Wednesday, September 23, 2020

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Memorize

Posted: 23 Sep 2020 05:00 PM PDT

Whether you have to memorize a long list of vocabulary words for a test, several lines for a play, or anything else, there are several ways to make the process easier. Start by priming your brain with strategies that boost memorization. Then, use effective techniques to memorize the material. You can use additional strategies to help you master the information.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using Effective Memorization Strategies

  1. Write a summary for each paragraph to understand it better. As you read the material that you want to memorize, write a summary of each of the paragraphs you read. Write the summary in your own way of speaking to help you retain the information. This will help you to gain a basic understanding of the material and you may even memorize some key terms and concepts in the process.[1]
    Memorize Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • For example, after reading a paragraph on how the heart pumps blood, explain it to yourself briefly in 1 to 2 sentences.
  2. Compartmentalize the information into smaller chunks. It is difficult to memorize long strings of numbers and words, such as identification numbers or lines in a play. If you need to memorize a large amount of material, break it down into more manageable chunks to make it easier on yourself. Some ways you can do this include:[2]
    Memorize Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • Color-coding your notes by topic.
    • Memorizing a 3 to 4-word phrase or 3 to 4 numbers at a time.
    • Focusing on the key terms in 1 paragraph or page in a textbook.
  3. Assign an image to what you need to memorize. Associating an image with a word or concept is another powerful way to commit it to memory. Try taking an interesting image and look at it often as you read the material you want to memorize. This can also be very helpful for memorizing people's names.[3]
    Memorize Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • If you need to memorize the names of 5 coworkers you have just met, think of an image that you can associate with each person's name.
    • For example, you could associate Charlie with the image of the cartoon character Charlie Brown, Michael with an image of the archangel Michael, Cindy with iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford, Donna with a 50s doo-wop singer, and Herbert with a bowl of sherbet.
  4. Use an acronym to help you remember words in a specific order. An acronym is a type of mnemonic device in which the first letter of each word in a word, phrase, or sentence corresponds to something you want to memorize. You can create your own acronym to help you remember words in a specific sequence, or simply to remember a group of words.[4]
    Memorize Step 4.jpg
    • For example, "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally." This mnemonic is often used to help people remember the order of operations for solving algebra problems. P stands for parentheses, E-exponents, M-multiply, D-divide, A-add, and S-subtract in the sentence.
    • A popular mnemonic device in the musical world is Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge, which stands for the notes in the treble staff: EGBDF.[5]
    • The fake name acronym ROY G BIV has long helped people remember the colours in the rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet.[6]
  5. Try rhyming mnemonic devices to remember dates and other facts. Your brain may find it easier to remember certain facts if you put them into the form of a rhyme. Choose a date, fact, or other important detail that you need to memorize. Then, choose a word that rhymes with it and create a short rhyming sentence. Some popular rhyming mnemonic devices include:[7]
    Memorize Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • In fourteen hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.
    • Thirty days has September, April, June, and November.
  6. Write the information out over and over again. Hand-writing is a powerful tool for memorization, and it is even more effective if you do it repeatedly. Get out a pen and paper and start hand-writing what you need to memorize. You can write out your lines for a play, definitions for key terms, math equations, or whatever it is you need to commit to memory.[8]
    Memorize Step 6 Version 3.jpg
    • If you prefer, you can also record yourself reading the information and then listen to the recording repeatedly. This is a good option if you have a log commute or if you just learn better by hearing things.
  7. Talk out loud as you study. Reading information out loud, explaining concepts to yourself, or even just making the occasional comment to yourself as you work can help to solidify the information that you are studying. Try talking to yourself as you study the material that you need to memorize.[9]
    Memorize Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • If you are studying in a library, then make sure that you are in a section where some noise is permitted.
  8. Make your own flashcards and study them daily. Flashcards are a classic memorization tool. Write the concept, cue, or subject on 1 side of the card, and then write the definition, line, or other details you need to memorize on the other side. Make sure all of the flashcards are facing in 1 direction in your stack and go through the pile. Look at the concept or cue side first and see if you can recall the definition or line on the other side. If not, read it a few times to commit it to memory. Then, move on to the next card.[10]
    Memorize Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • Continue through the pile in this manner to memorize the information.

[Edit]Making the Information Stick

  1. Relate the information to something you already understand. Choose a topic that interests you and that you understand very well. Then, find a way to relate the information you need to memorize to the subject you already understand.[11]
    Memorize Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • For example, you could relate the material you need to memorize for a math test to the rules of baseball if you are a sports fan, or use a cooking analogy to help you remember a chemistry concept if you are a fan of cooking.
  2. Memorize the information over several days or weeks. The sooner you start memorizing, the better! It takes time and repetition to memorize something. Plan to begin memorizing the material at least 1 week in advance, and even sooner if possible. Work on memorizing the material for a set amount of time every day. The time you will need will vary depending on the amount of material you need to memorize.[12]
    Memorize Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • For example, if you need to memorize 20 new vocabulary words for a test, then you might only need to study for 30 minutes per day over the course of a week.
    • However, if you need to memorize lines for a leading role in a play, then you will need to start memorizing 3 to 4 weeks in advance and plan to study your lines for at least an hour daily.
  3. Quiz yourself on the material you have studied. You might find the material familiar when you re-read it and think that this means you have memorized it. However, this is not an accurate way to check for memorization. Self-testing is better for seeing how well you are retaining the material. Try to recall the information without looking at your notes. If you can recall the information accurately without help, then you have memorized it.[13]
    Memorize Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • For example, if you need to be able to explain photosynthesis for a science test, then see if you can do this without checking your notes first.
    • If you need to be able to recite a poem from memory, then try to recite it.
  4. Teach other people what you have learned. Teaching other people the material that you have studied is another potent way to commit it to memory. After you have studied the material and feel that you have a good understanding of it, try to explain it to a friend or family member. If you can do this without checking your notes, then you have memorized the information.[14]
    Memorize Step 12 Version 2.jpg

[Edit]Priming Your Brain for Memorization

  1. Exercise regularly to boost your memory and cognitive function. Try to exercise for 30 minutes on at least 5 days each week to keep your mind sharp. You can also try working out right before you start memorizing for extra brain-boosting benefits.[15]
    Memorize Step 13 Version 2.jpg
    • You don't have to get in a long workout to reap the benefits of exercise for better memorization. Even taking a 15-minute walk before you start studying can help.[16]
    • Doing 20 minutes of yoga before working on memorizing something is another great way to boost your brain function.[17]
  2. Drink a cup of green tea before you start memorizing. Green tea has been show to boost cognitive function more than other types of beverages. Make yourself a cup of regular or decaf green tea and sip it before or during your study session. The extra boost of caffeine in regular green tea may also be helpful.[18]
    Memorize Step 14 Version 2.jpg
    • You can drink green tea hot or iced.
  3. Create an environment that is free from distractions. Avoid multitasking while you memorize, such as checking your social media accounts or texting friends. This will interfere with your ability to focus on the task at hand. Put away your phone, turn off the TV, and ask members of your household not to disturb you while you are studying.[19]
    Memorize Step 15 Version 2.jpg
    • If you have trouble staying focused, try setting small goals and rewarding yourself with a short break each time you meet one of them. For example, you could make it your goal to focus on studying for 25 minutes, and then reward yourself with a 5 minute break.
  4. Plan to memorize in the afternoon rather than in the morning or evening. Afternoon may be the time when you feel the least alert, but it has also been shown to be a potent time to work on memorizing new information. If you have been struggling to remember the material you are studying, try memorizing it in the afternoon instead of in the morning or at night.[20]
    Memorize Step 16 Version 2.jpg
    • For example, you could work on memorizing at around 2 or 3 pm.
  5. Get a good night of sleep before you start memorizing. Being well-rested has a far-reaching impact on your ability to memorize. To give yourself the best possible chance of retaining information, go to bed early enough to get a full 8 hours of sleep.[21]
    Memorize Step 17 Version 2.jpg
    • Try going to bed a little earlier than you normally do, such as 10:00 pm if you normally got to bed at 10:30 pm.
    • Make your bedroom a relaxing space that you only use for sleep. Don't work, eat, or do other daytime activities in your bedroom.


[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

  1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/200911/eight-ways-remember-anything
  2. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/200911/eight-ways-remember-anything
  3. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/200911/eight-ways-remember-anything
  4. https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/enhancing-your-memory/
  5. https://psychcentral.com/lib/memory-and-mnemonic-devices/
  6. https://www.scientificminds.com/blog/whatever-happened-to-roy-g-biv-kathy-reeves-115.aspx
  7. https://psychcentral.com/lib/memory-and-mnemonic-devices/
  8. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/200911/eight-ways-remember-anything
  9. https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/enhancing-your-memory/
  10. https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/enhancing-your-memory/
  11. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/200911/eight-ways-remember-anything
  12. https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/enhancing-your-memory/
  13. https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/enhancing-your-memory/
  14. https://digest.bps.org.uk/2018/05/04/learning-by-teaching-others-is-extremely-effective-a-new-study-tested-a-key-reason-why/
  15. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110
  16. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23795769
  17. https://www.academia.edu/3145421/The_Acute_Effects_of_Yoga_on_Executive_Function
  18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29484360
  19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4114291/
  20. http://www.scielo.br/pdf/bjmbr/v41n6/7019.pdf
  21. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/200911/eight-ways-remember-anything

How to Clean a Very Messy Room

Posted: 23 Sep 2020 09:00 AM PDT

Tackling a very messy room can seem stressful and overwhelming at first. However, the sooner you get onto it, the better you will feel! Organize the clutter into separate piles and then work on neatly putting away each group of items. Thoroughly dust and vacuum the room once it's tidy to remove any dirt and to help it sparkle. To keep the room organized, try to clean up as you go about your day and spend a bit of time each night tidying before you go to sleep.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Sorting Clutter

  1. Clean the room in small, manageable sections. It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you face cleaning a very messy room! Create sections or tasks that you feel you can complete reasonably within your timeframe, such as focusing on a particular shelf, table, or corner. Make sure that you take a break between every task or section to help you stay motivated.[1]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • If the room is very cluttered or if you don't have enough time, you can spread the tasks out over several days.
    • For example, you could focus on clearing the floor first, then move onto the dresser, and then end with the bedside table.
  2. Put all of the dirty laundry into the laundry hamper. Look around the room and remove all of the dirty laundry. Perhaps there are dirty clothes on the floor or the bed sheets need washing. If the laundry overflows from the hamper, get another basket or a bag to use as well.[2]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • You don't need to sort the laundry at this point. Just focus on getting it all into the hamper.
  3. Dispose of all of the trash in the room. Simply removing all of the trash can make cleaning the room seem far less overwhelming. Place a bin next to you and get rid of any trash you can see. You can recycle what you find if it's possible, otherwise just throw the trash directly into the bin.[3]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • If you are unsure about if you want to keep an item, keep it for the time being rather than wasting time deciding. You can always come back to it at a later point.
  4. Transfer all of the dishes to the kitchen sink. Unwashed dishes can really add to the clutter in a room. Pile up any used plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery that you can find and take them to the kitchen. Stack them neatly in the sink to wash after you finish cleaning the room.[4]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • Getting rid of the dirty dishes will also help the room to smell clean and fresh.
  5. Create piles of similar items that belong in the room but aren't put away. As you work through the clutter, make small groups of items that need to be put away. Groups such as shoes, clean clothes, books, toys, paperwork, and electronics work well. You can also create smaller categories within each group, like if the books belong on the bookshelf or on the bedside table, or if the clean clothes go in the wardrobe or in the dresser.[5]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • Don't worry about putting away the items yet, as you can work on that later.
  6. Place all miscellaneous items that don't belong in the room in a box. Get the biggest container or cardboard box that you can find and place it next to you as you work through the room. Put the items that don't belong in that room into the box to deal with later. These items might be things like bills, books, cosmetics, and magazines.
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • You don't need to sort through every drawer and cupboard to try decide what to keep and what to throw away. Simply work on the things you can easily see and save going through any hidden clutter for a later stage.[6]

[Edit]Organizing the Room

  1. Put away clean clothes and shoes in the wardrobe or dresser. Hang up all of the clean clothes on hangers and then arrange them in the wardrobe. Alternatively, fold all of the clothes neatly and place them into a dresser. Make sure to organize them into groups like T-shirts, shorts, and sweaters so that you can find everything easily. Keep all of your shoes lined up on the wardrobe floor or on a rack.[7]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • If there are clothes that you don't wear often and there isn't much space, you can store these in storage containers that fit under the bed.
  2. Place all of the books on a bookcase or in storage containers. Keep books that you read often within easy reach and store away books that you don't use as frequently. You could organize the books on a shelf by author, height, or color. You can also use containers or baskets to organize similar books and keep the containers on a shelf.[8]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 8.jpg
    • For kids that have favorite books, keep these together in a basket on the floor so that they can reach them easily.[9]
  3. Store all of the toys in easy-to-reach storage containers and boxes. Sort the pile of toys into smaller categories such as dolls and action figures, blocks, stuffed animals, and craft supplies. Store each category together so that all similar items can be easily found. For example, stuffed animals could go in a large basket on the floor and blocks could go in a large, plastic container that fits under the bed.[10]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 9.jpg
    • Dolls and action figures could go into storage baskets that sit on a shelf and craft supplies might belong in a box in the wardrobe.
    • If each toy has a designated place to go, this helps kids to learn where to put things away.
  4. Return all of the miscellaneous items that don't belong in the room. Work through all of the items in the large box or container and place them back where they belong. If you come across an item you don't need or want, donate, recycle, or throw it away to clear up a bit of free space.[11]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 10.jpg
    • Make sure to put the items back exactly where they go rather than just piling them in a different room, as this creates a bigger mess for you to deal with in the future.

[Edit]Cleaning Up

  1. Remove the dust from the ceiling fan if you have one. Dust very easily accumulates on ceiling fans! Spray multi-purpose cleaner on a cleaning cloth or a paper towel. Then wipe down each fan blade starting from the center of the fan fixture and ending at the tip of the blade. Alternatively, you can use a ceiling fan duster instead.[12]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 11.jpg
    • Always turn the fan off before you clean it.
  2. Dust the light fixtures using a cleaning cloth. Turn off the light before you begin so that you don't burn your hand. Then get a soft cloth and stand up on the bed or on a chair. Wipe down the inside and the outside of the light fixture to remove any dust or dirt.[13]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 12.jpg
    • It's best to keep your old sheets on the bed while you do this in case any dust or spiderwebs fall.
  3. Clean any mirrors in the room. Get a clean microfiber cloth and dampen it very lightly with warm water. Buff the mirror using small, circular motions to remove any grime. If there are stubborn marks, try using a tiny amount of dish soap with the warm water and scrub the mark to remove it.[14]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 13.jpg
    • Excess water on mirrors can cause streaks. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the mirror if you notice any excess water.
  4. Wipe the windows with window cleaner. Having clear windows will make the room look even brighter. Get a microfiber cloth and lightly spray the window with window cleaner. Wipe the window down using the cloth to remove any dust, dirt, or stains. Then use a dry cloth to remove any excess cleaner and to keep the window streak-free![15]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 14.jpg
    • Avoid using newspaper to clean the windows, as the ink can run.
  5. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the blinds or wash the curtains. Close the blinds and place the brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner. Run the vacuum over each individual blind to remove all of the dust and dirt. Then turn the blinds to the opposite direction and vacuum the other side.[16]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 15.jpg
    • You can dust each blind individually, however, this may take longer.
    • If you have curtains, remove and wash them (following the care tag instructions) every 2-3 months.
  6. Dust all of the surfaces in the room. Use a microfiber cloth to dust any surfaces like tables, window sills, and cabinets. Always start from the highest surface and work your way down towards the floor. This stops dust from accumulating where you have already cleaned.[17]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 16.jpg
    • Don't forget to dust any art, accessories, door frames, or mirrors.[18]
  7. Wipe down all of the surfaces to get a sparkling clean. Make the surfaces look even better after dusting! Use a clean microfiber cloth and spray a small amount of multi-purpose cleaner on the surface. Work in small, circular motions and wipe down the surface with the cloth. This helps to freshen up the room.[19]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 17.jpg
    • If there is a stubborn or sticky stain, try letting the multi-purpose cleaner sit for 2-3 minutes before wiping it away.
  8. Sweep and mop or vacuum the floor. Now that the floor is clear, it's time to remove any dust or dirt and get it looking great! You can vacuum any floor type, and sweep and mop floors that aren't carpet. Make sure that you clean under furniture like beds, tables, and couches where dust can easily build up.[20]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 18.jpg
    • You may need to move some furniture out of the way to get a thorough clean.
    • If you mop the floor, let it dry before you stand on it again.
  9. Do the laundry. Sort through the laundry hamper and begin washing all of the items. When the laundry is clean, dry all of the items either using a clothes dryer or by hanging them on a clothesline. When everything is dry, fold all of the items neatly and put them away in the right place. You could hang up clothes like dresses, jackets, and shirts, and keep T-shirts, socks, and trousers folded in a dresser.[21]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 19.jpg
    • Make sure to return the laundry hamper to the room when you're done.
  10. Wash the dishes. Rinse the stack of dishes that you placed in the kitchen sink. Then either hand wash all of the dishes or place them into a dishwasher. When the dishes are clean, use a tea towel to dry them off. Put all of the dishes back in the right spot in the kitchen and make sure to stack plates and bowls neatly.[22]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 20.jpg
    • It can be helpful to avoid eating in your room so that dishes don't accumulate. Try eating in the kitchen, dining room, or living room instead.

[Edit]Maintaining a Clean Room

  1. Try to clean up as you go to avoid needing to deep-clean. Mess is much easier to deal with when it's first made, rather than letting it pile up. Set a regular laundry schedule and clean up any dishes in the room as soon as you are done eating. If you notice clutter piling up, put it away as soon as possible rather than letting it get bigger and more overwhelming.[23]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 21.jpg
    • Little things like putting your shoes and coat away in the right spot as soon as you take them off can really help.[24]
  2. Prioritize 1-3 cleaning tasks to get done each day. Look at the amount of time that you have every day to clean and set a few realistic tasks that you can accomplish during that time. You could wipe down a table, vacuum under a bed, or clean a mirror. However, try not to set yourself too many tasks, as it may feel overwhelming.[25]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 22.jpg
    • Accomplishing even just 1 small cleaning task each day goes a long way to keep your whole home staying neat and tidy.
  3. Spend 5-10 minutes tidying up before you go to bed. It's much easier to do a small amount of tidying up before you go to sleep, rather than having to face it in the morning. You could put away some toys, take the trash out, or clear the bedside table.[26]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 23.jpg
    • You don't have to do any major cleaning during this time, as the little things really add up! You could also put away books, fold clothes, or lightly dust the surfaces.
  4. Make your bed every day as soon as you get up. Although it can seem like a nuisance, a made bed turns your bedroom into a calm, restful sanctuary. Spend a few minutes tucking in the sheets, smoothing out the comforter, and positioning the pillows.[27]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 24.jpg
    • Simplifying your bedding can make it easier to stay committed to making your bed. For example, instead of using a top sheet, just use a washable comforter instead. Alternatively, you can get rid of any decorative pillows to make the process faster.
  5. Get your whole household involved in cleaning if you can. Keeping things clean and orderly is much easier when you have extra help, whether it's just for a single room or a whole home. Give each person a few designated chores to do. Young children can learn to put their toys and shoes in the right place, and older kids can vacuum or make their beds.[28]
    Clean a Very Messy Room Step 25.jpg
    • It can be helpful to make a chore list and keep it in a place that everyone can see. This makes it clear about who has each responsibility.


[Edit]Warnings

  • Used dishes and dirty clothes can become a health risk if they are left uncleaned for long enough, due to mold, insects, and bacteria.[29]

[Edit]Related wikiHows

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

  1. https://www.cleanandscentsible.com/how-to-declutter-and-organize-any-space/
  2. https://www.mamaslaundrytalk.com/master-bedroom-get-rid-of-clothing-clutter/
  3. https://www.thehairpin.com/2012/01/ask-a-clean-person-tackling-a-major-clean-up-part-one/
  4. https://www.thehairpin.com/2012/01/ask-a-clean-person-tackling-a-major-clean-up-part-one/
  5. https://www.thehairpin.com/2012/01/ask-a-clean-person-tackling-a-major-clean-up-part-one/
  6. https://www.thehairpin.com/2012/01/ask-a-clean-person-tackling-a-major-clean-up-part-one/
  7. https://www.thehairpin.com/2012/01/ask-a-clean-person-tackling-a-major-clean-up-part-one/
  8. https://www.thehairpin.com/2012/01/ask-a-clean-person-tackling-a-major-clean-up-part-one/
  9. https://www.cleanandscentsible.com/kids-bedroom-organization-2/
  10. https://www.cleanandscentsible.com/kids-bedroom-organization-2/
  11. https://www.thehairpin.com/2012/01/ask-a-clean-person-tackling-a-major-clean-up-part-one/
  12. https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-a-bedroom/
  13. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-your-bedroom-thoroughly-and-efficiently-a-quick-easy-guide-221947
  14. https://www.idealhome.co.uk/care-and-cleaning/how-to-clean-mirrors-202124
  15. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-your-bedroom-thoroughly-and-efficiently-a-quick-easy-guide-221947
  16. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-your-bedroom-thoroughly-and-efficiently-a-quick-easy-guide-221947
  17. https://www.thehairpin.com/2012/01/ask-a-clean-person-tackling-a-major-clean-up-part-one/
  18. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-your-bedroom-thoroughly-and-efficiently-a-quick-easy-guide-221947
  19. https://www.thehairpin.com/2012/01/ask-a-clean-person-tackling-a-major-clean-up-part-one/
  20. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-your-bedroom-thoroughly-and-efficiently-a-quick-easy-guide-221947
  21. https://www.thehairpin.com/2012/01/ask-a-clean-person-tackling-a-major-clean-up-part-one/
  22. https://www.thehairpin.com/2012/01/ask-a-clean-person-tackling-a-major-clean-up-part-one/
  23. https://www.cleanandscentsible.com/11-daily-habits-to-keep-a-house-clean-and-tidy/
  24. https://www.lifestorage.com/blog/organization/how-to-keep-house-clean/
  25. https://www.cleanandscentsible.com/11-daily-habits-to-keep-a-house-clean-and-tidy/
  26. https://www.cleanandscentsible.com/11-daily-habits-to-keep-a-house-clean-and-tidy/
  27. https://www.cleanandscentsible.com/11-daily-habits-to-keep-a-house-clean-and-tidy/
  28. https://www.cleanandscentsible.com/11-daily-habits-to-keep-a-house-clean-and-tidy/
  29. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/teen-bedroom#1

How to Find Motivation to Do Homework

Posted: 23 Sep 2020 01:00 AM PDT

Even if you love school, it can be hard to stay excited about doing homework. Just like with any other kind of work, it's important to set personal goals and find your own inspiration to keep going. You can also help yourself focus by minimizing distractions and caring for yourself while you work. Finally, organize your time wisely and break your homework up into manageable pieces so it doesn't feel too overwhelming.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Finding Your Drive and Inspiration

  1. Reward yourself when you meet a homework goal. Rewards can be a powerful motivator! Whenever you accomplish a goal—even a little one—take a moment to reward yourself. Your rewards don't have to be anything elaborate or fancy. It could be something as simple as watching a funny 5-minute video after completing a short reading assignment.[1]
    Find Motivation to Do Homework Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    • Give yourself bigger rewards for bigger accomplishments. For example, you might go out for pizza with a friend after handing in an important paper.
  2. Treat yourself before you start working, too. You don't have to save all the rewards for when you're done working. Sometimes it can help to give your mood a lift before you get down to a task. Take a few minutes to enjoy a favorite snack or check your social media.
    Find Motivation to Do Homework Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • Just make sure you limit yourself to a specific amount of time (like 10 minutes, for example) so that you don't end up getting totally distracted and wasting a few hours.
  3. Work with a motivated study buddy. Working with a friend can make homework more enjoyable. You and your buddy can also help keep each other on track. Make sure you choose a friend who is serious about getting their work done so that you don't end up goofing off and distracting each other.[2]
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    • Doing homework with a friend doesn't necessarily mean collaborating on the same assignments. You can just spend time together while you each do your own work.
    • Check with your teacher first before working together with a friend on an assignment. They may want you to do the work by yourself.
  4. Determine when and where you work best. Some people work best when they first get up in the morning, whereas others feel more energized in the late afternoon or evening.[3] You might also find that some study environments work better for you than others. Experiment to figure out what works best for you.
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    • For example, if you're a morning person, try doing your homework right after you eat breakfast.
    • If you tend to get distracted while working at your desk at home, experiment with doing your homework in the library or a coffee shop instead.
    • Some people also find it helpful to change their routine from time to time. If you find yourself getting bored, try working at a different time from usual or finding a new study space.
  5. Set some SMART homework goals. Setting specific goals can help you stay motivated and make your work feel more manageable. To get the most from your goals, make them Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART).[4] Write down your goals and be sure to celebrate whenever you achieve one, no matter how small!
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    • Setting vague goals can lead to frustration. Instead of saying, "I'm going to get all my homework done this week," try something more specific—e.g., "I'm going to work on my English essay for 1 hour every day this week."
  6. Remind yourself of why you're in school in the first place. Even if you're not that excited about the classes you're taking right now, looking at the big picture and setting some personal goals for yourself can help. Think about the ways that doing well in school will help you in the long run.[5]
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    • For example, maybe you want to get good grades so you can get into your dream college, or possibly you're working towards an exciting career.
    • Doing a good job in your classes can also be its own reward—knowing that you worked hard and did your best is a great self-esteem booster!

[Edit]Keeping Yourself Focused and Alert

  1. Take care of your physical needs before working. It's hard to concentrate on homework if you're tired, hungry, or uncomfortable. Try to get plenty of sleep if you know you'll have to do a bunch of homework the next day, and don't try to work on an empty stomach or with a full bladder!
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    • If you feel physically tense, do some yoga or light stretches before you begin to work.
    • Doing breathing exercises can also help you feel more comfortable and alert.
    • If you're not already in comfy clothes, get changed before you start working. This may mean joggers, sweatpants, pjs, shorts, underwear, or even being completely naked. It's your choice.
  2. Find a quiet and comfortable work space. Your environment can make a big difference in how well you focus on your work.[6] Before you begin doing your homework, find a spot that is quiet, well-lit, and gives you plenty of space to spread out.
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    • You'll want a place where you can sit comfortably, but don't get too comfortable. If you do homework in bed or on a cozy couch, you may be tempted to fall asleep!
    • If you have to work at home, ask anyone who lives with you to give you a little quiet time while you do your homework.
  3. Put away your phone and other distractions. If you're constantly looking at your Facebook feed or checking your Instagram notifications, you won't get much work done. Put your phone in a place where you can't get at it easily, like inside your bag or in a desk drawer. Turn off notifications if they distract you.[7]
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    • If you can't resist messing around on your phone or visiting time-wasting websites on your computer, consider installing an app or a browser extension that blocks tempting apps and sites.
    • Don't try to work with a TV or radio on. If you listen to music while you do your homework, choose something that's quiet and not too exciting, like some gentle classical music.
  4. Energize yourself with water and healthy snacks. While you study, keep a bottle of water and some snacks on hand. Staying hydrated and eating healthy foods can help you wake up, focus, and stay alert. Choose foods that can help boost your brain power, such as:[8]
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    • Whole grains
    • Healthy proteins, like fish, beans, or nuts
    • Blueberries
    • Leafy greens
  5. Take frequent breaks while you work. You'll get burnt out and lose focus quickly if you try to work too long without a break. Try working for an hour to an hour and a half and then taking a 15-minute break. This will give your tired brain a chance to rest and recharge.[9]
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    • During your breaks, you can go for a walk, have a snack, do a little meditation, or even put your head down for a quick power nap.
    • You can also use your breaks to reward yourself with a fun video or a quick game on your phone.
  6. Switch between different tasks to help you stay sharp. If you've reached the point where you can't stand to look at your assignment any more, take a break and then try switching to another task for a while. This way you can give your brain a break (and get some variety) while still being productive.[10]
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    • For example, if you've been working on an essay for an hour or two, take a break and then switch to doing some math problems.
    • Don't try to do more than one task at once, though. Trying to multitask will disrupt your focus and cause you to make more mistakes.

[Edit]Organizing Your Time Effectively

  1. Create a daily work and study schedule. When you're in school, it can be hard to stay on top of all your obligations. Setting a consistent schedule for yourself can help you stay on track and make all that work feel more manageable.[11] Set aside specific times each day to do your studying and homework, and stick to the schedule as closely as possible.
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    • Setting a schedule also makes it easier to avoid procrastinating.
    • Make sure to schedule in time for breaks and relaxation, too!
  2. Prioritize your assignments and do the most urgent or difficult ones first. It may be tempting to put off big, difficult assignments for last and do the easy ones first. However, letting the more important tasks wait will ultimately lead to panic, frustration, and missed deadlines. Look at all your assignments and decide which ones are most important or urgent and which ones you can put on the back burner for now.[12]
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    • Make an ordered list of all your tasks. Try to prioritize ones that are due soon, count towards a major part of your grade, or seem like they will be the most complicated to complete.
    • Put assignments that aren't due for a while or that you know you can finish quickly and easily at the bottom.
  3. Break your assignments down into manageable pieces. Large or complicated assignments can feel overwhelming if you try to approach them all at once. Instead, break them down into smaller chunks and approach them one piece at a time. This will help big tasks feel much more manageable—plus, you can reward yourself for each chunk of the assignment that you complete![13]
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    • For example, if you're writing a big paper, you might break it up into pieces like doing the research, composing a bibliography, writing an outline, drafting the introduction, and so on.
  4. Try a productivity app to help you stay organized. If you a hard time staying on task and organizing your time, productivity apps can be a big help. Try downloading an app like Todoist, Hours, or Any.do to help you keep track of deadlines, create to-do lists, and monitor how much time you're spending on each assignment.
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    • Productivity apps are helpful for some people, but they're not for everyone. Make sure you don't spend so much time worrying about the app that it starts to cut into your homework time![14]

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