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Happier in 5 Minutes | Ida Abdalkhani | TEDxOhioStateUniversity

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Talk To Me In Korean Grammar Textbooks Learn Korean with a systematic approach with our grammar textbooks. These books will not only teach you the basic building blocks of the language, but also help you become conversational as quickly as

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Talk To Me In Korean Grammar Textbooks Learn Korean with a systematic approach with our grammar textbooks. These books will not only teach you the basic building blocks of the language, but also help you become conversational as quickly as From learning how to read and write in Korean to preparing for the TOPIK (Korean proficiency test), we have various video courses that you can use to improve your Korean skills.

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Most people struggle with their mental health at some point in their life, some more than others.

But there are little things you do in your daily life that may not be helping.

On the other side of the coin, there are also small steps you can take and new habits you can make that have been proven to help keep you mentally healthy and happy.

And the good news is that these are changes that can be easily incorporated into your life.

They may make a huge difference too.

Here are 11 ways you can improve your mental health with your everyday habits.

1. Walk tall

A study has found that by actively trying to walk tall with your head held high and shoulders back, you're more likely to experience good moods. If you walk with your shoulders slouched, you're more likely to focus on negatives rather than positives, Time reports.

2. Stop taking pictures of everything

You may think photographing moments makes you more likely to remember them, but a study published in Psychological Science suggests otherwise. If you do still want to snap your lunch or view (for the 'gram, obvs), make sure you focus on your subjects.

3. Exercise

Exercising three times a week decreases your risk of being depressed by 19 per cent, according to a study by University College London. Researchers found that active people are less likely to be depressed and depressed people are less likely to be active.

4. Stop procrastinating

The longer you put off a task because you're afraid or anxious about doing it, the more nerve-wracking - and potentially debilitating - it can be. Ease your stress by listening to music or exercising, then tackle the task head-on.

5. Get out of a toxic relationship

Being in a relationship with someone who constantly puts you down can knock away at someone's self-esteem without their realising, ultimately making them anxious and potentially depressed. Listen to your friends' and family's concerns about your partner if they have any and read up on the signs of an abusive relationship.

6. Sleep more

Your body can't function properly if you don't get enough sleep. If you're struggling to sleep, try and workout why and seek help if you can't.

7. Make time for yourself

Between friends, family and work, keeping everyone happy can mean you neglect yourself and never have any me-time. Make time to be alone and do things for yourself, as this helps keep anxiety and depression at bay.

8. Take time out from your digital devices

Smartphones, tablets and laptops can overstimulate our brains, and if you never take any time out from them, you won't be doing your mental health any favours. Take a mini digital detox every week, even for just half a day or a couple of hours.

9. Stop multitasking

Eating your lunch while sending emails may not seem too dangerous, but multitasking has actually been shown to make us more stressed. Instead, focus on the one thing you're doing and what's going on around you.

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9 ways you can improve your mental health with your daily habits

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Most people struggle with their mental health at some point in their life, some more than others. But there are little things you do in your daily life that may not be helping. On the other side of the coin, there are also small steps you can take and new habits you can make that have been proven to help keep you mentally healthy and happy.

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HI!
Welcome to my blog. As I am assuming, you are probably moving to South Korea soon and will be an English Teacher. Unfortunately, I am not an English teacher, so I cannot give you advice on that, but I can give you tips and packing advice on what you need when moving to South Korea.

Visa, Paper Work, Documents

Okay, So I am assuming you should already have your visa ready to go. If not, then let me say just this... go to your countries Korean Embassy and get your visa! This is the most important thing when you are "planning" on moving to South Korea. Since I am not an embassy or government official, I can't tell you what kind of visa you will need, so please check out your cities, Korean embassy website (google it) and see what visa options you can choose from.

Okay, I am assuming you have your visa and are wondering what paper work to bring.

Make sure you have your visa paper work on hand when you are heading to the airport. Also have whatever certificates you need for your visa as well as your passport(obviously) and your contract for the school you will be working for. If you are not going as a teacher, make sure you have your documents you needed to apply for your visa. If you are moving to Korea without a visa (3 months stay), then you wont need any paper work.

Finally, make sure you have the address of where you will be living/staying in Korea as you will need this when getting through immigration once you arrive in Korea.

What to pack

Packing is not as hard a you think it is. Many foreigners previously said things will be hard to get in korea when you move to south korea, but this is no longer true. You will easily be able to get daily essentials such as tooth paste, shampoo, and other things like that. You can also easily find bedding and other random house hold items you may need.
Here is where to find things for "daily living"

Olive Young (Korea drug store for bath and beauty, North american brands YES)

Daiso (Japanese dollar store, can get everything you need here)

Homeplus, E-mart (You can grocery shop here & get bedding and even larger sized clothing. Basically Korean Walmarts)

Homeplus express (for small grocery shopping only, very limited)

E-mart Traders (Small e-mart version for everyday grocery shopping)

You will need to pack:
Small amount of daily essentials such as tooth paste, tooth brush, small shampoo, body wash and deodorant. You can buy ALL those things in Korea, however when you first move here, you wont be getting paid till after 1 month and your pay will be smaller then it normally would because you will need to make payments on things like bills and other fees from your school (only for english teachers). Trust me, you do not want to be having to buy all those little things when money is tight at first.

Which brings me to this, bring LOTS of money. Bring at least over $1,000 to cover your expresses for food, transit ( how to get a transit card) and some fun for your first month. Setting up your life in Korea can actually be expressive at first because of all the little things you need to purchase. You also will probably want to go out to eat food with your co-workers or friends.

Pack clothing for summer and winter.
Its hard to know if you will be in Korea for only 1 year or if you will extend your stay. So pack a good amount of clothing. If your a guy this will be easy. If your a girl, then don't pack too much, because clothing shopping here is amazing for girls and the fashion is so good! But please keep in mind, Korea does not have many "large" sizes. But if you are a size "small" or "medium" then you can shop freely with no stress in Korea. If you are a larger size, make sure to pack all the cloths you think you will need.

Shoes
Remember, Koreans have small feet, if your shoe size is above an American size 7, then you will start to find it hard to find shoes. They do sell size 8, but very limited. If you are a size 7, you will have no issues. For men, I cannot really say, but bring all the shoes you will need if you are a male.

Don't worry about socks, korea is sock heaven, there are millions of socks everywhere, so don't worry about packing lots of socks. Bring a weeks worth or a few extra. You can buys socks in most subway stations or on the streets.

Pack any medicine you are on.
Getting your medicine in Korea will be tough as they are Korean brands. Pack extra of what ever medicine you need. When you run out, you can bring your empty bottle to any doctor and they will prescribe you something similar in Korean brand. If you suffer from regular headaches, then make sure you pack some of your pain killers. But don't pack lots, you can get great headache pills for a good price in Korea. I personally use this one bellow. However if you are allergic to Ibuprofen then it is best to pack lots of Tylenol. You can buy Tylenol at most convenience stores such as CU's and MiniStops and 7-11's. Tylenol is usually behind the counter or near the cashier. Just ask "Tylenol-u" and they should know.

Birth control in Korea
For the ladies out there who are on birth control and need to continue it when you move to south korea (for safe sex or for medical reasons) then make sure you bring your bc. If you are okay with switching to a korean brand then bring you bc package and take it to a local pharmacy and ask for something similar. In korea, birth control can be purchased "over the counter" meaning you do not need a doctor prescription! Plus, it is really affordable (usually around $8 for 1 pack). So make sure you know what types of estrogen are in your current birth control and get something similar in Korea. If you are not okay with switching your pill, then ask your doctor in your country if you can get as many as possible for your move.

Bring your cell phone
Get your cell phone unlocked at your service provider (call them to ask about it). This way when you move to Korea, you can almost immediately get a sim card for your phone and start using it. I Highly recommend this. Since you wont know how long you will be in Korea for, signing a Korean contract for a phone is not a good idea. To get your sim card in Korea purchase one from EG Sim's website. They will deliver it to your address in Korea or you can pick it up at the airport. It super easy and really cheap. I usually only get 1 gb of data a month for 20$. This will give you a korean phone number, a few call minutes and 1GB data. In Korea EVERYONE uses and app call Kakao Talk to text and make phone calls. So you only need data in Korea on your phone. This is also great for if you get lost or need to translate something. So make sure this is a priority as soon as you get to Korea.

Those are the essentials you should pack for moving to south Korea. if you have any extra room or available weight room in your suit cases, then feel free to pack anything else you want. Of course this will include things like camera, laptops and other entertainment or comfort things. For food, you can pack anything you will miss eating that is well packaged and dry. But usually you can find a foreigner food store in Korea. Also Korea is importing lots of international foods these days. You can find international foods at large Homepluses and E-marts. But it is limited. But you can find spices and sauces and canned goods.

There is a small Foreign import store in Jeongja in Bundang. For those living near Jeongja in Bundang you can go to a place called I love Cookie, you can find it on this foreigner map of bundang here.

Hair Dye

If you dye your hair regularly then you might want to bring your favorite dye. Korea does not have a large variety for hair dyes. For blondes you will have a very hard time finding an effective blonde dye for your hair type. There are places you can get dye such as on Gmarket, however all the dyes are designed for asian hair. If you are using to self mixing, finding a level 10 peroxide is next to impossible, meaning all professional dyes come with level 20 peroxide. This is not ideal for use blondes when your looking to just place a color and not lift. If you have no idea what I am talking about then you have nothing to worry about. But if you know what I am saying, then be warned and pack your favorite professional and drug store dyes you use from home.

The only good dyes I found that were okay with my light colored hair were Wella colors from Gmarket. You can see some colors I have used here.
BONUS TIP
Make sure you figure out or ask for help figuring out your Korean Address for where you will be living in Korea. This will be handing for getting your sim card for your phone and also because you will probably want to order things off Gmarket or get things shipped to your from home. I recommend you use Gmarket for buying anything you need. You can find everything you want (basically) on Gmarket. Plus it overall will make your life easier if you are uncomfortable shopping out by yourself when you can't speak the language.

Once you get your sim card as I mentioned above, download important apps such as Naver Maps (google doesnt work here) and any translation apps and Korean learning apps. Also download the seoul subway app. These are all important to making your life in Korea much easier.

Anyways, Korea is very modern and is constantly bringing in more North American brands and is becoming more and more English friendly. So you really don't have much to worry about. Life here is fairly easy as long as you get what you need when you get here.

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View all posts by Bronwyn Papineau (BiiBiiBeauty)

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HOW TO MOVE TO SOUTH KOREA |Tips and things you need to know

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HI! Welcome to my blog. As I am assuming, you are probably moving to South Korea soon and will be an English Teacher. Unfortunately, I am not an English teacher, so I cannot give you advice on that, but I can give you tips and packing advice on what you need when moving to South Korea.

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Painless weight loss? If you're desperately trying to squeeze in workouts and avoid your favorite high-calorie treats, it can seem like there's nothing pain-free about it.

Yet while eating healthier and slipping in exercise does take some work, it really doesn't have to require heroic effort. Making just a few simple lifestyle changes can pack a big weight loss punch over time.

WebMD spoke to weight loss experts and everyday people who've figured out a few painless ways to lose weight -- and keep it off. Here are their top tips on how to lose weight without sweating it too much.

Forget diet denial: Try adding foods to your diet instead of subtracting them.

Add in healthy goodies you really love, like deep-red cherries, juicy grapes, or crunchy snow peas. Slip those favorite fruits into your bag lunch and breakfast cereal; add the veggies into soups, stews, and sauces.

"Adding in really works, taking away never does," says registered dietitian David Grotto, RD, LDN, author of 101 Optimal Life Foods, but do remember to keep an eye on overall calories. And don't forget to add in something physical, too, whether it's doing a few dance moves before dinner, shooting hoops, or taking a quick stroll.

If the word "exercise" inspires you to creative avoidance, then avoid it. Maybe the trick to enjoying a workout may be to never call it working out.

"There's some truth to that," Grotto tells WebMD, and once you start your not-calling-it-exercise plan, Grotto says you'll discover "the way good health feels knocks down the roadblocks that were preventing you from exercising in the first place."

So burn calories and invigorate muscles by beachcombing, riding bikes, grass skiing, making snow angels, hiking, washing the car, playing Frisbee, chasing the dog around the yard, or even enjoying great sex. After all, a rose by any other name ...

Walking when the weather's nice is a super-easy way to keep fit, says Diane Virginias, a certified nursing assistant from New York. "I enjoy the seasons," she says, adding that even when she's short on time she'll go out for a few minutes. "Even a five minute walk is a five minute walk."

Continued

No sidewalks in your neighborhood? Try these tips for slipping in more steps:

Trade your power mower for a push version.

Park your car at the back of the lot.

Get out of the office building and enjoy walking meetings.

Sweep the drive or rake the leaves instead of using a leaf-blower.

Get off the bus a few stops earlier.

Hike the mall, being sure to hit all the levels.

Take the stairs every chance you get.

Sign up for charity walks.

Crank the music and get your heart rate up the next time you mop or vacuum.

It all adds up. If you walk twice a day for 10 minutes and try a few of these tips, you may find yourself with a low-impact, 30-minute workout easily tucked under your belt.

One of the easiest ways to cut back without feeling denied is to switch to lower-calorie versions of the foods you crave. A pizza tastes just as good with reduced-fat cheese, and when you garnish low-fat ice cream with your favorite toppers, who notices those missing calories?

And while you're trimming fat calories, keep an eye on boosting fiber, suggests registered dietitian Elaine Magee, RD, MPH, author of Tell Me What to Eat If I Suffer From Heart Disease and Food Synergy.

Fiber helps you feel satisfied longer, so while you lighten family favorites, you can easily amp up the fiber by adding a cup of whole wheat flour to your pizza dough, or toss a handful of red bell peppers on the pie.

Don't forget to lighten the drinks going with that meal. Try switching from high-calorie favorites to diet soda or light beer, or maybe add a spritz of seltzer to your wine.

Hate low-cal drinks? Mix your preferred drinks with a splash of the low-cal option, then increase the ratio as your taste buds adjust. And don't forget to keep pouring that ultimate beverage, says Magee: water!

Down some water before a meal and you won't feel so famished, says David Anthony, an information technology consultant from Atlanta. "Drinking a glass of water before a meal helps me watch what I eat. ... I don't just hog everything, since I'm not so hungry."

Continued

Magee, who also writes the "Healthy Recipe Doctor" blog for WebMD, adds that for the compulsive snacker it's a great idea to keep no-calorie beverages at hand "as a way to keep your mouth busy and less likely to snack on junk food."

Going to a party? Grab a low-cal drink in one hand and keep it there. Not only does it make it harder to graze the buffet, but you'll also be less tempted to sip endless cocktails, too.

Finally, keeping your body refreshed with plenty of water may also help your workout, says Anthony. Staying hydrated means "I can exercise more, and longer, than if I don't drink water."

With the massive meals served at so many American restaurants, it's easy to go Dutch -- with the dinner plate.

"When we go out, I often share a meal with my wife," Anthony tells WebMD. "We've been known to split a dessert, even a pint of beer. That way, we don't feel stuffed, and we save some money."

You can share more than just a meal out. Why not double up on a bicycle built for two? Go halves on the cost of a personal trainer? Maybe split a gym membership?

"When you're trying to eat better or get more exercise, you can be more successful if you do it with a partner or group," says Grotto. "The community, the partnership, whether online or in person, it really helps."

Twice the motivation, without twice the effort -- a steal of a deal.

The American Heart Association knows what we love: television. And they also know we need to get more exercise. So why not combine the two, they ask?

Try dancing to the music when you tune into your favorite music show, or practice some stress-relieving cardio boxing when your least favorite reality contestant is on camera.

During commercials pedal your stationery bike, walk the treadmill, or slip in a little strength training doing bicep curls with cans of your favorite fizzy beverage as weights. Or get inspired to really focus: Put in a high-energy exercise DVD and get motivated by the pros onscreen.

It doesn't matter exactly what you do, so long as you're up and active. Aim for at least 15 minutes, says the AHA. But who knows? If you get really engrossed, you just might outlast the last survivor.

Continued

Eating less without feeling denied is as close as your dinnerware.

That's because while a small portion served on a large plate can leave you craving more, a smaller plate gives the visual signal that you already have more.

"People go by physical cues," when they eat, Grotto tells WebMD. We know we've had enough because we see the bottom of our bowl or plate. "A smaller plate full of food just feels more satisfying than a large plate with that same amount of food on it."

And don't forget smaller bowls, cups, and spoons. For example, try savoring a bowl of ice cream with a baby spoon. Not only does the pleasure last longer, but your body has time to register the food you've eaten.

When your weight loss efforts lead to boredom or too much self-focus, get occupied with something else. "I eat more if I'm bored," says Virginias, "especially if I'm eating in front of the TV."

So take a break from the siren-call of the tube, and get occupied with things that have nothing to do with food.

For some, that might mean becoming involved with local politics, discovering yoga, or enjoying painting. Or maybe you want to help a child with a science project, repaint the bedroom, or take a class. The key: Have a life outside of weight loss.

Already busy enough? Then at least eat your meals at the table. "The TV is distracting, and I'm just not conscious of eating," Virginias tells WebMD. "Once I'm at the table, with a place setting, I'm much more aware of what I'm eating."

Finally, be patient. While cultivating that virtue isn't exactly painless, it may help to know that keeping weight off generally gets easier over time.

That's the result of a study published in Obesity Research, where researchers found that for people who had lost at least 30 pounds -- and kept it off for at least two years -- maintaining that weight loss required less effort as time went on.

So if you crave the results reported by successful "losers" like these -- improved self-confidence, a boost in mood, and better health -- cultivate patience. You may find your way to sweet (and nearly painless) weight loss success.

Continued

If 10 tips for painless weight loss (or maintenance) aren't enough, how about trying some of these ideas from WebMD's weight loss community members?

Eat at the same times every day (including snacks). Sure you can't do this all the time, but some people find that knowing when to expect their next meal or snack makes them a lot less likely to graze. Our body appreciates rhythms, from seasons to tides, so why not give it what it craves?

Make only one meal. Instead of making something high-cal for the family and low-cal for yourself, get everyone on the same healthy-eating page. Weight loss and maintenance is easier when everyone's eating the same thing -- and you're not tempted to taste someone else's calorie-dense food.

Remember that little things add up. So keep eating a little fruit here, some veggies there, continue grabbing 10 minute walks between meetings. Weight loss is a journey guided by your unique needs, so hook into what works for you -- and do it!

Sources

SOURCES:

Elaine Magee, RD, MPH, registered dietitian; WebMD's "Healthy Recipe Doctor"; author, Food Synergy and Tell Me What To Eat If I Suffer From Heart Disease.

David Grotto, RD, LDN, registered dietitian; author, 101 Optimal Life Foods and 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life; president and founder, Nutrition Housecall, LLC.

Anthony David, information technology consultant, Atlanta.

Diane Virginias, certified nursing assistant, New York.

American Heart Association: "10 Ways to Go Red and Take Charge of Your Health," "Physical Activity in Your Daily Life."

National Weight Control Registry: "NWCR Facts."

Klem, M. Obesity Research, September 2000; vol 8(6): pp 438-444.

WebMD Dieting Club: 10-25 Lbs Community.

WebMD Weight Maintenance Community.

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Painless weight loss? If you're desperately trying to squeeze in workouts and avoid your favorite high-calorie treats, it can seem like there's nothing pain-free about it. Yet while eating healthier and slipping in exercise does take some work, it really doesn't have to require heroic effort.

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by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

As a college professor, I am often asked for my advice on how students can get better grades. And after a couple of years of refining my ideas, I have developed these 10 tips. And by the way, these tips will work for you - whether you are a first-year student or a senior, whether at a small college or a large university. These tips are universal.

So, if you are struggling with grades and interested in raising your grade point average, take a close look at these 10 tips for getting better grades.

1. Attend All Your Classes

Now, you might think this was an obvious one. But I speak from experience when I say that many students skip classes for one reason or another. But if you want good grades, there are several reasons why you should attend all your classes:

Absorb classroom material. Even if the professor follows the textbook pretty closely, sitting in the classroom and listening to the lectures/discussions will help you absorb the materials.

Make presence known/participate. One of the benefits of going to college should be that you form a mentoring relationship with some of your professors, and that's not going to happen if you don't attend the classes. And often faculty have participation points (or bonus points), so beyond just attending, make an effort to be involved in the class discussions.

Earn attendance points. Many professors have attendance policies, so you can have a direct impact on your grade simply by attending.

Don't forget to sit close to the front - historically, those who do are usually the best students.

2. Master Your Professors

Every professor has a different personality and system for running his/her classes, so it makes sense as early in the semester as possible to learn what the professor wants. Here are some ways to master your professors:

Understand course expectations. Most professors give out a class syllabus during the first week of classes - and it is your responsibility to know deadlines and all the requirements for the course.

Understand professors on personal level. Rather than viewing the professor as some figurehead at the front of the class who decides your fate in some abstract way, get to know your professor as a person. Visit him or her during office hours, or stay after class.

Communicate with professors when you are struggling. Especially at larger colleges and universities, the professor won't know when you are struggling, so if you are having problems with the course work or the tests, schedule an appointment to meet with the professor and get the help you need.

3. Get/Stay Organized

You may have been one of the lucky few who has never needed a planner before, but college is all about multitasking, and you can easily get overwhelmed with due dates, team meetings, and other demands on your time. Here are some tips for getting organized:

Use a planner or other organization system. I've had my day-planner for years and cannot go anywhere without it. Others are that same way with their personal digital assistants.

Stay current with due dates/course calendars. It's not enough to have a system - you have to use it! So once you have some sort of system, get in the habit of using it (and it will soon become second nature).

Keep homework, tests, and class papers in central location. Don't just throw old homework assignments or tests in the back of your car or the floor of your dorm room. You'll need these for studying for future tests, for meeting with your professor to discuss them, and for figuring your grade in the class... so, keep all your class materials in a central location.

4. Use Time Wisely

Even if you do not procrastinate and are the most organized person in the world, time can be one of your biggest enemies in college. Here are some tips for using time wisely:

Tackle harder work first. Yes, tackle the harder stuff first so that you are sure to have enough time to complete it. You'll feel a greater sense of accomplishment completing the work in this order.

Take breaks as reward for work. Reward yourself for completing a major task by taking a break and chatting with a friend or watching some television. Not only are the breaks good motivation to help you complete something, you'll also be more refreshed to tackle the next bit of work after a break.

Break larger projects into smaller, easy-to-accomplish pieces. If you have a massive term paper due at the end of the semester, break up the work into smaller chunks and assign deadlines to each part.

Do not overextend yourself; learn to say no. Besides all your academic work, you will also be asked to get involved in all sorts of clubs and organizations while in college - and at some point, you will have to learn to say no to some requests of your time.

Work hard to play hard. One of my favorite students used to say that she worked hard so that she would have the time to play hard - and that's a good balance. Just make sure you do the work FIRST.

5. Become "Noteworthy"

Another reason for attending class is recording the class notes. These notes are vital clues to what the professor thinks is the most important material for you to learn, so besides taking notes, learn how to better use them to your advantage. Here are some specifics:

Be an active listener in class. Don't read the newspaper, gossips with friends, or text your roommate during class. Instead, listen attentively and actively - and ask for clarification when you need it.

Take good notes in class. Whether taking notes from scratch or following a professor's outline, the key for you will be to get the most important details down so that you can refer back to them when you need them.

Rewrite or organize notes on your computer outside of class. This suggestion may sound a little extreme, but the writing-to-learn literature shows that you can increase your understanding and retention of material by rewriting it.

6. Use the Textbook

Professors assign textbooks for a reason - and it's not to make you broke; it's to supplement the lectures and discussions from class. Do buy all the textbooks - and follow these tips for using it:

Read all assigned material. Sounds obvious, right? When a professor assigns a chapter, read the whole thing (unless told otherwise), including the opening vignettes, the case studies, and tables and exhibits.

Know what's critical. At the same time, know what parts of the text are most critical. For example, in one of my classes, the vocabulary is most critical, and the textbook emphasizes the point by having all the terms and their definitions printed in the margins of every chapter.

Use outlining system to help comprehend material. Reading and highlighting the material in the text is just the minimum. To get the most of what you're reading, you should also take notes and outline the material.

7. Follow Good Rules of Writing

Many classes require one or more writing assignments, from short responses to term papers, and you'll do better on these assignments if you follow these rules of good writing:

Organize your thoughts before writing. Stream of consciousness works in a diary or journal (and may have worked in high school), but it's best to map out an outline before you start the actual writing.

Understand requirements for paper. Every professor has a specific way he or she wants a paper organized, and it's best to know them before you start to write. Be sure to understand the reference system and all the mechanics of the paper (font, margins, cover sheet, footnotes, etc.).

Write a draft (and get feedback when possible). Especially for larger papers, you'll have a higher quality paper (and a better grade) if you can show the professor a draft early enough before the deadline to make changes.

Rewrite, edit, rewrite, edit, rewrite. Learn that editing and rewriting are your friends. No one is a good enough writer to whip out the final draft in one sitting. The best writers go through a process.

Proofread, proofread, proofread. Spellcheckers catch spelling errors, but not other problems, so learn the art of proofreading. Or better, have a buddy system with a friend in which you proofread each other's papers.

8. Study, Study, Study

Another obvious one here? Perhaps, but the rule is you should be spending at least three hours outside of class for every hour in it. And for some classes, you'll find you need a lot more time than that to master the material. So, here are some suggestions:

Study early and often. Breaking your studying into shorter periods of time will make less of a chore - and give your mind time to absorb the material before moving on.

Develop and practice good study habits. Make it a habit and studying will become second nature to you.

Know how you best study, learn material. Some people need complete silence to concentrate while others like a little noise. Find what works for you and stick with it.

Study with friends to gain support, but... don't turn it into a social event. A study buddy can be a great tool, as long as you actually get some studying accomplished.

Make sure work is done before socializing. Studying is critical to learning, which is critical to better grades - so do the work before heading out to have fun.

9. Be a Good Test-Taker

Just about all college classes have exams, and sometimes the exams are the major portion of your final grade, so it's important to become a good test-taker. Here are some hints:

Know what to expect on exams. Every professor has a style of test development, so obtain old copies or ask the professor directly. Know the types of questions that will be asked - as well as the content that will be covered.

Read questions carefully and plan answers. Take your time at the beginning of the test to read through all the instructions and make a plan of attack.

Pace yourself so you have plenty of time to complete all parts. And know the point v alues of questions, so you can be sure to complete the most important ones first in case time does run out.

Ask questions. If you don't understand something, or need clarification of the question, ask the professor. Don't wait to get the exam back and find you answered a question the wrong way.

10. Polish Those Verbal Communications Skills

Many classes include a presentation component, so use these tips to improve your verbal communications skills and maximize your grade:

Practice speeches, presentations. The best speeches and presentations are the well-rehearsed ones, so complete your script or outline early enough to have time to practice the presentation (and to make sure it falls within the specified time limit).

If using technology, always have a back-up. Technology is great, but sometimes it fails. If you have a PowerPoint presentation, make copies of it as a handout in case you need it.

Know the presentation situation - and plan accordingly. Every professor has a set of guidelines when grading presentations, and many classroom set-ups are different, so know the situation before going into the presentation.

Final Thoughts on Improving Your Grades

Following these guidelines should help your grades immensely, but here is one other tip. Remember to think of your professors as your allies, not your enemies. And if not your allies, at least your partners. Our goal is for every student to learn and master the materials in the course. And if you master the materials, you should have a good grade in the class. And if you're struggling with some aspect of the course, just go see the professor. We're here to help you become the best you can be.

Finally, see even more tips, tools, and suggestions for academic success in our sister site, MyCollegeSuccessStory.com.

Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information (definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search terms by going to our Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms.

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10 Tips for Getting Good (or Better) Grades | LiveCareer

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by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D. As a college professor, I am often asked for my advice on how students can get better grades. And after a couple of years of refining my ideas, I have developed these 10 tips.