Saturday, June 29, 2019
It has indeed been over a month since my last post. Needless to say that I encountered some unforeseen setbacks during this time. Even though it may take me slightly longer than anticipated to resume my usual activities and find new paths so as inspire and improve myself, it will all fall into place in due time. The topic for today is one that I have touched on in the past. With a twist and additional pieces of advice that is. How to memorize content for a test has never been as important as it is in today's world, where technology has made us lazier and less able to search for information properly.
On our daily lives, there are actions we do we do not seem to recall later on. Of course, it would be virtually impossible to remember every single thing we have done throughout our entire lives thus far. Thus, the reason why memories are divided into two kinds. Implicit and explicit memories: Implicit memories are those related with minor and mundane everyday activities. Such as washing your hands or taking out the trash. We mostly do these unconsciously. On the other hand, we have explicit memories. These are actions we consciously remember. Case in point, studying for a test, applying for a job, among others. We make an effort to remember the aforesaid. Since they have a significant impact in our lives.
When it comes to memorizing academic content, many people used to believe that reading silently was the most effective way. Be that as it may, recent studies have proved otherwise. Vocal production. In other words, saying things outloud in fact delivers better results. It seems as though the fact that you are more actively aware of what you are reading makes you better able to remember. This also works for when you are following a recipe, learning to drive or doing anything that deals with steps. Another study technique that has stood the test of time is note-taking without a doubt. Even though it may be hard to follow a professor going through slides, it is worth it in the end. The process of trying to grasp the main points of a lecture and erasing unnecessary words is what helps you recall information. This has been backed up by studies as well. Moreover, contextual cues can also be used to retrieve useful information. As an illustration, imagine you are studying for a presentation at home. You decide to take a short break and eat fruit while in the middle of your session. Well, that break you took not only helped you rest and find more motivation to keep going. Your brain actually paired the fruit you were eating with the part of the presentation where you left off. Hence, giving you the extra boost you needed to perform well in class. Finally, most people believe that alternating between subjects on different days while studying will provide you the best outcome. Even so, swiching between subjects during the same day is not a bad idea whatsoever. This technique is called the spacing effect. Taking short breaks and moving to different topics aids the brain to internalize the information in a more efficient manner.
In review, there are countless techiques you can use to maximize your learing. The ones listed above are but a few of the most well-known ones. Notwithstanding, I myself would add audio-recording the most crucial parts of the lecture. Since this also helps while running through your notes. Other than that, I would add yet one more of the techiques explained in the video. Memory games such as sudoku and puzzles serve as mental warm-ups. Consequently, sharpening your memory and enhancing your focus.
Sources:
- TopThink YouTube Channel.
- Self experience.
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Even though it has not been that long since my last post, I felt compelled to write about happiness. An interesting yet elusive term for some. However, more so about the social aspect of it than the feeling per-se. In the following, not only will I explain what happiness means in my own words, but provide some insight on how having people we can trust around us, can in fact make our journey to happiness more attainable.
Most dictionaries will tell you that happiness is: "The state of being happy", which does not help us whatsoever in finding its true meaning. To many, being happy has to do with being wealthy and successful. For some other people happiness is tied to staying out of trouble. We all have our own definition of happiness. Nonetheless, if there is something all of us can agree on regarding happiness, it is friendships. Being lonely will certainly not aid you in your quest for happiness. Thus, the need for us to have people in our lives besides our family we can rely upon. Case in point, when we encounter a problem in our lives, more often than not, we seek the advice of a friend over that of a family member. Of course it is a two-way street so to speak. If we expect assistance from our friends in tough situations, we also have to be there for them when they need us.
Moreover, in the video I will share as well as this post, the speaker mentions how help can be exponential. To illustrate my point, let me give you an example. When you assist someone in need and provide them with an opportunity to improve themselves, the result will be more than promising. If there is anything you can do to help a younger person. Especially in your line of work, do not hesitate in giving a hand. That disciple you take on may even continue your good work and duplicate your action by helping someone who is also in a bad situation in the future.
There is not a road map that will take you straight to happiness. Nor is there an instruction manual on how to attain bliss. Be that as it may, most of us have experienced being happy to a certain extent. Even if it has not been for very long. For instance, reading your favorite book or eating your favorite meal can bring you some happiness. Doing what we enjoy can lead us to happiness. Regardless of how hard life may seem at times. Having a few joyful moments is in fact better than feeling sorry for the things we yet do not have. What is more, we can focus on what we can do while working towards our long-term goals. Hence, once we reach them, we will too be able enjoy other satisfying experiences. Due to us naturally having the means to provide ourselves with those opportunities by that point.
Lastly, I would reiterate my previews statement on: "How by cherishing our good moments, we can even motivate ourselves to pursue our long-term goals". The aforesaid is essential to success. Despite some people saying that success does not equal happiness, I beg to differ. It may not bring joy by itself, but it will definitely lead you there.
Sources:
- Personal experience.
- TedX Talks YouTube Channel.
Sunday, April 28, 2019
It has indeed been about a month since the last time I posted. Not much has changed other than my tendency to catch either a cold or a flu at the worst possible time. Even though this does not always happen, when it does it tends frustrate me to a very high degree. In the following however, will I not be talking about a physical condition. The topic I have chosen for today has more to do with mental health. Which is just as important as physical health. Have you ever heard about adjustment disorder? Well, if you have not, I encourage you to read this post until the end.
They say stress can be positive as long as it does not start affecting our health. The webpage "Science Direct" defines a stressor as a "perturbation in the system or the environment that threatens to disrupt an organism's normal functioning". For instance, for some people such as myself, constant noise can be a stressor. Even though we have described what the factors that cause stress are, we have not defined the word "stress" itself. "In the medical or biological context, stress is a physical, mental or biological disturbance that triggers a bodily or mental tension. Stress can be external (from the environment) or internal (from an illness or medical procedure). The aforesaid can also initiate "the fight or flight" response. A complex reaction to a threat. The state of being in such adverse circumstance is called stress as well.
What is more, let us now focus more on what an adjustment disorder is. In simple terms, it is an abnormal reaction to stress. It is usually caused by a distressing event. Such as the loss of a loved one, being a victim of crime, being fired from your job, etc. The symptoms usually start whithin three months of the event and rarely last longer than six months. Adjustment disorder is often mistaken with clinical depression due to sharing some of its symptoms. Consequently, the reason why it is sometimes referred to as "situational depression". Albeit, it is a much less serious condition. Among the most common symptoms we have: Trouble with sleep, work, study, among others. In 2013, its name was changed by the Mental Health Diagnostic System to "stress response system".
In summary, I would say that is in fact crucial to address any mental condition we may have developed due to adverse situations. Some believe that only physical health is important. Notwithstand, the aforementioned could not be further from the truth. Our reaction to strees could vary. Even so, when it leads us to become unable to cope with simple daily tasks, we should start worrying. Seeking profession professional help is the wisest decision you can make if you feel your current situation is getting out of hand.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-adjustment-disorder#1
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/stressors
- Kati Morton YouTube Channel
Saturday, March 30, 2019
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