| How to Improve Your Ability to Learn Quickly Posted: 20 Jul 2021 05:00 PM PDT If you've got a lot of information coming at you fast, or you need to pick up a new skill in a short amount of time, no worries. The good news is there are definitely some concrete strategies and tools you can use to boost your learning ability. To help you do it, we've put together a handy list of things you do to improve your ability to learn quickly and effectively. [Edit]Take notes by hand. - Research shows it can help you learn more effectively. Make sure you bring a pen (or pencil) and plenty of paper whenever you're heading to class or studying. Jot down important information and try reframing the information in your own words, which can help improve your recall. Write in phrases instead of complete sentences so you can still pay attention and won't waste time on every little word.[1]
- Sure, you can probably type faster than you can write, but taking the time to write out everything by hand can actually retain the information more effectively.
[Edit]Create a learning schedule you can stick to. - Stick to a stable routine to help your mind retain more information. Make a rigorous study or practice schedule instead of trying to learn something in your spare time. Follow the schedule you make and focus only on studying or learning during that time period.[2]
- A consistent study routine can help you learn more quickly and effectively.
[Edit]Learn in short chunks of time. - You'll retain more information if you study in 30-60 minutes sessions. Distributed practice, also known as "time-chunking" or simply "chunking," essentially just means you spread out your practice or study sessions over multiple, short periods of time. Stick to shorter sessions focused on specific material.[3]
- Cramming or super long study sessions (something like 2-4 hours) may help you remember information in the short-term, but you won't actually retain as much of it.
- One way to use distributed practice is to review your notes immediately after a class while it's still fresh in your mind. You can then study for 30 minutes to an hour each day after to improve your recall.
[Edit]Keep a positive attitude when you're learning. - The right mindset can help you learn more effectively. Try to remind yourself that you're learning something to improve your knowledge and skills. Think about all of the benefits that come with it, whether they're professional, financial, or creative. Avoid worst-case-scenario thinking and focus on the potential positive outcomes. It can make a huge difference.[4]
- For instance, instead of thinking about all of the things you're missing out on while you study, try thinking about all of the things learning a new skill or getting a good grade in a class can allow you to do.
[Edit]Repeat what you want to remember out loud. - It can help information stick in your mind. As you review or study information, use your own speech to add an active element to a word or phrase. Say something you really want to remember out loud. It can help it become more distinct in your long-term memory.[5]
- For instance, if you're studying the rules of grammar and you want to remember what a gerund is, you can say something like, "Gerund. Gerund. Ends in 'I-N-G.'"
- Try repeating the word or phrase multiple times to really drive it home.
[Edit]Use mental images to help remember things. - Make visual associations with information you're studying. Try thinking of words, phrases, and information that you're learning as specific images in your mind. Turn large amounts of data into charts and graphs you can use to study. There are a ton of different ways you can visualize information, so try coming up with your own, too![6]
- For instance, if you're learning about the different parts of a cell, you could picture the nucleus as an office. The membrane could be like a castle wall and the mitochondria could be little factories in your mind. Find creative ways to help the information stick!
- Graphs and pie charts can be a super effective way to study large amounts of data.
[Edit]Try using mnemonic devices. - They can help you memorize a large amount of information. A mnemonic device uses a pattern of letters, sounds, or some other association to help you remember something, and if you know the "ABCs" song, then you know exactly how effective they can be! Create mnemonic devices with the information you're trying to learn and it can help improve your recall.[7]
- Mnemonics help you simply and summarize things, so it's really useful for a large amount of information.
- For instance, if you're trying to remember the first 5 US presidents, you could come up with a mnemonic like "White Apples Just Mean Mice" or something like that to represent the first letters of Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe.
[Edit]Test yourself as often as you can. - It's a great way to figure out what you need to learn. Go through the information you're trying to learn and ask yourself questions about the material. If you answer correctly, great! If not, find the right answer and try to remember it. If you have access to practice tests or quizzes, use them to challenge your recall. If you're giving a talk or presentation, rehearse it and test yourself by listing all of the information you'll cover as well as any stats or data you'll use in it.[8]
- The more you test yourself, the more confident you'll be that you know the information.
[Edit]Practice a task in different ways to learn more quickly. - Changing up the way you practice can help you improve. If you're trying to learn a task or skill, practice is super important and one of the most effective ways to get better. But don't just practice the same way over and over. Instead, try mixing it up and practicing a different way each time, which can help your mind consolidate your memories and recall, making you learn more quickly.[9]
- For instance, if you're giving a presentation on a specific topic, try rehearsing it normally, then try rehearsing it faster than you normally would. After that, you could try rehearsing it more slowly than usual. You can also try breaking it up into smaller chunks and going through each bit multiple times. Find different ways you can practice!
[Edit]Reflect on what you know to identify gaps in your knowledge. - It can help you figure out what you need to focus on learning. Metacognition is basically thinking about thinking and it can be a really useful learning tool. As you're studying or testing yourself, ask yourself questions about how well you know something.[10]
- For instance, if you're learning about the geography of Africa, you could ask yourself questions like, "Do I know where Libya is?" or "Could I show someone where Ethiopia is on the map?"
- Metacognition can also help you avoid wasting time on things you already know.
[Edit]Calm your mind with meditation. - It can help you stay focused and relaxed. Studying for a test, presentation, or anything else can be really stressful and it's easy for your mind to feel overwhelmed. Cultivate a calm and relaxed mind by practicing meditation or other techniques such as deep breathing exercises.[11]
- The calmer your mind, the more you can focus and the better you'll be able to retain information.
[Edit]Exercise regularly. - It'll improve both your health and your memory. Studies indicate that regular periods of high-insity exercise can significantly improve your memory. Try to get at least 30 minutes each day. Use exercise as a healthy way to take a break from your studies that will also actually help with your recall.[12]
- Try out a group fitness class, go for a run or bike ride, or lift some weights. Do whatever you feel comfortable doing—just get active!
- Fun fact: exercise actually increases a chemical called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps improve the health of your brain cells. Neat!
[Edit]Follow a healthy diet. - Give your body and mind the fuel it needs to succeed. The age old saying that "you are what you eat" may actually have a ring of truth to it. Research shows that eating brain-healthy foods like leafy vegetables, fatty fish, berries, and nuts can boost your brainpower, which may help improve your ability to learn new things. Focus on eating a well-balanced diet that includes lean protein ant lots of fresh fruits and veggies and your body and mind will thank you for it.[13]
- Take care of your body and it'll take care of your mind.
[Edit]Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. - A well-rested mind can learn more effectively. Sleep isn't a luxury if you're focused on learning something—it's an absolute necessity. Your brain consolidates the information you learn while you sleep, and studies indicate that people who get a full night's sleep have better long-term retention of information.[14]
- Take breaks whenever you need them, too! If you're trying hard to study or learn something, your brain may need a 5-10 minute rest every now and then.
- It can also be helpful to find a comfortable, quiet place to study free from distractions so you can stay focused.
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid taking drugs or stimulants to help yourself stay up studying. You could get addicted to them and they may cause other health problems.[15]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References __LIST__ |
| How to Ask Someone to Hold Your Hand Posted: 20 Jul 2021 09:00 AM PDT Whether you're out on a date or just hanging with a cool friend, the thought of holding hands might be enough to get butterflies going in your stomach. Actually asking someone to hold hands can be nerve-wracking, especially if you haven't done it before. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can ask directly or subtly to start holding hands with the person that you like. [Edit]Wait until you're in a private place. - Some people aren't comfortable holding hands until they're alone. If you've never held hands with this person before, don't try it in a public place. Instead, wait until you're by yourselves or in a more secluded area.[1]
- For instance, if you were in a coffee shop, wait until you're taking a stroll through the park to make the hand-holding move.
[Edit]Test the waters with a high-five. - Let them know that you're okay having your hand touched. If the person you're with celebrates an accomplishment or says something cool, offer them a high-five. Afterwards, let your hand linger for just a few seconds to give them a subtle message.[2]
- This is a good way to test the waters and get a read on their body language. If they also let their hand linger and didn't pull away immediately, it's a good sign!
[Edit]Place your hand next to theirs. - It might encourage them to reach out and grab your hand. Get your hand as close to theirs as you can without actually touching. If you're sitting at a table, place your hand on top of the table next to theirs. If you're sitting side by side, place your hand down by your lap so it almost touches theirs. If they're feeling bold, they might even reach out and grab your hand first.[3]
- This is a super subtle way to ask someone to hold hands. If your date isn't picking up on it, don't worry! They probably just missed your clue.
- If you're worried about having sweaty palms, just wipe your hand on your pants before you put your hand near theirs.[4]
[Edit]Bump your hand against theirs. - You can do this while you walk and talk. Swing your arms back and forth and "accidentally" brush your hand against theirs. Or, if you're sitting down, place your hand on the table but brush your hand against theirs first.[5]
- If they "accidentally" brush your hand with theirs, try not to flinch! They might be trying to send a signal right back at you.
[Edit]Ask them to hold hands if you want to be direct. - It's the best way to make sure your date wants to hold hands. If you can't quite read their body language or you're worried that you're overstepping your boundaries, just ask! If they say yes, you can confidently take their hand and hold it for as long as you'd like.[6]
- You might say, "Is it okay if I hold your hand?"
- Or, "Will you hold my hand?"
- Or, "Would you like to hold hands?"
- If they say no, that's fine, too. They might not be comfortable with physical touch, or they might want to get to know you a little more before holding hands.
[Edit]Tell them your hand feels cold. - Then, ask them to feel it for you. This is a cute and flirty way to get someone to hold your hand. If they feel your hand and say that it does feel cold, ask them to warm it up for you by hanging onto it.[7]
- This is a great hack to use during the chilly winter months.
- You could say something like, "Brr, my hands are super cold! Here, feel."
- Or, "My hands are super chilly. Could you warm them up for me?"
[Edit]Challenge them to a thumb wrestling match. - Get up close and personal with their hand as you wrestle. A thumb wrestling match is another great way to break the touch-barrier—plus, adding a little competition into your time together can enhance the flirty fun you're having.[8]
- After you're done thumb wrestling, just keep your hand nestled in theirs. If they don't pull away, you can keep holding hands.
[Edit]Ask if you can read their palm. - Palm reading is a flirty and fun way to touch hands. Grab their hand and check out the lines in their palm. If you know how to read palms, tell them what's going to happen in their future! If you don't know how to read palms, you can just make something up.[9]
- You could even turn this into an opportunity to ask about holding hands. As you trace a line down their palm, say something like, "In your future, I see you holding hands with your cute date."
[Edit]Compare the size of your hands. - Get your date to hold their hands against yours. Depending on the size difference, you could say "Wow, my hands are so much smaller/bigger than yours! Let me see." Then, grab their hand and put it over your own.[10]
- You can smoothly turn this into hand holding by saying something like, "They still fit together pretty good, though" as you slide your fingers into theirs.
[Edit]Pull them somewhere by their hand. - Tell them you've got to show them something right now! If they're hesitant or a little slow, grab their hand and lead them along behind you. When you get to your destination (a cool plant, a fun store window, a cute dog), just keep your hands together.[11]
- You could make a joke out of it by saying, "Well, I guess we have to keep holding hands now."
[Edit]References __LIST__ |
| How to Store Shoes Posted: 20 Jul 2021 01:00 AM PDT It's great to have the perfect pair of shoes for every occasion, but where and how should you store all of them? This article lists lots of great shoe storage advice, including tips for everyday storage and some "do's" and "don'ts" for long-term storage of your favorite footwear. So before tossing your sneakers by the door or your boots in the back of the closet, read on to keep your shoes looking good for years to come! [Edit]Shoe mat - Set up a conveniently located spot for everyday shoes. When you kick your shoes off as soon as you come in the door, make sure there's an organized, functional spot for them! Put an absorbent mat near the main entry door that's large enough to fit the pairs of everyday shoes for the household. Some shoe mats even have shoe outlines on them so you can line up each pair neatly.[1]
- Here's a cool idea if you often have wet or snowy shoes: make an absorbent shoe mat out of an old sheet pan filled with smooth pebbles. Rinse and dry the pebbles and pan every so often to keep them clean and fresh.
[Edit]Shoe rack or cubby - Keep your not-quite-everyday shoes in an organized space. Set up the shoe rack or shoe cubby in a hall closet near your main entry door, for instance, or just in a convenient spot along the wall. Use a plastic, wood, or metal shoe rack that allows for good air circulation to keep your shoes dry and fresh. For a multifunctional option, pick a shoe cubby that doubles as a hallway bench. Or, if you're crafty, try your hand at making your own shoe rack out of everyday items.[2]
- For example, if you have an old wooden ladder, cut it if needed and lean it against the wall. Line up your shoes on the rungs of the ladder for easy storage.
- Search online for lots of creative DIY shoe rack ideas. You'll find options ranging from PVC pipe sections to wooden pallets to pieces of wire fencing!
[Edit]Hanging closet caddy - Hang shoes you use a few times a month in a space-saving spot. Get an over-the-door shoe storage caddy to hang on the inside or your closet door, for example. Or, choose a caddy that hangs on the closet rod along with your clothes. Either option keeps your shoes off of the floor and organized so they don't clutter up your closet.[3]
- Choose a hanging shoe caddy that has breathable fabric pockets for individual shoes. Avoid plastic pockets that don't let your shoes "breathe."
[Edit]Cupboard, cabinet, or dresser - Repurpose furniture that offers some airflow for shoe storage. Any storage spot can be a shoe storage spot if it is roomy enough, has some air circulation, and offers protection from sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. For instance, you might dedicate a couple of drawers in your bedroom dresser to shoes, or do the same with shelves in your closet or bedroom. Opt for wood furniture and consider leaving the door or drawer ever-so-slightly open to improve airflow.[4]
- Don't store your shoes in any kind of furniture that's located in a basement, attic, garage, or another place that gets cold in the winter and hot in the summer. The shoe materials will break down more quickly under these conditions.
[Edit]Shoebox or cardboard box - The original shoebox is the best option for long-term storage. Okay, so there's a decent chance that you didn't actually save all the original boxes for your shoes. In that case, try asking around at any retailers that sell shoes for extra shoeboxes. Or, if needed, opt for any kind of cardboard box—like a package delivery box—that's the right size for your pair of shoes.[5]
- For extra protection, individually wrap the shoes in a layer of acid-free tissue paper before putting them in the box.
- While they seem like a good idea, avoid using clear plastic shoe storage boxes. They don't allow for enough air circulation. If you want to be able to "see" your shoes in the box, take a picture of the shoes and tape it to the outside of the shoebox.
[Edit]Shoe-stuffing paper - Use acid-free tissue paper—the kind you find stuffed in new shoes. Stuffing your shoes with balled-up paper helps them retain their shape during long-term storage. Tissue paper is ideal for this job, but make sure it's acid-free tissue paper since acidic paper can damage shoe materials. And don't jam your shoes full of paper—add just enough so that they keep their natural shape.[6]
- Don't use newspaper—it's not acid-free and the print might discolor your shoes.
[Edit]Cedar shoe balls or trees - Cedar shoe trees or balls offer the best footwear protection. Bunched-up acid-free tissue paper is fine for most of your pairs of shoes, but invest in cedar for your favorite and/or most expensive shoes. Shoe trees and shoe balls both help your footwear retain its shape, and cedar has a great fresh scent that repels moths and other bugs.[7]
- Shoe trees are available at shoe stores or online.
- Use cedar instead of mothballs to keep bugs away. Mothballs are made with toxic chemicals that aren't safe for kids or pets and that create an unpleasant scent that's very difficult to get rid of.
[Edit]Long boot supports - Keep long boots on stands or stuff them to hold their shape. Boot stands are an ideal option here—just flip the boots upside-down and set each boot on one of the pegs. Alternatively, keep your boots right-side-up and slide a cut-to-length piece of foam pool noodle into the upper section of each boot.[8] Empty wine bottles also work here.[9] Rolled up magazines do, too!
- If the tops of your long boots flop over, they could end up with a permanent crease after just a few months.
[Edit]Shoe cleaning - A quick pre-storage cleaning helps shoes last much longer. Your shoes pick up dirt, dust, and other residues that could cause the materials they're made from to degrade over time. This is especially true for leather and suede, but all shoes benefit from being cleaned up before you store them. If you use any water during the cleanup, let your shoes air dry fully before putting them in storage.[10]
- Clean leather and suede shoes by brushing off dirt and dust with a soft, non-scratchy brush. Use a special leather or suede cleaner to remove stains.
- Clean canvas shoes by brushing them off, then using soapy water to remove stains.
- Wash plastic shoes with soap and water.
[Edit]Shoe sorting - Arrange them by purpose and style, and weed out extras. While your everyday shoes don't necessarily need to be perfectly sorted and arranged, it's definitely worth your while to sort your shoes for longer-term storage. Sorting by season, purpose, and style makes it easier to find and access the shoes you want whenever you want them. And it keeps things looking nice and neat![11]
- For example, group together all your dress shoes, your winter boots and other winter shoes, your flip flops, sandals, and other summer shoes, and your exercise shoes and casual shoes.
- While sorting and arranging your shoes for storage, weed out shoes that you haven't worn in a while and probably won't wear again. Donate or sell them to declutter your collection and make storing your shoes that much easier.
[Edit]Shoe storage "don'ts" - Make sure your shoes are dry, can breathe, and aren't scrunched. Treat your shoes well and they'll return the favor! Keep the following "don'ts" in mind when it comes to shoe storage:[12]
- Don't store shoes that are wet. Wet shoes get stinky and may even start to rot. Set up a fan to blow air over the outside of your shoes if you want them to dry faster. To help dry out the inside, stuff in some acid-free tissue paper for about an hour to soak up the moisture.
- Don't seal up your shoes in plastic. This is especially important for leather and suede, but all shoes need to breathe! Wrapping, bagging, or boxing your shoes in plastic could cause them to end up moldy and discolored.
- Don't stack shoes on top of each other. It's okay to save a bit of room by stacking your flip flops, but avoid stacking any shoes that have more structure to them. Otherwise, within a few months or even weeks, your shoes will look more worn out and less stylish!
- Get into the habit of reviewing all your shoes once a year to check for any that require repair or that you'd like to donate to a local charity or vintage clothing shop.
- Label shoeboxes with a brief description of the shoe. It will help you find what you are looking for more easily.
[Edit]References __LIST__
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