| How to Write Faster Posted: 21 May 2019 01:00 AM PDT If you want to improve your writing speed, there are several steps that you can take to improve your efficiency and get assignments done faster. First, you'll want to do all of your research and organize your thoughts in an outline form. From there, you can set realistic goals for yourself and continue to practice until you improve. If you're struggling with the act of writing with a pen and paper, you should make sure that you're comfortable and have the right writing tools. With the right amount of practice and repetition, you can improve your writing speed. EditFinishing Writing Assignments Quicker - Set realistic goals and deadlines for yourself. If you are newer at writing or aren't used to writing on a deadline, there's a good possibility you'll be slower at writing than someone with more experience. Set goals that make sense for you and are within your ability. If you set a goal and you are stressed or feel like meeting the goal is impossible, set lighter goals for yourself.[1]
- Set incrementally higher goals for yourself rather than taking on too much too fast.
- If you haven't written a lot in the past, you won't be able to write quickly without practice.
- For instance, you can set a goal that you'll have a certain number of pages or words completed within a day. If you're still working on building speed, daily goals can feel more manageable than more short-term ones (such as hourly goals).
- Use a timer to help meet your goals. In order to improve your writing speed, you'll need a way to measure if you're improving. Set a timer to the goal that you set for yourself earlier and try to meet your goal within the allotted time. If you don't have a stopwatch or timer, there are apps that were created specifically for that purpose.[2]
- Don't let the timer stress you out. It's merely there to remind you of how much time you're spending on an assignment.
- Determine the time of day that you're most productive. Some people write faster and more efficiently in the morning, while others excel at night. Try writing in both settings and determine which time feels best for you. Then, try to get as much writing done as you can during the times of day when you're most productive.[3]
- Even if you're a night owl, you may still be more productive in the morning. Write during different parts of the day to see what works best for you.
- Write an outline for your assignment. Read the prompt or assignment so you know what you have to write. Perform research and plot out the main points in your essay, paper, or story in an outline form. Determine what you want to include in your writing, and then write 2-3 sentences, or subpoints, within those main points. This will keep your writing precise and on topic, which will reduce the amount you need to delete or edit later.[4]
- For example, the main points of your article could be something like, "Describing circuits" and "Powering Electronics." "Describing circuits" could include points like "Explaining a simple circuit" and "Completing a circuit."
- Researching things in the middle of writing wastes valuable time.
- Include your sources in your outline to save time, especially if you have to make citations later. If you're using electronic sources, bookmark them on your computer. Include notes in your outline about how you're going to use your sources and what information you hope to take from them.
- Write your first draft quickly and revisit it for edits. Write concisely and accurately, but don't obsess about spelling or grammar on the first draft. Instead, write your first draft and then come back and edit and review the writing later. This will allow you to get the bulk of the work out of the way and enable you to concentrate on grammar and spelling the second time around.[5]
- Wasting time on smaller details can drain time and make the entire writing process much longer.
- If you find yourself stuck in a section, move past it and revisit it later with a fresh mind.
- Minimize the distractions around you. Distractions like surfing the web, TV, or open chat programs can hinder your efficiency and slow down your writing speed. Find a solitary space where you can write and won't be distracted by the things going on around you.[6]
- Clearing the clutter off your writing desk may also minimize distractions and improve your efficiency.
- If you can, put away your phone, tablet, or other devices you might be tempted to use to check social media or browse the web. You can also use productivity apps or extensions (like StayFocused) that temporarily cut off your access to time-wasting websites.
EditImproving Your Handwriting Speed - Maintain good posture. Straighten your back and make sure that your feet are resting flat on the floor. Your lower back and hips should be fully supported by the chair that you're sitting in. Both your knees and your elbows should be bent and you should feel comfortable while you sit. Maintain this posture to reduce fatigue and improve stamina as you write.[7]
- Whenever you feel yourself slouching, adjust your posture so you're sitting correctly.
- If your chair is too low or your desk is too high, you may need to purchase new furniture.
- Maintaining good posture is also beneficial for your back and hips.
- Hold the pen or pencil in a way that's comfortable for you. The way that you grip your pencil doesn't have as much of an impact on your writing speed as your comfort does. When writing, make sure that your hand is in a comfortable position and doesn't cramp or get fatigued as you write. If it does, consider switching the way that you're holding the pencil or pen to improve your writing speed.[8]
- The traditional way to hold a pen or pencil is to support the pen in between your index finger and thumb while the pen rests on your middle finger.
- Angling the paper in a different way may also feel more comfortable for you.
- Use a pen or pencil that doesn't require you to press down hard. If you have to press down hard as you write, your hand will get fatigued faster. Find a pen that isn't so thin that it's hard to grip, but that isn't so thick that writing is uncomfortable.[9]
- A gel pen may be easier to write with than a ballpoint pen.
- A mechanical pencil requires less force to write with than a traditional pencil.
- You can purchase a pencil or pen grip to make your writing tool thicker.
- Use shorthand if you aren't writing for an assignment. Methods like Pitman Shorthand and Gregg Shorthand use symbols to represent words, letters, and punctuation. Most of these symbols are quicker and easier to write than letters and words in English and could vastly improve your writing speed. Research and learn how to use either of these shorthand methods online or at a library.[10]
- Keep in mind that these shorthand methods aren't known by everyone and can't be used for assignments or on tests.
- It may take several weeks or even months to master these shorthand methods.
- Keep practicing. Practice every day to improve the speed and the appearance of your handwriting. The more that you do it, the quicker and neater your handwriting will become. You can try writing at home, or transcribing notes quickly in the middle of class. Use the things that work and avoid things that slow you down.[11]
- If you still aren't improving after trying everything, talk to a teacher and see if they have any techniques that may help you.
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| How to Work Out at Home Using Hand Weights Posted: 20 May 2019 05:00 PM PDT Sometimes it's just way more convenient to work out at home instead of in a packed, sweaty gym. If you share this sentiment, purchase some hand weights (which are also called dumbbells) and give these exercises for your whole body a try. EditSelecting Your Hand Weights - Know what hand weights are good for. Keep in mind that hand weights are also called dumbbells or free weights. Exercises that use hand weights are good for building up strength, increasing your endurance, and building muscle mass.
- Purchase a set of hand weights if possible. It is good to buy varying dumbbell weights because you can then progressively challenge yourself as you progress with your weight training. The standard combination of weight to buy is two 5 pound weights, two 10 pound weights, and two 15 pound weights. To test whether or not a set is good for you, pick up the smallest weight in the group. Lift and lower this hand weight 10 times. If you are exhausted and don't think you could do more than 10, that weight set is too heavy.[1]
- Similarly, If you have spent a lot of time working out and think that these weights won't challenge you, purchase heavier weights. Employees at your local sport goods store should be able to help you determine which set of weights will work best for you.
- Decide what kind of style you want. Some hand weights have contours that guide you as to where to put your fingers. Others are smooth. They come in a variety of colors and materials, including metal, neoprene or plastic. Determine which kind you want based on your personal preference.
- Keep in mind that a hand weight that has a grip that is too wide will cause more fatigue than normal.
- Determine the number of reps you are comfortable with. Reps are the number of times you do a certain exercise. Listed below are different exercises you can do with hand weights. The number of reps, however, is up to you and your comfort level. Generally, a person just beginning to use dumbbells will begin with 10-12 reps on each exercise and then work his/her way up from there.
EditWorking Out Your Chest - Bench press with hand weights. You will need a stepping stool, camping cooler or workout bench for this exercise. You could also lie on the floor, an exercise ball or stack some books for extra spinal support. Lie back on the camping cooler or bench so that your knees touch the edge of the platform and your feet are firmly planted on the ground.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand. The dumbbells should be lying along your body at chest level. Your palms should be facing towards your feet.
- Raise the dumbbells straight up towards the ceiling. Your elbows should be close to locking but they should not quite lock. Hold the dumbbells in the air for a moment, keeping your arms steady.
- Lower the dumbbells back to your chest and repeat these steps.
- Do the Lying Fly exercise. You will again need a bench or camping cooler for this exercise. You can also lie on the floor or on an exercise ball or stacking books. You must lie with your knees touching the edge of the camping cooler or bench and your feet firmly planted on the ground.[2]
- Grab a dumbbell with each hand. Spread your arms so that they run perpendicular to your body, holding the dumbbells at body height.
- Raise the dumbbells until they are side by side above you. Hold them there for a moment and then lower them back to body height.
- Try to keep your elbows bent at the same angle throughout this exercise.
- Do the straight-arm pullover. Lie on the top end of your bench. Your feet should be firmly and flatly placed on the ground.
- Hold a one hand weight with both of hands so that your arms extended above your head. You should try to keep your arms as extended as possible.
- Raise the hand weight straight up into the air. The top of one end of the hand weight should be facing the ceiling. Hold the weight in place for a moment.
- Slowly release your arms back down to their position above your head. Repeat.
EditWorking Out Your Back - Do the wide row exercise. Working out your back will not only make you look good, but it will also keep your back healthy and strong. For this exercise, keep in mind that you should breathe out when lifting the dumbbells up, and breathe in when releasing them back into resting position.
- Get into a semi-squat position with your torso flexed forward while bending at the hips. Keep the back straight throughout. Hold one dumbbell in each hand so that your palms are facing your body. The dumbbells should start just below your knees.
- Lift the dumbbells straight up so that your arms form right angles. You should not alter how your knees and hips are bent.
- Hold the dumbbells up for a moment and then let them slowly drop back down into resting position.
- Do the deadlift exercise. The deadlift will work out your back (extensors), glutes, and hamstrings.
- Stand straight with the knees slightly bent.
- Lower the dumbbells until they hang over the top of your feet by bending at the waist. Keep your back straight, and do not move your legs. You should feel a stretch in your hamstrings.
- Raise yourself back up slowly to starting position. Repeat.[3]
EditWorking Out Your Shoulders - Do a palms-in shoulder press. Have toned shoulders can be very attractive and really well-toned shoulders can even be seen through clothing. Impress your crush with some rocking shoulders.[4]
- Stand up, holding dumbbells in both hands. Hold the dumbbells at shoulder level. Your palms should be facing each other.
- Extend your elbows until they come close to locking. The dumbbells should get raised straight into the air--hold them in this position for a moment.
- Slowly lower your arms so that the dumbbells are back at shoulder level.
- Do a seated shoulder press. Sit on the edge of a chair, bed, workout bench, couch or box.
- Lift the dumbbells so that they are at shoulder height with your palms facing forward.
- Push the dumbbells straight in the air. Your elbows should come close to locking but do not lock.
- Hold the dumbbells in the air for a moment and then slowly lower them back to your shoulders.
- Do a lateral raise. Lateral raises are a great standing exercise to buff up and tone your shoulders. You can also do them while sitting but instead of holding the dumbbells in front of you, hold them down by your sides.[5]
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand and hold your hands in front of your hips. Your palms should be facing each other.
- Lift your arms out to your sides until they are almost parallel with the ground. Hold them in this position for a moment and then release them back down to your hips.
EditWorking Out Your Biceps - Do an alternating bicep curl. A bicep curl is the standard bicep workout done with hand weights. Doing an alternating curl means you switch back and forth between your arms so that you get an even workout.[6]
- Stand with your feet apart and flat on the ground. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and let each hand hang down at your side with your palms facing forward. As you curl up, your palms should be facing your shoulder.
- Raise your right dumbbell so that it reaches shoulder height by curling your forearm up towards your chest. The underside of your forearm should face up towards the sky.
- While lowering the right dumbbell, begin to lift the left one up in the same manner. Avoid jerking your body backwards to help you lift the dumbbells. If you are doing this, your dumbbells are too heavy.
- Do a hammer curl. A hammer grab is another way to work out your biceps. This gets its name from the way you hold the dumbbell like the handle of a hammer.
- Grab a dumbbell in each of your hands so that your palms face in towards your body. Hold your arms down by your sides.
- Curl your arms and lift the dumbbells so that the tops of the dumbbells come toward your shoulders. The inner side of your forearm should be facing to the side.
- Do a seated isolated dumbbell curl. Seated arm exercises can be great to do while watching TV. This is called an isolated exercise because it only works one of your muscle groups.
- Sit on the edge of a chair or bench. Hold one dumbbell in your right and let your arm hang down so that your right elbow rests against the inside of your right thigh.
- Raise the dumbbell until it almost reaches shoulder height. It should not actually reach your shoulder or else the bicep will disengage. Hold it there for a pause of 5 to 10 seconds and then slowly lower it back to towards the ground.
- Repeat these steps with the other your other arm.
EditWorking Out Your Triceps - Do a two-arm tricep extension. This workout only uses one dumbbell. You can do this while standing or sitting.
- Grasp one dumbbell with both of your hands and hold it behind your head. Your arms should be bent into right angles with your forearms running along the sides of your head so that the dumbbell is behind your head.
- Extend your elbows and lift your forearms so that they are pointed vertically above your head with the dumbbell. Hold that position for a moment and then lower them back to the right angle position behind your head.
- Do a triceps kickback. Stand with your back straight, and hinge forward from the hip. Start with arms hanging down, with your elbows to your ribs. This is the start position. Lift from the forearm only, so that the arm straightens parallel with the torso. The palm should turn up as it approaches the hip. As the elbow bends, lower the forearm. Repeat for the desired number of sets and repetitions.
- Do a lying-down extension. Lie down on your back either on the ground or on your bed. If you have a workout bench at home, lie down on that.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand so that your palms are facing up. The outside of your forearms and elbows should be facing up towards the ceiling so that your arms create two upside-down 'V's. This is the resting position.
- Raise the dumbbells up to the ceiling by extending your elbows. Hold the dumbbells in the air for a short pause and then lower them back down to the resting position.
EditWorking Out Your Lower Body - Squat with dumbbells. You can easily use dumbbells to add resistance to squats. This exercise will help you build strength in your lower body.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand while in a standing position.
- Squat straight down by bending your knees. Do this so that the dumbbells are just above the floor. Hold that position for a moment.
- Slowly stand back up, keeping your arms steady, your back straight, and your abs clenched.[7]
- Do dumbbell lunges. This exercise will work out your quadriceps in the front of your thighs. These are like normal lunges, only you are holding dumbbells.
- Hold a dumbbell by your side in each hand.
- Take a wide step forward with your right leg and lower your body. Keep your left leg still and your back straight.
- Push your heel down as you raise yourself back to starting position.
- Do the desired amount of repetitions before switching to your left leg. Make sure you do the same number of repetitions for both your right and left leg.[8]
- Add weights to calf raises. As the name implies, calf raises will work out your calves. For this, you will need a wooden plank, platform, or a thick book about two or three inches off the ground.
- Grasp a dumbbell in each hand, and hold them by your side.
- Stand with the ball of your wooden on a wooden plank or platform. Your heels should begin by resting against the ground.
- Raise your heels while exhaling, and lower yourself on the inhale.[9]
- Combine upper and lower body exercises. If you want to increase the intensity of your exercise without increasing the length of your work-out, you can combine upper and lower body workouts. You might try:
- An overhead press as you squat
- Walking lunges with bicep curls
- Sumo squats with upright rows
EditSample Exercises - Increase the amount of weight lifted each circuit.
- Do one set immediately after the other, no resting in between sets.
- When working out your muscles, start with the large muscle groups. These are the chest, back, front of the thigh (quadriceps), back of the thigh (hamstrings), buttocks (gluteals), and shoulders (deltoids). Then afterward, or second in priority, focus on the smaller muscles, such as the biceps, triceps, calves, and abdominals.
- Start off with 1 complete circuit and work your way up to 3 circuits.
- When doing lateral raises, be careful not to do the 'pouring the pitcher' method some people teach. This can cause irreparable damage to the muscles in your shoulder. Instead, do the opposite motion. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, lean forward slightly to align the muscles in your shoulder, raise the dumbells and rotate your arm so that your thumb ends up facing upwards and your forearm facing forward. This keeps the muscle underneath the shoulder bone from rubbing against bone, while still exercising your shoulder muscles
- Be cautious about lifting weights that are too heavy. You could pull a muscle or throw out your back if you attempt to lift weights that are too heavy.
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| How to Heal Piercings Posted: 20 May 2019 09:00 AM PDT Now that you've gotten your piercing, you're probably ready for it to heal quickly. To speed things up, clean the piercing every day with mild soapy water. Don't irritate the skin around the piercing and avoid reopening the wound which could slow down healing time. Give the tissue around the piercing plenty of time to heal before you change the jewelry. If you suspect you have an infection, ask the piercer, doctor, or dermatologist if you need antibiotics or if cleaning the site will be enough. EditCleaning the Piercing - Wash your hands before touching the pierced area. Use mild soap and clean water to scrub your hands clean. Rinse well with clean water before you're ready to touch your skin.[1]
- Avoid letting anyone else touch your pierced area since they could introduce bacteria.
- Soak the area in saline for 5 to 10 minutes every day. To keep the area clean, dip a clean gauze pad or paper towels into saline solution. Place the pad over the piercing and hold it there for 5 to 10 minutes. You can do this 1 to 2 times a day.[2]
- Depending on the piercing, you may be able to dip the piercing directly into a cup of saline solution. For example, if you have a finger piercing, submerge your finger in the saline so the piercing is covered.
- Wash the piercing with soap and water if directed. If your piercer tells you to clean the area with soapy water once a day, wash the skin around the piercing with a fragrance-free mild soap and water. Rinse the area with water to completely remove soapy residue.[3]
- Avoid using soaps with scents, dyes, colors, or triclosan since these will irritate the skin.
- If the piercing is on your ear, remember to wash behind the piercing as well.
- Pat the area dry with a paper towel or napkin. Take a clean paper towel or napkin and blot the cleaned skin. Don't apply too much pressure or rub the skin because you don't want to open the wound. Once you're done, throw the paper towel or napkin away.[4]
- Don't use cloth towels because they can become caught or snagged on the jewelry.
- Limit how often you clean the piercing to once or twice a day. It might seem like a good idea to frequently clean the area throughout the day, but washing the skin too much can actually wear the tissue down. This will slow down the healing time.[5]
- Wash your piercing after you shower since water will already be getting around the site of the piercing.
EditCaring for Your Piercing - Leave any crusty scabs in place. Simply soaking the piercing with saline and washing it with gentle soap and water is enough to keep the skin clean. Don't pull or pick at any crusty scabs that form since this can open up the piercing and cause it to bleed. You'll find that the crusty material should fall off on its own as the piercing heals.[6]
- You don't need to turn or twist the jewelry as the piercing is healing. Rotating the jewelry may actually irritate the skin and slow the healing.
- Avoid using antibiotics or disinfectants on the piercing. These may irritate the piercing as it's trying to heal. Antibacterial ointments can trap moisture and cause bacteria to grow around the piercing. Disinfectants such as rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can make it harder for the tissue to heal.[7]
- Avoid using antibacterial soaps or disinfectants that container benzalkonium chloride (BZK).
- Keep the piercing site clean and dry throughout the day. Ensure that other people don't touch the area. You'll also need to keep sweat and dirt out of the piercing. For example, don't put makeup or spray fragrances near the piercing. Clean items that might come into contact with the area so you don't introduce bacteria.[8]
- Depending on where the piercing is located, clean your cell phone, headphones, glasses, or hats.
- Give the piercing time to heal before you take out the jewelry. Most piercings will take at least a few weeks or even months to heal. Be patient and give the piercing a chance to heal before you take out the jewelry. Here are a few healing times for common types of piercings:[9]
- Earlobes: 3 to 9 weeks
- Ear cartilage (such as tragus, conch, industrial, rook, or orbital piercings): 6 to 12 months
- Nostril: 2 to 4 months
- Oral: 3 to 4 weeks
- Lips: 2 to 3 months
- Naval: 9 to 12 months
- Genitals: 4 to 10 weeks
EditTreating Infected Piercings - Recognize signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or fever. While it's normal to feel some pain around the site of the piercing, it's important to pay attention to signs of infection. In addition to pain that doesn't go away or gets worse when you touch the skin around the piercing, other signs of infection include:[10]
- Yellow discharge, green discharge, or blood
- High fever
- Redness, swelling, or a hot sensation
- Persistent itchiness
- Bad odor
- Schedule a medical exam as soon as you can. Since an infection can become more serious, make an appointment with your doctor or a dermatologist as soon as possible. If you can't afford an appointment, talk with the person who did the piercing.[11]
- The doctor or dermatologist will take your medical history, do a physical exam, and decide the best treatment for you.
- Don't be afraid to go to the emergency room if you think you have a severe cartilage infection. These are trickier to treat and can cause more complications than other piercings.
- Ask the doctor if you have a metal allergy. If you suspect that the infection was caused by an allergy to nickel, ask for an allergy skin test. The doctor or dermatologist will test a small patch of your skin to determine if you have a metal allergy. Nickel is the most common metal to cause a skin allergy that leads to infection. The doctor may recommend putting cortisone cream on the area and replacing the nickel jewelry with stainless steel or gold.[12]
- If your allergic reaction is severe, you may have to remove the jewelry and let the hole close. Once the skin heals, you can re-pierce the site, but use hypoallergenic jewelry.
- Follow the recommended treatment plan. Your doctor may advise you to keep the jewelry in while you're treating the infection, but if the infection is severe, you may need to remove it. To treat the infection, you'll probably need to apply an antibiotic cream for several days until the infection clears up.[13]
- For a severe infection, you might need to take a course of oral antibiotics.
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