| How to Study Efficiently Posted: 27 May 2021 05:00 PM PDT If you have a big test coming up or just want to do well in class, studying is one of the best things you can do to boost your grade. Even though going over things you already learned might seem boring, you'll feel a lot more comfortable with the material the more you review it. We'll start by going over some tips on forming the best study habits and move on to techniques to learn and memorize information so you do your best in class! [Edit]Study in 1-hour blocks. - Keep your study sessions shorter so you don't get worn out. Set aside an hour for each of your subjects so you have time to review them thoroughly. During each block, only focus on 1 subject at a time so you don't get information mixed up between classes.[1]
- If you have larger assignments, like papers or projects, break them up into smaller steps that you can do within the hour.
[Edit]Plan regular breaks. - Step away for a few minutes every hour so you don't feel overworked. Since studying takes up a lot of energy and brainpower, schedule in 5–10 minutes every hour where you just relax. Check your phone, browse through social media, take a walk, or go get a snack to give yourself some space from your schoolwork. Avoid working through the breaks you've scheduled, or else you won't feel as alert as you normally would.[2]
- Taking breaks also keeps you motivated to learn as much as you can in the time you have.[3]
[Edit]Schedule time to study every day. - Try to set aside a regular time to go over notes for class. Find a time when you feel the most energetic and motivated to study so you're able to focus a little better. If you can, try to plan the same time every day so you can get into a regular routine. Block out at least 1–2 hours of your day in a planner or on a calendar so you don't forget to do it during the day.[4]
- For example, in your schedule you could write, "Read Chapter 2 for Chemistry and complete study guide," or "Review Geometry problems in Chapter 4 for text on Friday."
- Stay organized and on top of all your coursework by writing it in a planner or setting reminders on your phone.
- Make sure you leave room in your schedule to hang out with friends and relax so you don't feel overwhelmed by your schoolwork.
[Edit]Work somewhere quiet. - Find a place where you won't have trouble concentrating on the material. Avoid studying in a room with other loud people or distractions since it'll be tough to focus and remember the material. Instead, go into your room and shut the door, or find a quiet spot at the school library where you can sit.[5]
- If you live with other people, ask them to be quiet and courteous when you plan your study time.
- Everyone has a different ideal study environment. Find places that work best for you so you can focus.[6]
[Edit]Get rid of distractions. - Turn off devices so you can focus on your notes and work. It can be really tempting to check your Facebook or texts, but try to avoid it as best as you can while studying. Set your phone to "Do Not Disturb" for the whole time you're studying so you don't get notifications. If you normally watch shows or browse the internet while you do schoolwork, shut off your TV and computer and focus on the work in front of you.[7]
- If there's background noise where you're working, try putting in headphones and playing some calming instrumental music. Avoid music with lyrics since it's more distracting.
[Edit]Form a study group. - Working with your classmates can help keep you motivated. Ask the other students that you're in class with if they want to review with you. During your study sessions, make sure you stay focused on learning and going over the material. Try quizzing each other on core concepts, independently solving problems before comparing answers, or going over study guides.[8]
- Try teaching the other people in your study group the concepts you're learning. That way, they'll be able to learn it easier and you commit more to memory.[9]
- Give everyone in the group an opportunity to answer questions rather than saying them out loud right away.[10]
[Edit]Focus on hard topics first. - Work on difficult concepts when you have the most energy. It might sound like a good idea to save tough subjects for later, but you won't feel as motivated to learn about them. Instead, choose the class or subject you have the most trouble with and work on it right away when you sit down to study. Go through the concepts you have the most trouble with before going onto the easier material.[11]
- For example, if you're doing really well in math but are struggling in chemistry, start reviewing chemical formulas and your science textbook before working on your math problems.
[Edit]Skim the material before you dive in. - Determine important reading concepts from chapter headings and images. Before you start reading from a textbook, page through the chapter and write down the headings, look at the pictures, and read through any diagrams. Once you familiarize yourself with what the chapter is going over, ask yourself what you think the reading will cover and what you already know about it. That way, you get a better idea of the information that you need to remember as you read through it.[12]
- For example, if a History reading is about the Civil War, you may already know that it was fought in the United States between the North and the South. You may ask yourself, "Who are the notable figures in the Civil War?" or "How did the Civil War start?"
[Edit]Rewrite your notes in your own words. - Organizing your notes helps you retain information a lot easier. Even if you took notes in class, the information may jump all over the place and not be cohesive. Go through all of the notes you've taken and pick out the information you think is most important. Rewrite the notes on a separate page or in a different notebook so all of the similar information is organized and easy to read.[13]
- Reviewing information in your own words makes you think about it a little more so you're able to pull out the most important information.[14]
- You should also paraphrase notes you take from reading assignments as well since copying the text word for word won't help you remember it as well.[15]
[Edit]Go over concepts multiple times. - Repeat information across study sessions to ingrain it in your mind. Going over your notes once isn't enough to remember the information long-term. When you're studying, repeat the concept out loud or in writing at least 3 times during your study session so you're more likely to remember it. The next time you study, review all of the information you've covered before to help keep it in your memory.[16]
- For example, if you're trying to remember words in Spanish, say them out loud at the start of your study session. Halfway through, try to say the words again with their translations without looking. Then at the end of your session, go over the words one more time.
- Avoid only focusing on one concept or type of problem for your whole study session since it's not as effective. For example, if you need to study multiplication problems, intermix them with other addition, subtraction, and division problems to work your brain even more.[17]
[Edit]Practice with flashcards. - Quiz yourself during your free time to commit it to memory. Write down study questions or concepts on one side of some index cards and put the answer on the back. Whenever you have some time to kill, pull out the flashcards and look through the questions. Try to answer them from memory before checking the right answer on the back.[18]
- Set aside the cards that you get wrong or have trouble answering so you can go back to your notes and textbooks and review the information.
- Try putting more time in between when you study your flashcards. For example, if you consistently answer the questions right reviewing them every day, only go over them every other day.[19]
[Edit]Take practice quizzes. - Test how well you can recall information with example problems. A lot of textbooks have questions at the end of a chapter so you can test how well you know the information. You can also ask your teacher for a study guide or find quizzes online on the subject you're learning. Try to take the quiz without looking up any answers. When you're finished, check what you got wrong and make a point to go back and review the information more.[20]
[Edit]Remember things with mnemonic devices. - Use letters and nonsense sentences to remember long pieces of info. If you have trouble memorizing tough concepts or lists, try abbreviating or making a sentence using the first letter of every item in the list. Since you're focusing on visual and active images instead of a basic list, you'll have to use more brainpower and remember it a lot easier.[21]
- For example, you can remember the names of the Great Lakes with the acronym HOMES (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior).
- As another example, the sentence "Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge" can help you remember the 5 notes on a treble clef (E, G, B, D, and F).
[Edit]Reward yourself when you finish. - Treat yourself to something small when you reach your study goals. Give yourself something to look forward to when you finish your studies. You could have a sweet snack, go for a long walk, play video games, hang out with friends, or buy yourself a small gift. Whenever you finally nail a tough concept or ace a practice quiz, celebrate so you feel more accomplished.[22]
- Everyone feels motivated to study at a different time. Find a time that you feel good about studying and try to stick with it.[23]
- Effective studying starts with paying attention in class. Make sure you take notes and do all of the assignments your teacher gives you so don't fall behind.[24]
- Come into each study session with a positive attitude since it will help you feel better and retain information while you're going over tough concepts.[25]
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid cramming right before a test since you won't remember the information long-term.[26]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Choose Paint Color for a Bedroom Posted: 27 May 2021 09:00 AM PDT Choosing the perfect paint color for your bedroom may seem a little tricky. Luckily, you can make the decision easier by thinking about the environment you want to create in your room, then picking a color that creates that feeling. For instance, you might choose a blue shade if you want a cozy, calming room, or you might go with yellow for a more cheerful atmosphere. Start by looking for style inspiration, then choose a color family and hue. You can also try out different painting techniques to make your room pop! [Edit]Finding a Starting Point - Look online or in magazines for pictures to help you define your style. If an endless array of color choices is starting to overwhelm you, create an inspiration board. Either collect pictures from design magazines and attach them all to a whiteboard or corkboard or use an online site like Pinterest to save pictures you find while you're browsing. Once you collect about 10-15 pictures you love, pick out the colors you see most often to help make your decision easier.[1]
- Often, you'll find that you're drawn to similar images again and again. If your inspiration board is really eclectic, you might opt for a neutral paint color, then scour flea markets, thrift stores, and home decor shops for unique, funky art and decor you can hang on the walls.
- Base your color scheme on your furniture for a cohesive look. Unless you're furnishing your bedroom from scratch, it's a good idea to consider the furniture, bedding, and decor you already have when you're choosing a paint color. For instance, if you have a painting in your bedroom that you absolutely love, you might pick out a subtle tone from the picture as the inspiration for your walls. You can also use colors from other dominant pieces like your floor rug, a chair, or your bedspread, and choose paint colors that match these hues.[2]
- You'll often find that it's easier to match your paint color to the items you already have, rather than trying to buy new items that will complement your paint.
- If you introduce an entirely new color that doesn't match your furniture, you may make your bedroom look too busy or chaotic. Your wall color doesn't need to match your furniture perfectly, but it should all flow together.
- For instance, if you have white furniture, you might pick serene tones like light blue or lavender to complete the calm feel. For brown furniture, you might consider a beige wall color.
- Opt for neutrals if you want the focus to be on your furniture and decor. Neutrals are colors like white, grey, and tan, although they can also include very light shades of other colors, including green, yellow, pink, and blue. Neutrals tend to fade into the background, so they're great for creating a subtle ambiance. You can then use your furnishings, bedding, and decor to add pops of color to your room.[3]
- For instance, if you have furniture made of dark wood, you might paint your walls warm beige and find bedding in a warm floral pattern you really love. Then, you could add a bold rug, curtains, and artwork in colors that reflect the tones in your bedding for a cozy, cheerful feel.
- If you prefer a more modern bedroom, you could paint your room in a sophisticated grey tone, then decorate with industrial-inspired furniture and sparse—but striking—decor. However, you could also use colors like teal, lavender, and yellow to brighten up the room and make it feel cozier.
- You can use soft white bedding and nature-inspired shades to turn white walls into an inviting and romantic atmosphere, or you can use the white backdrop as a stark backdrop for bold art and patterned bedding.
- Avoid using colors that are too bold in your bedroom. Primary colors and other over-saturated hues can be overwhelming in a bedroom. It's best to use colors that are softened slightly, such as a red tinted with grey or blue that's been mixed with a little white. Then, you can introduce brighter splashes of that color in your other design details like your bedding or wall hangings.[4]
- For instance, instead of using crayon red in your room, you might opt for a slightly darker ruby shade for a more sophisticated feel.
[Edit]Choosing a Color Family - Paint your room blue to make it feel like a peaceful escape from the world. Blue is a soothing color, so it's perfect for helping you relax at the end of a long day. Choose light blues and aquas if you want to create a carefree, calming atmosphere, or go with medium to deep blues for a more tranquil feel.[5]
- For instance, you could paint your walls a soft blue-green color, then add warm wood furniture and graphic black-and-white prints for a room that's timeless and fresh.
- If your style is bold, sophisticated, and modern, paint 3 of your walls a sand color, then add a navy blue accent wall. Contrast that with copper wall hangings and an industrial light fixture.
- Choose green paint to create a nurturing atmosphere. Spending time in nature can be very relaxing, which is why painting your bedroom green will make it feel so peaceful. Light green is perfect for creating an earthy backdrop that will remind you of spring and renewal, medium-toned green can make your room feel like a cozy escape, and deep, saturated green tones will call to mind the moody drama of the forest.[6]
- For instance, you might paint your walls dark green, then brighten the room with light wood furniture, white bedding, and decorations made of wood and brass.
- Pale green is a perfect choice for a peaceful nature-themed nursery.
- Play with soft shades of yellow for a cozy, happy bedroom. Golden hues create warmth, while pale hues open a space and create the illusion of additional light. However, you may want to avoid bright green-based yellows, which may be too dramatic to use as bedroom wall paint.[7]
- Using yellow on your walls is a great way to put yourself in a good mood at the end of the day, and it will also make you feel energized when you wake up in the morning.
- Paint your walls a sunny shade of pale yellow, then decorate with whites, tans, and even fun pops of nature-inspired colors like teal or lilac.
- Add passion with rich shades of red or orange. While painting your walls in such bright colors is certainly a bold choice, hues like burgundy red and burnt orange can inspire warmth and passion in your bedroom. However, choose the shades carefully, as over-saturated red and orange tones might be too energizing, making it hard to sleep at night.[8]
- If you're worried that using bold shades will be too overwhelming in your room, consider painting a red accent wall behind your bed. Then, you can use a calming grey or tan on the other walls to soften the effect.
- Pair dark furnishings, bedding, and curtains with a rich burnt orange for a moody, sophisticated feel.
- These invigorating colors are a great choice if you have a hard time waking up in the morning, as they'll give you an instant pick-me-up.
- Use violet to create an air of serenity and romance. Painting your walls violet can make your bedroom feel vintage and romantic. Cooler shades of purple, like lilac and periwinkle, are perfect if you want a peaceful, harmonic vibe, and warmer shades of purple, such as magenta, lavender, and eggplant, are more cheerful and bold.[9]
- Deep purples look fantastic paired with other jewel tones, like sapphire blue, emerald green, and ruby red.
- Accent soft lilac walls with natural wood furniture and pops of a cool, bold color like maroon to make your room feel fresh and comforting.
[Edit]Trying Different Techniques - Paint an accent wall to add depth and variety to your walls. If there's a color you love but it's a little too intense to paint throughout your whole bedroom, try painting just one wall that shade instead. You might paint the wall behind your bed, or you may pick another wall, like the side of your room with a closet or a window. Then, pick a coordinating color for the rest of the walls. [10]
- For instance, a magenta accent wall would be perfectly complemented by sand-colored paint.
- If your style is really bold, you might even paint an all-black accent wall! Use metallic accents and bold colors to add contrast and movement.
- You can even paint your accent wall a different value of the color on your other walls. For instance, if your walls are a light grey, you might pick a slate grey accent wall for a monochrome look.
- Paint the ceiling to add extra color to the room. Many people only think about the wall color, but you can also paint the ceiling of your bedroom to create an entirely different mood. Choose a color that will pair with your wall colors, and avoid using dark colors on your ceiling, as this could make your bedroom feel claustrophobic.[11]
- If you have a low ceiling, open it up by painting it vibrant white or pale blue.
- If you have a high ceiling, you can create a warmer, more enclosed space by painting it a shade or two darker than the color you have on your walls.
- Paint samples before you commit to a color. The lighting in your bedroom can make a color look dramatically different than it does in the store. Once you've come up with 3 or 4 paint colors you're considering, buy a small sample container of each color, and paint each one in a square on your wall. Then, spend a few days observing how the colors look at different times of the day as the light changes and choose the color you like the most.[12]
- The lamps and light fixtures you use in the room will also affect how the walls look throughout the day.
- Add depth with a decorative finish. Once you have your base paint on the wall, consider painting over it with a textured finish or colored glaze. For example, mineral and metal finishes like mica, copper, pewter, bronze, antiqued gold, and antiqued silver can reflect light in a subtle yet effective manner.
- You can also use paint as part of a decorative accent. Add a strip around your wall, or paint just the ceiling to breathe some new life into old colors.
- Opt for a flat, flat enamel, or eggshell enamel paint if you're painting yourself and you don't have much experience. Flat paints will mask flaws, while finishes with a high sheen will make brush strokes and drips more obvious.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References
[Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Be a Responsible Teen Posted: 27 May 2021 01:00 AM PDT Being a teenager can be hard at times—between parental expectations, school work, and relationships with your friends, you might feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Instead of seeing these as stressors, consider all the opportunities you have! As a teen, you have lots of experiences and choices that let you prove how responsible you are. [Edit]Keep your room clean and organized. - Take care of your things and clean up after yourself. If your parents are still picking up after you or cleaning your room, they probably don't think you can handle other obligations like having a job or looking after a car. Prove that you can look after your things by organizing your room and keeping it tidy. Your parents will probably be impressed and grateful that you're caring for your belongings.[1]
- Don't forget that showing responsibility also means respecting other people's things. If you've got siblings, always ask before you want to borrow something and take really good care of it if you do.
[Edit]Help out around your home. - Contribute without being asked to demonstrate responsibility. If your parents have to nag you to do chores, they might think you're not ready for more independence. To earn their respect, find ways to help out without being asked. You might not think they'll notice, but over time, they'll realize that you're contributing. You can also ask them for things you can do that will show you're responsible.[2]
- For example, if you know the trash always has to go to the curb on Tuesdays, move it out there the night before without being told. Try to do things that will help your parents and family out.
[Edit]Work toward good grades. - Make an effort to study and turn in your homework. Yes, homework can be a hassle, but doing it will help you stay on track in class. Going to your classes and learning the material is one of the best ways to prove you're responsible—after all, good grades show that you're attending class, staying engaged, doing homework, and taking exams. This might seem like a lot of pressure, but remember that your teachers and counselors want you to succeed![3]
- If you're struggling with schoolwork, reach out to your teacher or counselor for help. You might need to work on your time management skills to fit in studying time with extracurricular activities and a part-time job, for instance.
[Edit]Get a part-time or summer job. - You'll earn skills, experience, and money while proving responsibility. Your first job is a huge milestone! It shows that you can manage your time, take on work responsibilities, and that you're challenging yourself. During the school year, try not to work more than 10-15 hours a week so you still have time for homework or extracurriculars. You may want to work more during the summer if you're saving up or just have more time.[4]
- Getting a job in high school also gives you valuable work experience. You can put this on a resume and learn about what kind of jobs you like.
[Edit]Avoid drugs and alcohol. - These are risky activities that show poor judgment and can lead to addiction. You'll prove that you're a really responsible teen if you turn down drugs and alcohol.[5] Unfortunately, you might find yourself in a situation where someone's really pushing it on you. If you can't avoid the person, here are a few ways you can turn them down:[6]
- Let them know you're the designated driver and that you need to be sober.
- Explain that you don't use drugs or alcohol because you're on a sports team or have to work later, for instance.
- Bring your own non-alcoholic drink and let them know you're fine.
- Tell them your parents will be checking on you when you get home.
- Be clear that you don't use drugs or alcohol.
[Edit]Protect yourself and your online identity. - Keep yourself safe and don't put yourself in risky situations. You might have rules that you're expected to follow—a curfew, rules about when you're allowed to drive, or places you can go with friends, for instance.[7] Your parents probably have these rules to keep you safe! Keep your personal safety in mind when you're going places or meeting up with friends and don't let your guard down when you're online—be cautious about sharing personal information and change your profile settings to private.[8]
- It's almost impossible to remove something from the internet, so think twice before you post something and never share things that could compromise or embarrass you.
[Edit]Think before you act. - Consider the consequences before you do or say something you might regret. It's really easy to respond quickly at the moment and say or do something you regret, especially if you're arguing with friends or your family. If you start getting angry, take a few seconds to think about why you're upset and ways you could react. Consider the consequences of each reaction before you decide.[9]
- For example, if your parent tells you that you can't go over to a friend's house, you might finish chores and then ask again instead of throwing a fit or getting into an argument with them.
- It's okay to be upset! However, if you don't think can react without getting angry and saying something you regret, give yourself some space to process things. Then, once you've cooled off, go back and talk with the person.
[Edit]Have an open line of communication with your parents. - When you're a teenager, it can feel hard to talk, but make it a priority. You don't have to be best friends, but it's important to let them know what's going on in your life and how you're doing. Your parents will appreciate you letting them be involved in your life.[10]
- If you get in the habit of just checking in with your parents about everyday things, it will be easier to have more serious conversations later on.
- Don't forget to ask about how things are going with your parents and take the time to listen. This shows them that you're considerate and growing up.
[Edit]Discuss responsibilities and privileges. - Have a talk if you think you deserve more independence. It can be hard for parents to step back and give their teenagers more freedom, but if you feel like you deserve more privileges, sit down with them to talk about it. Be respectful and tell them what responsible things you've done to earn more freedom.[11]
- For example, you might say, "I've raised my grades in two of my classes and I worked all summer. I think I'm responsible enough to have a later curfew. What do you think?"
- Don't demand more privileges or freedoms just because it's what your friends have. Remember, you've got to show your parents that you've earned their respect.
[Edit]Practice good hygiene. - Bathe and wash your hair regularly so you're clean and smell nice. When you go through puberty, you might notice your hair becomes oilier, your skin is prone to breakouts, and your sweat has a stronger odor. This just means that you should wash your face daily, shower or bathe frequently, and wash your hair often.[12]
- It's probably a good idea to start using deodorant which can keep you smelling fresh throughout the day, especially if you exercise.
- If you have acne, you may want to start a simple skincare regimen to manage oil and treat blemishes. Wash your skin twice a day with an oil-free cleanser and keep it moisturized. Pick up a few acne spot treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to treat annoying pimples.
- Wear clean clothes and to show you're really responsible, wash your dirty clothes.
[Edit]Take care of your own health. - Make your own doctor and dentist appointments to get regular care. Show your parents that you're growing up and taking steps to look after yourself. To show you're responsible, talk with your parents about scheduling your own doctor and dentist appointments.[13]
- If you need to get a ride from your parent, check the appointment with them before you book so you know they can drive you.
- Health care can be confusing! If you have questions about medical care or insurance, ask your parent to help clear things up. This shows them you're serious about managing your health.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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