you don't have to keep it hidden.
- Other simple forms of fidgeting include drumming your fingers or doodling while you're on a phone call or listening to a lecture.
- Similarly, taking up a physical activity that incorporates mindfulness (like martial arts or yoga) might help you improve your focus.[7]
[Edit]Try not to focus on what you'll say next. - You'll know what to say when it's your turn to talk. Pay attention to what the person talking to you is saying right now. Follow along with their words and don't worry about coming up with something to say when they're done talking.[8]
- Plus, just by being a better listener and paying attention to the person you're talking to when they're speaking, you'll actually be better prepared to respond to them.
- Bring your mind back to the conversation if you catch yourself thinking way ahead.[9]
[Edit]Wait until it's your turn to talk. - It can help you focus on what someone else is saying. Resist the urge to jump in and interrupt a conversation. Focus on waiting until the person speaking finishes their sentence or is done talking before you say something. If you do need to interrupt to clarify something or ask a question, politely ask for permission first.[10]
- Not only is it rude to interrupt someone when they're speaking, it can actually make it harder for you to pay attention to what they're saying.
- If you need to interrupt, you could ask, "Excuse me, can I ask a quick question?"
- It shows you're listening and can help you follow along. Whenever someone talking to you says something important or if they put emphasis on something, try repeating it back out loud or summarizing it in your own words. It'll help it stick out in your memory and keep you focused on the conversation.[11]
- If someone says, "After we finish getting groceries, we'll stop by Tim's to drop off the food, then we'll swing by the dog park for a bit" you could say, "Okay, groceries, Tim's, dog park. Got it."
[Edit]Repeat instructions before you start something. - Make sure you understand what you need to do. If a boss, teacher, friend, or anyone else gives you a task or an assignment, listen closely to what they say when they explain it to you. Then, echo their instructions to make sure you know what you need to do and to show them that you understand what they're saying.[12]
- For instance, if your manager gives you a list of things to do before you get off work, you could say, "Okay, empty the garbage, adjust the thermostat, and turn off all the lights. Got it."
- They can also correct or clarify something if you aren't fully understanding them.
[Edit]Ask for the key points if you're confused. - It can help you out if you get lost in the details. If someone is talking really quickly, sharing lots of little details, or if you're just having trouble following along, try asking them to help you out. Tell them you're a bit confused and ask if they can give you the main points that they want you to understand.[13]
- You could try, "So sorry, I'm a bit lost. Can you tell me what the main points were?"
- You could also try to keep it casual with something like, "I'm having a little trouble keeping up. Can you give me the summary?"
[Edit]Take notes or ask for something in writing. - That way you're super clear on what the instructions are. If you're in a meeting, class, or lecture, taking notes is a great way to keep yourself focused and record the information so you can study or review it later. Jot down key words and any questions you have so you can remember to ask them later. If someone is asking you to do something, ask them if they can email or write out the directions so you can consult them and you won't get confused.[14]
- If you're able to, recording a conversation, class, or lecture can be really helpful. Use a recording app and replay it as many times as you need! Just make sure you get permission or ask if it's okay first.[15]
[Edit]Avoid trying to give advice. - Sometimes people just need to vent. If someone comes to you to talk about a problem or something that's upsetting them, try not to worry about coming up with the perfect solution. Instead, focus on just being a good listener and being there for them. If they want your opinion or your input, they'll ask![16]
- If you're busy trying to come up with words of advice while someone is talking, you probably aren't giving them your full attention.
[Edit]Practice listening with someone you trust. - Ask a friend to help you get better at it. Listening is actually a skill! But that's good news. It means you can work to get better at it. Ask a friend, family member, or even a trusted co-worker to help you out. Take turns telling each other a story about something that recently happened to you. Keep it short, but long enough that you'll have to pay attention. When they're done talking, repeat back key details from the story and ask them for some feedback.[17]
- For instance, you could have your friend tell you about a restaurant they went to recently. They can talk about everything they did while they were there, what they ate, and what they thought about the experience. When they're finished, you can give a recap of the story to see how well you were paying attention.
- The more you practice listening, the better you'll be. In time, you can become a master listener!
- If you're prescribed medication for your ADHD, take it! It can really help improve your focus, which can help you be a better listener.[18]
[Edit]Warnings - Don't be too hard on yourself if you have trouble focusing. That's just your ADHD! If you need help dealing with it, try working with a therapist. They'll give you tools (and potentially medication) you can use to manage your symptoms.[19]
[Edit]References |
How to Clean Copper Coins Posted: 28 Sep 2021 09:00 AM PDT Copper is a soft metal, so copper coins are prone to degrading over time. Copper coins often turn a muddled brown color, and these marks can be cleaned off with salt and a mild acid like white vinegar. Use a stronger acid like ketchup or cola to strip away the green patina that forms when copper is exposed to salt and water. For a safer way to remove stubborn debris and make a coin shine, rub it gently with a little bit of vegetable oil. [Edit]Removing Dark Spots with Vinegar - Pour of white vinegar into a small bowl. The coins need to be submerged in the vinegar, so make sure the vinegar doesn't have too much space to spread out. If you plan on cleaning off a lot of coins at once, use a bigger bowl and add more vinegar as needed.[1]
- Some other options to use in place of vinegar include orange or lemon juice. Like vinegar, citrus juice is acidic and wears off copper oxide on coins.
- Mix 1 teaspoon (5.69 g) of salt with the vinegar. Stir the salt until it dissolves into the vinegar. The salt helps lift black spots off of old copper coins. Use more salt as needed to make the solution stronger for particularly worn coins.[2]
- Keep in mind that adding more salt to the solution makes it stronger. Mix in extra salt if you wish, but keep a close eye on the coins to avoid damaging them.
- Soak the coins in the solution for about 5 minutes. Drop the coins into the bowl, spreading them out so they are all submerged. Try to arrange them in a single layer so the solution reaches both sides of each coin.[3]
- For a more gradual treatment, leave the coins out of the bowl. Instead, dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into the vinegar solution and scrub the coins with it.
- Rinse the coins immediately with warm water. Clean the salt and vinegar off of every coin as soon as possible. If you leave the coin alone, the acids continue wearing away the copper. Eventually, exposure to salt causes green spots to form on copper coins.[4]
- Hold the coins under a little bit of running water to ensure all of the cleaning solution rinses off. Don't leave them in a bowl of water, since the vinegar solution and copper oxide will end up in the bowl and on other coins.
- Dab the coins with a microfiber cloth and let them air dry. Set a cloth down on a flat countertop, then place the coins on top of it. Arrange the coins in a single layer so they all have a chance to dry without the risk of picking up leftover vinegar or oxide. After drying the coins off as much as possible, leave them exposed to open air for about 5 minutes to eliminate any remaining moisture.
- Soak the coins in more salt and vinegar if they still look dirty. It may take a few treatments, so work gradually and wash the coins off each time to avoid damaging them.
- Vinegar solutions are effective for removing dark spots on coins, but they also tend to make coins look a little dull. Shine the coins to make them look better.
[Edit]Stripping Patinas with Ketchup - Cover the coins with ketchup or another acid. Pour some ketchup into a small bowl, enough to cover the coins. Submerge the coins in a single layer in the ketchup. Make sure both sides of each coin are evenly coated. Tomato sauce is acidic, and ketchup is made with salt and vinegar, so it's extra effective at stripping blemishes off of old coins.[5]
- Hot sauce and brown colas are some other household substances that work well on copper coins.[6]
- If you don't have ketchup or another acid, try using a metal polish from a general store. It works similarly to ketchup.
- Scrub the coins with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Press the bristles very gently against the coins to avoid scratching them. Use the brush to work the ketchup into the dirtiest spots on each coin, such as around the lettering and outer edge.[7]
- If you don't have a brush available, leave the coins submerged in the ketchup for at least 5 minutes. Check back on them every few minutes, especially if you use a highly acidic substance like cola, to avoid damaging them.
- Rinse the coins off under warm water. Clean off all of the ketchup so the salt and acid do not continue to abrade the coins. Most of the patina, the green or brown film on older coins, will come off as well, leaving you with a pink, clean piece of copper.[8]
- Newer coins, such as relatively shiny pennies, tend to dull a little when washed in acid.
[Edit]Washing Coins with Vegetable Oil - Clear dirt off of the coins with a toothpick. Scrape away the dirt around the engraved parts of each coin, such as letters or images. Also, remove as much dirt as possible around the edges of each coin. You do not need remove all of the dirt on the coins, only enough to make the engraved portions stand out.[9]
- Clearing away the dirt now makes the coin look clearer once you add the oil to it.
- Rub a small amount of vegetable oil onto each coin. Dip a drop of oil onto each coin. Work the oil in with your fingers. Scrub away and add more oil as needed to make the coin appear shiny and refreshed.[10]
- Use sparing amounts of oil to avoid damaging coins. Remember, you can always try cleaning a coin again, but you can't reverse mistakes.
- Rinse the coins under a trickle of hot water. Let the water drip from the sink faucet to avoid soaking the coins. As you wash the coins, continue rubbing them with your thumb to reach all of the oil. Any debris will come off, leaving you with pristine coins.[11]
- Repeat the treatment with more oil as needed. For a stronger treatment, let the coins soak in oil for about a day, then scrub them with a soft toothbrush.
- Blot the coin dry with a microfiber cloth. Lay the coins on the cloth to wick away excess moisture. Tap them with part of the cloth to dry them further. Before storing the coins, leave them out and exposed to open air for about 5 minutes.[12]
[Edit]Shining Dulled Coins with Baking Soda - Combine baking soda and water into a paste. Set out a clean bowl, then fill it with about 1 tablespoon (14.4 g) of baking soda. Gradually pour in about of lukewarm water, stirring it the entire time. Stop adding water as soon as the mixture has the consistency of toothpaste.[13]
- Add more baking soda and water as needed for larger batches of coins. As a general rule, make the paste at a ratio of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.
- Rub the paste over the coins to make them shine. Use your fingers to spread a little bit of the paste over each coin. Work the paste into all parts of the coins. When you're done, the coins will look shinier and the details engraved on them will stand out more.[14]
- The baking soda isn't acidic like vinegar and citrus juice solutions, so leaving the paste in place for a while is safe.
- Wash the coins off with warm water and dry them. Rinse them under a little bit of running water to remove the leftover paste. Then, pat the coins dry with a soft cloth or towel. Check the coins when you're finished to see how shiny they look.
- If the coins still look a little dull, try treating them with more paste. Very old or dirty coins require the extra effort.
- For preservation purposes, most collectors recommend against treating collectible coins. Coins generally lose value as they get cleaner.
- To clean softer or more valuable coins, your best bet is to lightly rinse them in warm water, then pat them dry with a microfiber cloth. This eliminates the possibility of abrasions to your investment.
- The safest way to clean a coin is to send it a professional. Numismatists and some coin collector organizations may offer these services.
[Edit]Warnings - Acids wear away copper, so exposing a coin to vinegar and other products can cause permanent damage. Monitor coins carefully and rinse them with clean water as soon as possible.
- Any attempt at cleaning a coin can reduce its value. For this reason, only clean coins that have little value, such as standard pennies. When in doubt, leave the coin as you found it.
- Never rub or scrub coins which have numismatic value. Rubbing or scrubbing a coin (even with non-abrasive liquids) will leave microabrasions on your coin and cause a severe reduction of value or elimination of any collectible value.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Removing Dark Spots with Vinegar - Mixing bowl
- White vinegar
- Salt
- Measuring cup or spoon
- Water
- Microfiber cloth
[Edit]Stripping Patinas with Ketchup - Small bowls
- Ketchup or similar acid
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Water
- Measuring spoon
[Edit]Washing Coins with Vegetable Oil - Vegetable oil
- Water
- Toothpick
- Microfiber cloth
[Edit]Shining Dulled Coins with Baking Soda - Baking soda
- Water
- Measuring spoon
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
How to Make a Bee Hotel Posted: 28 Sep 2021 01:00 AM PDT Bee hotels, also known as trap nests or Fabre's hives, are human-made nesting substrates that can be used as supplementary habitats for solitary bees. It's estimated that there are over 20,000 bee species worldwide and most of these are solitary species. These bees are different to the European honeybee, which is a social species; or bumblebees, which are semi-social. Most species of solitary bees can nest below ground in the soil or aboveground in cavities. Some species are opportunistic in that they make use of pre-existing burrows or cavities, others excavate their own. A good bee hotel uses a variety of materials to accommodate bees with different nesting requirements. [Edit]Fill an open container with reeds and stems - Gather your materials:
- Cylindrical, waterproof housing, at least 10cm deep (e.g. PVC pipe, tin can, terracotta garden pot, ceramic cup/mug with handle, plastic bottle trimmed to a cylinder)
- Tubes (e.g. dried bamboo reeds, rolled newspaper or paper straws)
- Stems (e.g. dried pithy stems such as from trimming hedges or removing weedy shrubs like Lantana spp.)
- Fastening (e.g. string, wool or cable ties)
- Something to cut your tubes (e.g. scissors or secateurs)
- Make a small hole at the end of your housing and thread some fastening through it so that you can hang up your hotel later. Cups and mugs already have a handle so don't need this step. Tie the string together in a loose bow until you're ready to use it.
- Take a tube/stem and place it inside, then cut it so that it's just a little shorter than the length of the housing. It's important to leave a gap between the entrance and your tubes/stems to protect them from rain. Use this first cut tube/stem as a template for cutting the remaining tubes/stems. You can make your own tubes from newspaper and glue by cutting strips of newspaper about the width of a ruler, gluing a thin line down one length, then rolling from one corner to the other on an angle using a long paintbrush or pencil.
- Make sure to pack the housing tight with enough tubes/stems so that they don't fall out.
- Optional: Cover the entrance with wire mesh small enough to hold the tubes/stems in place but large enough to let bees in.
- Fasten the hotel, as level as you can, one to two metres above the ground in a sheltered area (e.g. under a tree) with lots of flowering plants. Face the hotel entrance to the north-east so it gets morning sun.
[Edit]Drill holes in untreated timber - Gather your materials:
- Untreated timber or logs (at least 12 cm long and 3.5 cm wide/high)
- Electric drill
- Drill bit (6mm and/or 8mm) long enough to make cavities 10mm deep
- Safety goggles and mask
- Hammer, nail, pencil and ruler (to make starter holes, for safety)
- Sandpaper
- Fastening (e.g. string, wire, cable ties, bracket and screws)
- Optional: Round wood file
- Secure your piece of timber, face up, so that it does not move when drilling holes (e.g. with a vice to a carpentry bench).
- Mark each position where you will drill your cavities with a pencil. Leave enough room between cavities (twice the width of your drill bit) to reduce the risk of your timber cracking.
- Hammer in the nails. Holding the nail carefully, gently hammer it a short depth into each pencil mark, then remove.
- Drill the cavities. Wearing your safety goggles and mask, align your drill bit with a starter hole and carefully begin to drill one of your cavities straight down into your timber. You may need to stop (turning off the drill) every now and then and tap any sawdust out of the cavity-in-progress to aid in drilling.
- Repeat this process for each marked cavity.
- Remove your timber from the vice and tap it upside down to dislodge any sawdust. Use a round wood file and sandpaper to remove any splinters from cavity entrances.
- Fasten the hotel, as level as you can, one to two metres above the ground in a sheltered area (e.g. under a tree) with lots of flowering plants. Face the hotel entrance to the north-east so it gets morning sun.
[Edit]Build a cob block - Gather your materials:
- Rectangular, waterproof housing, at least 12 cm deep (e.g. PVC pipe, recycled milk carton, terracotta pot, besser block)
- Filling (sandy loam and white ball clay)
- Water
- Cup or container for measuring
- In a bucket or large container, mix 4 parts sand with 1 part clay until you have enough mixture to fill your housing. For a 1L milk carton, which makes two hotels when cut in half, you will need 4 cups of sand and 1 cup of clay. For a pot or a besser block, you will need more.
- Add a little bit of water at a time while mixing, until it the mixture is wet enough to hold together when made into a ball. Usually no more than 1 cup.
- Pack the mixture into your housing (standing upright), leaving a small gap between the entrance and filling to protect the nest from rain.
- Make two shallow indents with your finger, a pencil or a paintbrush to act as starter holes for your bees.
- Wait for the mixture to dry (a few hours or days, weather depending).
- Place your bee hotel in a sheltered area with lots of flowering plants. Place it on top of something else to lift it off the ground a little, like a brick or stack of timber or tiles, so it doesn't get too damp. Finally, turn the hotel to the north-east so it gets the morning sun.
- Maintain the hotel by clearing away cobwebs and replacing tubes/timber/cob after each flying season.
- Position your hotels so that they are in contact with warm morning sun, but not afternoon sun if you live in a hot area. This promotes bee activity as some smaller species can't fly if it's too cold.
- Try to use non-spray methods of pest and weed control in the surrounding area.
- Solitary bees tend to emerge in the spring and summer months, or the wet season in the tropics. Deploy your bee hotel just before this time so that it is vacant and ready for new adult solitary bees looking to make a nest.
- Remember, the best habitat for bees is their natural habitat. Keep hollow trees, old logs and sheltered patches of bare ground on your property to provide natural habitats for native bees. Lobby governments and businesses to conserve forests and other natural lands that provide forage and nesting habitat for bees and other animals. Join a local revegetation group and sow a variety of plants in your garden so that something is always flowering and providing pollen or nectar for bees and other animals.
[Edit]Warnings - Do not let children operate the drill
- Always follow safety instructions supplied by manufacturers of any tools used
- Do not move occupied bee hotels from one region to another. Species that are native to one region may become invasive in others or be unable to survive.
- Distance your hotels to reduce the spread of bee pests and pathogens
[Edit]References
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