| How to Make Roses Last Longer Posted: 11 Jun 2018 01:00 AM PDT An elegant spray of roses always makes a statement, but once they've passed their prime, they can begin to lose some of their magic. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to lengthen their lifespan, whether they're in your garden or a vase in your kitchen. By making sure your roses get plenty of fresh water, nourishing them with a balanced plant food or a little glucose, and keeping them at a consistent temperature, you can ensure that they'll look their best for days or weeks to come. EditCaring for Cut Roses - Start with a clean vase. Before putting your roses on display, run your vase through the dishwasher or wash it thoroughly by hand with warm water and antibacterial soap. Using a clean container is important, as dirty vases often harbor germs and mineral and chemical deposits from tap water.[1]
- If you use the same vase regularly, get in the habit of scrubbing it out between uses.
- Make sure the inside of the container is spotless. The residue left behind from previous flowers can also speed up the deterioration of your new roses.
- Fill your vase with distilled or purified water. Use bottled water to keep your cut roses moist, or invest in a water purification system to filter the water that comes out of your faucet. Roses do best in water with as close to a neutral pH as possible, which won't cause them to shrivel and discolor the way water that's too hard or soft will.[2]
- If you're using tap water in your vase, allow it to sit in the refrigerator overnight to give the chlorine time to dissipate before adding the roses.
- Water purification tablets can also help bring questionable water to a more amenable pH in a pinch. Drop in the specific number of tablets recommended in the product instructions for the amount of water you're using and wait at least 30 minutes before adding your roses.[3]
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the water in your vase. Ordinary granulated sugar is one of the simplest, most effective ways to keep cut flowers nourished. A good rule of thumb is to use roughly 2 tablespoons per quart of water. The roses will absorb the sugary solution through their stems and convert it to beneficial glucose, which will keep their cells and tissues lush and full.[4]
- Avoid using sugar substitutes, such as aspartame, saccharin, or stevia. Since these substances don't break down the same way chemically, they won't have the same effective on your roses.
- It's important to remember that flowers are living things that need to eat, too, even if they've already been cut, stuck in a vase, and used to decorate your home.
- Keep your roses away from direct sunlight and heat. Similar to produce, keeping cut flowers cool helps preserve them after they've been picked. Generally speaking, the cooler the environment, the better your cut roses will fare. Resist the temptation to situate them on a windowsill or in a picturesque sunbeam for long periods of time. Intense heat will quickly cause them to wither.[5]
- Consider refrigerating your roses overnight, or anytime you don't have them sitting out. Just make sure you keep them away from refrigerated produce, as the gases released by stored fruits and veggies can be bad for their longevity.[6]
- If you're displaying your roses in a room that tends to be hot and stuffy, position them where they can receive some airflow, such as next to a main entrance, open window, or air conditioning vent.
- Display your flowers away from fruits and vegetables. As produce ages, it gives off ethylene, a gaseous compound that causes it to ripen. If your roses are too close, it's possible for the ethylene in the surrounding air to have the same effect on them. For this reason, it's best to choose either a fruit bowl or vase of fresh-cut roses for your centerpiece, not both.[7]
- Whenever possible, store produce and other fresh food items in the refrigerator.
- On the flipside, keeping your roses near your fruits and veggies will encourage them to bloom faster if they were cut while slightly immature.
- Cut your roses early in the day. The countdown on the lifespan of your roses begins when you remove them from the growing plant. So as not to waste a minute, gather your display flowers in the morning while they're still fully hydrated. The warmer it gets outside, the more valuable moisture they'll lose.[8]
- If you absolutely insist on cutting your roses in the afternoon or evening, do it immediately after watering to give them the best chance of survival.
- Pass over any roses at the florist or supermarket that appear limp or droopy. There's a good chance these flowers weren't well-hydrated at the time they were cut.[9]
- Change the water in your vase every 1-3 days. A good rule of thumb is to replace the water as soon as it starts to look cloudy, regardless of how long its been. Refilling your display container regularly prevents bacteria from building up and ensures that your roses have a ready supply of fresh water to draw from. It also keeps the entire arrangement smelling pleasant.[10]
- Don't forget to add a little sugar to the new water.
- If necessary, top off the water level between replacements so that it reaches at least halfway up the stems.[11]
- Trim from the stems every time you refill your vase. Use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears or blade to cut the stems diagonally. An angled cut increases the amount of surface area in contact with the water. As a result, your thirsty roses will be better able to drink their fill.[12]
- It's important that each cut you make be clean and precise. Handling your roses with a dull blade can mash the stems, making it harder for moisture to pass through the damaged cells.[13]
- Frequent trimmings alone can often help cut roses hold on for an extra week or more.
EditTending the Roses in Your Garden - Plant your roses in a patch of well-drained soil. Loose, crumbly soils do a better job of allowing water to pass through, which means your roses won't be in danger of rotting or becoming oversaturated. This is essential for helping your roses thrive, as they require much more moisture than other types of flowers. After watering your roses, you should notice the soil beginning to dry out in a matter of hours.[14]
- Most varieties of roses prefer a soil with a pH between 5.5-7. You can test the pH of your soil using a home soil testing kit, which are typically available at gardening centers, greenhouses, and plant nurseries.[15]
- If you live somewhere with wet, soggy conditions year-round, consider mixing one-third sand or gravel into your growing soil to improve drainage.
- Enhance your growing soil with organic amendments. Spread of a natural material like garden compost, cow or mushroom manure, or peat moss over your soil during the spring and summer when the most growth occurs. These additives are full of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients that roses need to grow healthy and vibrant.[16]
- Following the first growing season, continue feeding your roses regularly every 1-2 months.
- Consult with a horticultural specialist at your local gardening center or greenhouse to find out what amendments will be most beneficial for the species of roses you're cultivating.
- Mulch around your roses to help them retain moisture. Apply a layer of mulch thick over the entire bed, leaving around the base of the plants exposed for ventilation. Any type of packaged commercial mulch will do just fine, or you can spend some time shopping around for mixtures that have been formulated specifically for use on roses.[17]
- For a thriftier approach, try recycling garden waste like leaves, wood chips, grass clippings, or even small stones into useful mulch.
- Be prepared to lay down new mulch once a year in the spring, or whenever the original layer becomes thinner than about .[18]
- Water your roses 1-2 times a day. The exact amount of water they'll need depends largely on their species and size (as well as unique soil conditions). Your best bet is to wet the soil thoroughly without oversaturating it, then perform a touch test between waterings. When it feels dry, it's time to give them another drink.[19]
- Keep in mind that roses in containers will dry out more rapidly than those in the ground, which means they'll need to be watered more frequently.
- Roses are thirsty plants, but care should be taken not to overwater them. Excessive moisture could lead to complications like wilting, blights, or root rot that can easily kill off an otherwise healthy plant.[20]
- Deadhead spent blooms to stimulate new growth. When you notice an older flower that's begun to droop or lose petals, use a pair of shears to snip the stem back to the first cluster of 5 leaves. Removing dead and dying flowers as soon as you come across them is one of the best ways to keep your roses alive and alluring.[21]
- Before you do any serious pruning, pull on a pair of elbow-length gloves to protect your hands and arms from wayward thorns.[22]
- Don't hesitate to also trim any leaves, stems, or offshoots that appear unhealthy while you're at it.
- It's good practice to inspect your rose plants about twice a week during the flowering season to check for failing blooms.
- Treat your roses at the first sign of disease. When roses get sick, they invest their energy into fighting off the cause of the disease rather than growing and reproducing. Monitor your roses to look for warning signs like dropped petals, wilting, and discoloration. After cutting back any diseased or decaying foliage, spray the plants with an appropriate chemical or herbal fungicide to prevent any further damage.[23]
- Lingering moisture is an invitation to harmful bacteria and fungi. You can do your part to prevent disease by planting your roses where they can receive plenty of direct sunlight and allowing them to dry out completely between waterings.
- Common diseases that affect roses include blight, rust, and black spot. These ailments are often accompanied by visible symptoms such as pustules or dark spots or growths on the underside of the leaves.[24]
- Prune your roses during their dormant period. The best time to spruce your roses is in later winter or early spring, just before they begin to explode with new blooms. Trim dead wood and older canes down to the greenish-white pith underneath, and don't hesitate to remove more growth than you might think necessary. It's typically safe to cut roses back by a third or even half of their original size.[25]
- Like deadheading, pruning serves to remove failing sections of the plant so that new growth can flourish.
- Strategic manicuring also gives you the opportunity to fine-tune the shape and appearance of your rose bushes.[26]
- With proper care and attention, it's possible for cut roses to last up to 2 weeks, and for rose bushes to go on returning and filling out season after season.
- Always move or cover your roses (using a frost cloth, padded blanket, or scrap of thick fabric) whenever necessary to insulate them from freezing temperatures, whether they're indoors or outdoors.
- If you're raising multiple rose bushes, leave a few feet of space between them to keep pests and diseases from migrating from one to the next.
- Whenever possible, avoid planting a new rose bush where an old one has been planted previously. Reusing beds can slow the growth of new plants and make it more likely for common diseases to be spread through the soil.
EditThings You'll Need Cut Roses - Clean vase
- Fresh water
- Pruning shears or sharp blade
- Sugar
Garden Roses - Well-drained growing soil
- Organic amendment materials
- Mulch
- Water
- Shears and other tools for pruning
- Chemical or herbal fungicides
EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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| How to Bleach Brown Hair Posted: 10 Jun 2018 05:00 PM PDT Bleaching brown hair is something that you can do easily at home with the right supplies and precautions. You'll want to prepare by buying the right supplies and conditioning your hair, then start your bleaching process by doing a strand test. Add toners and conditioners to your bleached hair to keep it looking its best. EditPreparing to Bleach Your Hair - Use deep conditioner on coarse or curly hair for 1 week before bleaching. Hair that's especially curly or coarse may be more prone to breakage during and after the bleaching process. Choose a deep conditioner that's free from sulfates and uses oils such as Argan oil or coconut oil. Use the conditioner every night for 1 week prior to bleaching.[1]
- Apply the conditioner generously to your hair while it's dry, gently comb it through with a wide tooth comb, and allow it to remain on your hair for 30 minutes before rinsing it with lukewarm water.
- Choose the right bleach powder for your hair. A bleach kit will typically have a packet of bleach powder and a bottle of liquid developer. The strength of the bleach is determined by the developer, but you'll have a choice between blue, purple, or white bleach powders as well. The main difference between them is that white powder can leave more of a gold tint in your hair, while blue and purple powders are more neutral.[2]
- Many white powders are considered "extra strength" and would be appropriate to use if your hair is very dark brown or has been colored frequently in the past.
- Buy the strength of developer appropriate for your hair. The developer in your bleach kit will come in strength 10, 20, 30, or 40 volume, with 10 being the weakest. Your hair will lighten faster at higher volumes, and more slowly at lower volumes. If your hair is light brown, use a 20 volume developer. If your hair is medium to dark brown, you may need to use a 30 volume developer.[3]
- If you don't have a lot of experience bleaching your hair, stick to 10 or 20 volume developers for home use. If you feel that you need a 30 or 40 volume developer to get the job done, it would be best to have your hair bleached by a professional colorist.
- Buy 2 bleach kits for very thick hair or hair that's past shoulder-length. If your hair is very thick or long, you will need more bleach to cover all of it. Buy 2 kits of the same powder and developer once you've chosen the type you want.[4]
- Some beauty supply stores offer bleach powder and developer sold separately. You can cut costs by purchasing a larger bottle of developer and 2 packets of powder instead of 2 separate kits.
- Leave your hair unwashed before bleaching it. Bleach actually works best on hair that's slightly dirty or greasy. Try not to wash your hair for at least 1-2 days before bleaching your hair. Don't apply new products like hairspray or gel to your hair right before bleaching it, but if you have leftover product in it from the last couple of days that's okay.[5]
EditBleaching Brown Hair - Do a strand test. Bleach will unavoidably cause some damage to your hair, and hair that's already been chemically changed with relaxers or permanents may become extremely damaged by bleach. A strand test will tell you both how long it takes bleach to process in your hair, and if your hair is healthy enough to bleach at all.[6] Isolate a small section of your hair about 1 cm (0.4 inches) wide where you can test the bleach.
- Mix a very small amount of powder and developer with a 1:2 ratio (1 part powder to 2 parts developer) in your plastic bowl. Apply the bleach to your section of hair with a dye applicator brush, and wait 5 minutes. Wipe the bleach off with an old towel to see how light the hair is.
- Reapply more bleach if the hair is not as light as you want it. Continue wiping it and checking every 5 minutes to determine how much time your hair needs to process bleach. Dispose of this test bleach when you're finished with the strand test.
- If the hair strands start to break or become gummy, this means they are being burnt by the bleach. You should not bleach the rest of your hair if this happens.
- Divide your hair into 4 sections and clip them. Brush out all of your hair, and part it from the middle of your forehead to the nape of your neck. Clip the right side with a large plastic clip, and make 2 more parts from your ear to the center part on the left side. Secure these 2 sections with large clips, remove the single large clip from the right side, and divide this section in half the same way.[7]
- Never use metal clips when you are bleaching your hair, since the metal can react with the bleach and cause serious damage to your hair.
- Mix your bleach and developer with a 1:2 ratio. Most bleach kits will already have the portions measured out for you, but if you bought your powder and developer separately, you'll want to mix it with 1 part powder to 2 parts developer. An easy way to do this is by using a clear plastic container, dumping the powder in, and then pouring the developer in until its level is twice as high as your powder level.[8]
- You can also check the amount of bleach powder on the packet, and measure twice the amount of developer with a liquid measuring cup.
- Most lighteners call for a 1:2 ratio, but check the instructions on your developer bottle just to be sure.
- Cover your shoulders and put on your gloves. Bleach can stain your clothes, especially anything darker in color. To avoid getting bleach on your clothes, cover your shoulders in an old towel, or a hairdresser's cape if you have one. Clip it at your neck to keep it attached.[9]
- You want to avoid getting bleach on your hands as well, as it can irritate the skin. Use plastic or rubber gloves to protect your hands.
- Brush the bleach on small sections in the back from your scalp. When your bleach is mixed, put on your gloves and remove 1 of your back clips, taking a small section from it. Using your tint brush, brush the section with bleach starting from your scalp all the way to the ends with a downward stroke.[10]
- Flip the strand over to get the underside of the section. Wind the piece loosely in a circle and secure it with a small sectioning clip.
- Cover and clip each section quickly. Continue brushing your bleach onto each strand in the first back quarter of your hair, clipping them with small clips as you go. Work quickly because the bleach will work quickly. Next do the same thing to the other back section of your hair, then move up to the front when the back is complete.[11]
- By the time you're finished with the last front quarter of hair, the back quarter that you started with should be significantly lighter.
- Brush bleach onto the root areas last if you like. When you're finished applying bleach to most of your hair, you have the option of applying it to the section of root that you left bare. Getting bleach on your scalp will cause it to tingle and itch at the least, or burn at the worst.[12]
- Some people experience a very unpleasant feeling when bleach touches their scalp. Try it first on a small clipped section in the back where you first started. If you don't like it, you always have the option of leaving your roots unbleached.
- Check your hair for any missed sections and apply bleach to them. Starting in the quarter you started with, unclip each section and check to see that it's lightening evenly. If you notice any brown spots, apply more bleach just to that spot and re-clip it.[13]
- Use a large mirror and hand-held mirror to get the best view of the back as you're checking for missed spots.
- Check the front of your hair every 5 minutes to see if it's light enough. Brown hair will first turn orange, then yellow, then pale blond when it's bleached. If your hair is very dark brown to begin with, it may take longer to turn pale blonde than medium to lighter browns.[14]
- After 20-40 minutes, you may notice that your hair is not lightening anymore. Bleach does stop working after a certain length of time, and your strand test should have determined how light your hair is able to get.
- If this happens, it's possible that your hair will not get any lighter this time. You'll need to rinse your bleach and decide how to proceed with adjusting the color if it is not what you wanted.
- Check the instructions in your bleach kit to see the maximum amount of time you can leave bleach in your hair. Most products will recommend no longer than 45 minutes.
- Rinse the bleach immediately at the first sign of hair breakage. If you unclip a section of hair to check it and notice that pieces of the ends come off in your hand, it's time to rinse your bleach immediately. Remove your clips and put your head under lukewarm running water to rinse the bleach out.[15]
- Hopefully if you did a strand test, this will not happen. If it does, you may need professional assistance to adjust the color if it's uneven, and to trim any broken ends of hair.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly, shampoo, and condition. When your hair is as light as you want it, or before if it stops lightening or starts breaking, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Shampoo your hair with a hydrating shampoo, and use a hydrating conditioner to coat your hair before rinsing it in lukewarm water.[16]
- Beauty supply stores often sell conditioners specially designed for after you bleach or color. Buy a packet of this strong conditioner and use it immediately after bleaching for the best results.
EditMaintaining Bleached Hair - Apply toner to remove brassiness from bleached hair anytime. Brassiness is the unwanted red, orange, or yellow color that often occurs from bleaching. The darker your hair was before bleaching, the more likely it is that you will have some brassiness in it afterward. Choose green, blue, or violet-based toner depending on which unwanted color you want to neutralize the most.[17]
- Most people apply toner immediately after bleaching their hair, as this is the best time for your hair to absorb the toner. You can do it anytime, however. Follow the instructions on your brand of toner exactly, to avoid having your hair become too neutralized, or tinged with grey or lavender.
- Green-based toner neutralizes red brassiness. Blue-based toner neutralizes orange, while violet-based toner neutralizes yellow. If you're unsure which toner to use, consult an employee at the beauty supply store where you're buying it.
- When you buy toner, use a 10 or 20 volume developer for it, according to the instructions on the package.
- Shampoo your hair with blonde-specific shampoo. Some shampoos that are specially made for blonde-treated hair actually contain toner in them to help you achieve a cool, neutral blonde look. You can find these shampoos at beauty supply stores as well as many pharmacies.[18]
- Look for shampoos containing blue or purple tints. These shampoos are designed to neutralize orange or brassy tones in blonde, silver, or white hair. Check the bottle to find out how often to use these shampoos and how long to leave them on before rinsing.
- Be sure to avoid shampoos containing sulfites, as these are chemicals that are known to further dry and damage hair.
- Use a strengthening conditioner daily. Because bleached hair is damaged to some degree, you want to take extra care to provide it with enough moisture. Use a conditioner especially for color-treated or blonde hair that's labeled "hydrating" or "moisturizing."[19]
- You may also want to do a weekly deep-conditioning to maintain your hair's health and keep it moisturized.
- Try a protein treatment or natural oils to repair brittle ends. Your ends may begin looking especially dry, split, or brittle after bleaching. You can use either a protein treatment or an oil like Argan or coconut oil to help repair them. Smooth the product onto your ends and wrap your hair up into a hot towel for 30 minutes.[20]
- Try doing this once or twice a week until you notice your ends looking healthier. You may also benefit from a trim to help especially damaged ends.
- Touch up your roots in 4-6 weeks if you're keeping the color. The best way to maintain your blonde hair is by re-bleaching most of your roots in 4-6 weeks. Avoid re-bleaching all of your hair, as each time you bleach there is further damage done to it. You can still leave bleach off the closest to your scalp to avoid getting bleach on your scalp.[21]
- To touch up your roots, prepare half the amount of bleach you would use to dye your whole head. Brush it onto your roots, being careful not to overlap with the already bleached parts of your hair.
EditThings You'll Need - Bleach kit containing powder and developer
- Plastic mixing container
- Tint brush
- Tail comb
- 4 large plastic hair clips
- 10-30 small plastic sectioning clips
- Plastic or latex gloves
- Old towel
- Toner to remove brassiness
- Hydrating shampoo and conditioner
- Protein treatment or natural oils
- Always do a strand test before each time you bleach your hair. Not doing one can result in burning your hair or your scalp, or in getting a hair color that you do not like.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Exercise an Open Mind Posted: 10 Jun 2018 09:00 AM PDT Cultivating an open mind means not just stimulating your brain, but opening yourself up to new experiences and perspectives. When you have an open mind, you are more receptive to different ideas, beliefs, and backgrounds. There are a number of ways you can exercise an open mind. Start by challenging your own beliefs to learn what you really hold to be true. Then, look to engage with other cultures and viewpoints. The more practice you have in keeping your mind open, the more you will be able to engage with and understand people from all walks of life. EditChallenging Your Belief System - Evaluate how your beliefs developed. Everyone holds some beliefs that they arrived at on their own, and some from external influences. Take a look at the beliefs you hold close and ask yourself, "How did I come to believe this?" If you find your answer is because someone told you to think that or because it's just what you've always believed, try to list at least 3 alternative beliefs or perspectives.[1]
- For example, if you were raised believing that hard work is all you need to succeed, ask yourself, "can I find examples of people who worked hard but still struggled in life? Are there other factors that may impact your ability to succeed outside of your work ethic?"
- Then, you may choose to do research into factor like how social privileges may provide certain individuals with more opportunities to succeed completely unrelated to work ethic. Look into these new perspectives and see what others have to say.
- You don't have to change your mind when you evaluate your beliefs. Looking at other perspectives simply gives you a chance to see if the belief you have suits you.
- There's no shame in admitting that you've held onto taught or inherited beliefs. Most people have some beliefs that they didn't form on their own. It's not a bad thing, it's just something that you should be aware of as you try to exercise an open mind.
- Look at the assumptions you make every day. Assumptions are a natural part of thinking, but they can be problematic when they go unchecked. When you find yourself in a new situation, ask yourself, "What do I actually know about this situation? What am I just assuming to be present or true?" Write your answers down and reflect on them regularly.[2]
- Assumptions represent a certain bias that can be indicative of one's own life experiences and privileges. It's important to remember that not everyone else will have those same experiences or privileges.
- Say, for example, you've never tried pasta with pesto sauce. Ask yourself why you assume you would dislike it. Is it because the sauce is green? Is it because you don't like the smell?
- Face your fears. Make a list of your fears. Start by thinking your way through logical flaws or mental exaggerations you use to justify your fear. You can even look for help from local support groups or a cognitive behavioral therapist if you're struggling on your own. Then, challenge your fear with a task or duty that will force you to confront it head-on.[3]
- For example, if you afraid to do anything more than email on your computer, consider signing up for a free online course. They can teach you everything from basic computer skills to software development.
- If you are scared to read in front of your class because you think you'll go too slow or get tripped up, practice reading out loud in the mirror. Then, challenge yourself to volunteer to read one paragraph in front of the class each week.
- In many cases, you will either find that the task didn't warrant the fear you had, or that the outcome was worth overcoming the fear.
- Adopt an affirmation to help strengthen a new value. If you have a belief that you think is weighing you down, adopt a mantra that challenges that belief. Your mantra should name the value you are focusing on, and describe what that value means to you. Repeat that mantra to yourself multiple times a day, every day. Use this to help you focus on your new values whenever old temptations slip back in.[4]
- For example, if you decide you want to be happier, make a mantra that says, "To me, happiness is working in a field I care about, playing with my dog every day, and making my partner laugh."
- Every time you feel sad or down, repeat that mantra to yourself. It won't instantly dissipate your sadness, but it will help you focus on what keeps you happy.
- Examine your thoughts. You are likely filtering your thoughts through your prior belief system, which can lead to common thinking errors. Noticing these errors can help you change them. When you notice a thinking error, replace it with a realistic statement. These are the most common thinking errors:[5]
- All-or-nothing thinking
- Catastrophizing
- Overgeneralizing
- Mind reading
- Labeling
- Emotional reading
- Fortune-telling
EditUnderstanding Other Points of View - Try a different religious tradition. For some people, religion is a large part of how their beliefs are formed. Get to understand these different beliefs by taking part in a service or celebration for a religion other than your own. Find a church, mosque, synagogue, temple, or another place of worship in your area and go for a service.[6]
- It may be polite to ask the place of worship if you can come in advance. You want to avoid crashing things like weddings or holy holidays without an invitation.
- Come to these services with an open mind. Don't expect to explain your belief system or try to prove their views wrong. Simply listen, observe, and try to extend gratitude to this new group for sharing their time and their values with you.
- Talk to people with different backgrounds and points of view. Diverse viewpoints not only help you see things new ways, they can help you learn new things and grow as a person. Make it a point to talk to people with different backgrounds or beliefs in your everyday life.[7]
- Don't be afraid to do things like go to a protest for a cause that you don't support or understand. Often, as long as you are seeking information and not looking to argue, people welcome the chance to explain their points of view.
- Some college campuses and community organizations will hold events meant to bring people with different backgrounds and beliefs together. Events like those put on by the Human Library, where people from different backgrounds volunteer as human books that you can "check out" for an open conversation, can help you connect with a wide variety of people.
- Travel to new places. Becoming an outsider exposes your mind to new things. You don't need to go far to get the benefits of travel. Just look for a place where the way of life is different than your own. Immersing yourself in a new place is a great way to see the world from a different perspective.[8]
- International travel is a great way to understand different beliefs. Plan a trip to a place where you don't speak the language and don't have many connections. Learning to navigate a new part of the world without your normal tools will help open your perspective.
- If you can't make it abroad, look nearby for something that will challenge you. If you live in a city, go camping in the woods for a few days. Do you live in California? Try taking a trip to the American South to meet some diverse people and get great food.
- Learn a new language. Language learning has a multitude of benefits from increased academic achievements to being able to speak to whole new groups of people. Language learning can also help foster cultural understanding and cross-cultural empathy. Look for a local community college course or use a free online tool like DuoLingo to start learning.[9]
- Learning a new language can help foster understanding across cultural barriers. The ways words and sentences are constructed can offer great insight into what a culture values, and what is less common for them.
- Write an essay from the opposing side's perspective. Think of an emotionally charged topic and try to write an essay or opinion piece from the viewpoint you normally oppose. Research their views thoroughly, find legitimate sources and write as persuasive a paper as possible. Try to address at least 5 truly valid reasons that might persuade someone to support that view.[10]
- Some good topics to start with might include abortion, healthcare reform, or your country's policies on gun ownership.
- Exercises like this can force you to think of opposing viewpoints in new ways. This not only helps you see different sides, it can help you open up channels of communication for people with different views.
- Volunteer for a local charity or non-profit. Volunteering lets you meet new people and get in touch with new ways of thinking while giving back to your community. Dedicate some of your time to volunteering with an organization in your area that lets you work with diverse groups of people, such as a food pantry, shelter, or youth center.[11]
- For a really unique experience, consider combining volunteering and travel. Going on a volunteer trip or even setting aside a single day to volunteer while you're in a new place can help open you up to completely different people and perspectives.
EditLearning New Things - Practice active reading. Reading is a great way to learn about diverse and emerging viewpoints. To really get the most out of reading, practice being an active reader. This means not only reading regularly, but relating your readings back to your everyday life.[12]
- If, for example, you want to become better with statistics, trying reading a book on everyday stats. Then challenge yourself to apply at least one of the new stats methods you learned to your job on a daily basis.
- Take a hands-on class. Experience is one of the best teachers. If you want to learn something new, look for a course with experience built in. Say, for example, that you want to learn woodturning. While online tutorials and books can be helpful, one of the best ways to learn is to sign up for a class where a teacher guides you through the process as you do it yourself.[13]
- Community centers, recreation centers, community colleges, and university extension centers often offer these types of classes for free or at a lower cost.
- Build on what you already know. Even an expert doesn't know everything in their field. Use what you already know as a jumping-off point to enhance your skills and learn more advanced techniques. Think about areas where you already have some knowledge or background. Then consider how you would like to enhance or expand that knowledge.[14]
- If you really like to cook, for example, you could decide that your next step is learning how to cook sous-vide. If you're great at baking but have yet to master the grill, maybe that's your next goal.
- Consider taking on a mentor, who can help you expand on what you know. They can also help you build on new experiences.
- Practice a skill from the arts or humanities. STEM education is critical, but so is learning from the arts and humanities. These fields are often based on subjectivity and open-mindedness and can challenge you to flex your creativity. Examples of these kinds of programs and classes include:[15]
- Reading your way through the great books
- Learning to draw, paint, or sculpt
- Learning to play a musical instrument
- Taking a dance class or joining a dance group
- Joining your local community theater group
EditTraining Your Brain - Browse unfamiliar topics online. The internet is a great source of new information. Try browsing new topics online to help you discover new topics of interest. Start with basic inquiries on sites like Wikipedia, or watch tutorials on YouTube to build interest in a new skill.[16]
- As you learn more, you will be able to look up more specialized information. You may even join in on message boards and online forums to get tips and advice or learn new info from other people who are interested in the same subject.
- Make the most of your downtime by looking into new information when you have a few free minutes. Start a new article when you're in line at the bank, for example, or listen to a podcast during your commute.
- Be careful, though, that you are using reputable sources. There's a lot of false and biased information available online. Look for scholarly articles, reports published by independent third-party organizations, and information from trusted sites.
- Block out one of your senses. Pick one of your senses, and attempt to not use it for a set period of time. Do everyday things, like cleaning up your room or using your cell phone, with a blindfold. Forcing yourself to find new ways to do daily tasks helps you see alternatives to the way you do things, and also helps slow mental decline.[17]
- You could also try using a different part of your body to do things, like write with your teeth or type with your toes.
- Play strategy games. Games like bridge, checkers, chess, and shogi are all great ways to exercise your mental flexibility. Doing jigsaw and/or brain teaser puzzles will also help you subconsciously think of things in new ways, and you may surprise yourself at how talented you are at certain types of puzzles.[18]
- If you don't like puzzles, try crafting or building gadgets. These often require strategic thinking, and some people find it more rewarding to have a tangible product in the end.
- Get at least 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise weekly. Exercise doesn't just help your body, it can help your brain, too. Getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days a week can keep you sharper in your everyday life. It can also help fight off the signs of reduced mental function that come with aging.[19]
- Make exercise fun by taking a new class or trying a new skill. Activities like dance, basketball, soccer, martial arts, rowing, or anything else that interests you are a good way to exercise while learning something new.
- Exercising an "open" mind and "stimulating" your mind are different. To have an open mind, you must accept at a very basic level that your preconceptions are not the only way to see or do things.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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