How to Sew Up Holes

Simple tips for mending rips, tears, and holes in your clothing

Got a tear in the sleeve of your sweater? Or maybe a big ol’ hole in your favorite denim jacket? Sewing up unfortunate holes in your favorite clothing is a cinch, so don’t toss those tattered jeans just yet! All you need is a needle and thread (and in some cases, a bit of extra fabric). We’ll show you how to thread a needle, backstitch a torn seam or small rip, and fasten a patch to a larger hole. Don’t nix it, fix it!

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Use a thicker needle for heavier materials like denim or layered fabrics, and go for a thinner needle for more delicate fabrics like cotton or nylon.
• Turn your garment inside-out and backstitch along the length of a ripped seam or hole to fasten the edges together.
• Measure larger holes, then cut a patch of matching fabric to size. Then, fasten the patch to the underside of the garment with a running stitch.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Threading the Needle

1. Pick a thick needle for tough fabrics, and a thin needle for soft fabrics. If the fabric is thick and tough (like denim, leather, or multi-layered cloth), use a sharp, heavy needle to pierce the cloth without too much effort. If the fabric is soft or thin (like cotton or nylon), use a thinner, more delicate needle. To be sure you're using the right needle, check the packaging to see what kind of fabric it's recommended for.^[1]
   
   • The larger the needle, the smaller the “gauge.” For example, an 8-gauge needle is very thick, so it's best for heavy, woven materials. A 16-gauge needle is very thin, so it's suited for more delicate fabrics.^[2]
   • Use a needle with a rounded tip for knits and a needle with a sharp tip for woven fabrics.^[3]
2. Cut a length of thread about 2.5 times longer than the hole. For larger holes, the rule of thumb is that you’ll need about 2.5 times more thread than the size of the hole.^[4] For smaller holes (up to about ) go ahead and cut about of thread—this will give you ample slack to comfortably make the stitches and tie off the fix.^[5]
   
   
   • To better hide the stitches, use a thread that’s similar in color to the fabric.
3. Thread the needle and knot the thread. Pull the thread through the needle so that you have 2 threads of equal length on either side of the eye of the needle. Then, tie the two ends together about from the tips with a simple knot—tying an overhand knot will do.^[6]
   
   
   • Double or even triple tie the knot when mending fabrics with looser weaves to ensure the knot doesn’t slip through the fabric.
   • If the thread’s tip is frayed, snip it about down from the frayed end, or simply lick it to get a cleaner tip before you thread the needle. Alternatively, use a needle threader if you’re having trouble.

[Edit]Fixing a Seam or Small Hole

1. Turn the garment inside out and expose the hole. Turning the fabric inside-out gives you better access to the hole, and also makes it so that when you stitch it up, the stitch will be invisible. When you’ve found the hole, go ahead and snip away any loose threads.^[7]
   
   
   • Use this method to fix holes up to about wide—stitching wider holes without a patch may pucker or disform the garment.
   • This method can be used to simple tears up to about , where you just need to join 2 edges of a rip.
2. Make the first stitch at one end of the hole. Pinch the edges of the hole together, so that they’re aligned on the inside of the garment. Then, insert the needle about from the edge at one end of the hole, fastening both edges together and pulling the thread all the way through so that the knot is stopped by the fabric. Then, thread the tip of the needle back up through the edges about along the tear.^[8]
   
   
   • Optionally, wear a thimble or 2 to protect your fingertips as you work.
3. Backstitch to the end of the hole. To backstitch, insert the needle halfway along the stitch you just created, and then reinsert it so that it emerges another half length after the end of the first stitch. Repeat this stitch until you reach the end of the hole, and the tear is fastened shut.^[9]
   
   
4. Loop the needle through the final stitch to tie off the thread. To finish sewing, make one last stitch, inserting the needle and pulling it through. Before you tighten it, though, thread the needle through the loop created by the partial stitch, and then pull it tight. Make another 1 or 2 stitches this way, threading the needle through the same hole and inserting it into the loop each time to tie off the thread. Then snip off the thread just above the new knot, and your hole is fixed!^[10]
   
   

[Edit]Patching a Large Hole

1. Measure the length and width of the hole. Use a ruler or soft measuring tape to find the measurements for the largest parts of the tear or hole. Larger holes need to be reinforced by a patch, so we’ll use these measurements to gauge the size of the patch.^[11]
   
   
2. Cut a patch about larger than the hole. Use the same or a similar material as the garment itself, matching both the color and weight. Make sure the patch is big enough to cover the entire hole, and then some. You don’t have to cut it to shape, just a square or circle will do.^[12]
   
   
   • Patches come in many common fabric types, like denim or cotton. You might also use a bit of scrap fabric from another piece of clothing.
   • Many menders opt to use a decorative fabric instead—it’s difficult to make invisible fixes to large holes, so why not show off your handiwork, instead?
3. Pin the patch in place on the underside of the garment. Bring the edges of the hole as close together as possible, so that the fabric lays flat and doesn’t pucker. Then, use sewing pins to temporarily fasten your patch in place on the inside of the garment, so that the patch peeks up through the tears.^[13]
   
   
4. Use a running stitch around the perimeter of the patch. Insert the needle up from the underside of the patch, then sink it down through the fabric again about along the edge of the patch, joining the patch to the garment. Then, bring the needle up through the fabric about from the last stitch, creating a dotted line, or “running stitch.” Continue this stitch all the way around the edge of the patch.^[14]
   
   
   • Stitch at least about from the edge of the tears, if possible.
5. Strengthen the torn edges with rows of running stitches. If your hole has irregularly-shaped tears, sew them down to the patch by laying them flat across the patch, then sewing back-and-forth lines of running stitches all along the area of the patch, keeping each row about away from the next.^[15]
   
   
   • If the hole is especially frayed, reinforce it with a liquid seam sealant before you start stitching. This can help make the fix more durable.
6. Thread the needle through your last stitch to tie off and cut the thread. Once you’ve secured the patch to the garment with ample running stitches, loop the needle through your last stitch, and pull it tight to tie it off. Repeat this 1-2 more times to secure the thread, then snip it away just above the knot.^[16]
   
   
   • To better hide the fix, iron on a decorative patch over the mended hole.
   • Embroider a design onto the patched hole to give your handiwork some flair and add some character to the garment.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Use a seam ripper to remove any unwanted stitch on any kind of fabric.
• Alternatively, use a sewing machine to perform any of these stitches. Sewing machines make much quicker work of larger holes.
• Wrap any broken needles in paper and throw them away. To salvage the thread, tie the remaining thread to a new strand threaded through a new needle, and cut away the portion of thread attached to the broken needle.
• To fix large holes in fabrics with loose weaves, such as knitwear, darn the hole instead of patching it.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Sewing needle
• Thread
• Fabric patch
• Ruler or soft measuring tape
• Sewing pins
• Seam ripper (Optional)
• Thimble (Optional)

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Do a Zigzag Stitch by Hand
• Use a Sewing Machine

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ [v161406_b01]. 1 May 2020.
2. ↑ [v161406_b01]. 1 May 2020.
3. ↑ [v161406_b01]. 1 May 2020.
4. ↑ https://craftsbliss.com/how-much-sewing-thread-for-project/
5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLrSjrW2AG4&t=62s
6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RycqcXvRZvc&t=50s
7. ↑ https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/diy-clothing-repairs/
8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUE_ATvXIdA&t=56s
9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUE_ATvXIdA&t=56s
10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLrSjrW2AG4&t=407s
11. ↑ https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/3-simple-clothing-repairs-you-can-do-right-now
12. ↑ https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/3-simple-clothing-repairs-you-can-do-right-now
13. ↑ https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/3-simple-clothing-repairs-you-can-do-right-now
14. ↑ https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/3-simple-clothing-repairs-you-can-do-right-now
15. ↑ https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/3-simple-clothing-repairs-you-can-do-right-now
16. ↑ https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/3-simple-clothing-repairs-you-can-do-right-now

How to Live A Happy Life

Everyone wants to be happy in life. While individuals may define success or measure happiness differently, there are some basic qualities of a happy life that seem to be universal. Studies have shown that no matter where you begin in life, how you consciously live through your adult years will determine your overall lifelong happiness more than your financial situation, or even your happiness at an earlier age.^[1] Learning how to live better and feel more positive about the world around you can help you live a happy and meaningful life.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Living a Healthier Life

1. Reduce negative self-talk. Everyone engages in negative self-talk at some point or another. While some people may find it motivating, studies show that it actually contributes to stress, depression, and poor coping skills.^[2] Learning how to identify negative self-talk can help you catch yourself when you're thinking poorly of yourself, which can make it easier to then consciously engage in a more positive way of thinking.^[3] Some common forms of negative self-talk include:
   
   • Filtering - this behavioral problem involves ignoring or "filtering out" all the positive aspects of your life or a given situation, and instead focusing on only the negative aspects. An example might be overlooking everything you accomplished at work and instead focusing on the one problem you were unable to successfully resolve.
   • Personalizing - this entails blaming yourself for everything that happens. It can also involve interpreting any situational criticism as something that you are or should be blamed for. An example of this might involve hearing that your friends can't make it to a party and assuming that they canceled their plans to avoid seeing you.
   • Catastrophizing - this means automatically preparing for or expecting the worst possible scenario. An example of this might be assuming that the rest of your day will go wrong because of one minor setback early in your day.
   • Polarizing - this involves seeing things, people, and situations as always good or always bad. An example might be assuming that because you had an off day at work, you are automatically a bad employee.
2. Think positive. Thinking positively does not mean that you ignore the bad or unpleasant things in life. It simply means that you approach every situation in life, both good and bad, with a positive outlook and a productive mindset.^[4] You can work on engaging in positive thinking in little ways every day. To start thinking more positively, try to:
   
   • identify the things you think negatively about, and recognize why
   • evaluate your thoughts and feelings throughout the day
   • seek humor in everyday situations and allow yourself to smile or laugh even when you're upset
   • live a healthy lifestyle
   • spend time with positive people (and avoid negative people as much as possible)
   • be gentle with yourself - a good rule for yourself is to avoid thinking things about yourself that you would not say to another person^[5]
   • try to find the positive aspects of negative situations
   • envision a more positive future for yourself and determine what you'll need to do to make that vision a reality^[6]
3. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness involves developing an awareness of where you are, what you are doing, and what you are sensing/feeling in the present moment.^[7] Practicing mindfulness can reduce stress, manage anxiety and depression, and improve your mood.
   
   • Focus on your breathing. Become aware of the physical sensation of each breath passing through your nostrils, the rising and falling of your abdomen, and the feeling of your legs and feet on the chair or floor.
   • Meditate. Activities that promote meditation, including an extended peaceful prayer, yoga, Tai Chi, or spiritual reflection, actually change an area of your brain called the insula, which is involved in your experience of empathy/understanding others. Developing your empathy muscles (helping others) will help you lead a happier life.^[8]
   • Try to engage your senses in everything you do. When you eat, look at your food for a moment and smell it. You may want to consider feeling it with your hands to experience the tactile sensation of your food. Try to anticipate what it will taste like, and chew slowly to savor the experience.^[9]
4. Eat a healthy diet. What you eat can have a huge impact on how you feel. It's not enough to avoid bad foods. You should also be getting vitamins and nutrients from all of the major food groups, and avoiding overeating or under-eating.
   
   • Most adults need 1.5 to 2 cups of fresh fruit or 100% fruit juice every day.^[10]
   • Adults should eat between 2.5 and 3 cups of fresh vegetables every day.^[11]
   • Choose whole grains instead of refined grains. Adults should eat six to eight ounces of whole grains every day, depending on their age, gender, and activity level.^[12]
   • Eat a variety of protein foods every day. Adults typically need between 5 and 6.5 ounces of lean protein, including seafood, poultry/eggs, tofu, beans, nuts, and seeds.^[13]
   • Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cheese, or soymilk. Adults typically need three cups of dairy every day.^[14]
   • Drink enough water each day. General guidelines for living in a temperate climate suggest that men should drink three liters of water each day, and women should drink 2.2 liters. If you live in a hot environment, however, or if you live a very active lifestyle (especially if you exercise regularly), you should increase your water intake to account for the water lost in sweat.^[15]
5. Manage stress in your life. You cannot avoid stressful situations, but you can find ways to relieve your stress. You can use relaxation techniques, such as meditation, visualization, tai chi, yoga, and deep breathing.^[16]
   
   • Practice deep breathing by breathing in and out from your diaphragm (below the ribcage), instead of taking shallow breaths from your chest. Try to develop a pattern of deep breathing, like counting to five on a slow inhalation, holding your breath for five seconds, and exhaling slowly for five seconds.^[17]
   • Practice meditation by sitting in a comfortable position away from anything that might distract you. Use deep breathing and try to focus only on your breath, letting go of any thoughts that pass through your mind without judging them or engaging with them.^[18]
   • Use visualization to calm your mind and put yourself in a better mood. Combine deep breathing with an imagined image of something calming, such as a relaxing place or situation.^[19]
6. Cultivate a healthy lifestyle. In addition to eating a healthy diet, it's important to live a healthy and active lifestyle. How well you care for your body in your early and middle years can have a big impact on your health later in life.
   
   • Exercise regularly. Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes each week of moderate aerobic activity, or at least 75 minutes per week of strenuous aerobic activity. Try to incorporate strength-training exercises (like lifting weights or using weight resistance) at least twice each week for a well-rounded workout.^[20]
   • Avoid smoking, and quit if you are currently a smoker.^[21] You can use smoking cessation products like nicotine gum or patches, and you may find it helpful to attend a support group or recruit the help of your friends/family.^[22]
   • Practice safe sex by always using condoms and engaging in monogamous, exclusive relationships.^[23]

[Edit]Finding Purpose in Your Life

1. Determine what you value most. Everyone has things that are important in life, but what do you ultimately value above all else? Don't think about physical, tangible things. Instead, focus on what you want in your life that will give your life a sense of meaning and purpose. Some commonly valued elements of a meaningful life include^[24]:
   
   • faith
   • family
   • friendship/connections with others
   • compassion
   • excellence
   • generosity/service to others
2. Find a career that challenges you. Personal growth can give you a tremendous sense of meaning and purpose. One of the best and most fulfilling ways to accomplish this is by finding a career that challenges you to grow and develop as a person.^[25]
   
   • Figure out what you're passionate about doing. You might begin this by examining what your values are. Do you value compassion and generosity? Perhaps a career helping other people might be personally fulfilling for you.
   • Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Just because you are getting by at your job, it does not mean that you derive any real satisfaction or fulfillment from it. Try finding ways to pursue your passion through volunteer work, and if you like it, see if there is any way you can transition into doing that work professionally on a full-time basis.
   • Having a fulfilling career will most likely give you a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment than having a lot of money would. You need to be financially secure, of course, but it's more important to live with a sense of purpose than to acquire meaningless wealth.
3. Consider pursuing a spiritual life. Being spiritual may mean a religious life for some people, but spirituality does not require any organized religion. It's entirely possible to live a spiritual life without ever identifying as religious, though some people find religion itself to be quite fulfilling.
   
   • Practice self-reflection every day. Learn to control and take responsibility for your thoughts, words, and actions.
   • Find ways to increase your compassion for others. Work to help others in need, no matter what their circumstances might be.
   • Try to maintain hope and a positive attitude, even during stressful or tragic situations.^[26]
   • Engage with nature. The natural world can be tremendously calming, and many people find that being in nature gives them a sense of spiritual happiness. Try going for walks in the woods, and contemplating the landscape whenever you are outdoors. You can also bring nature to you by planting a garden or growing flowering plants in your home or yard.^[27]
4. Find a sense of community. Belonging to some kind of community is an important component of mental health. It can also help give you a sense of purpose and meaning in your life. Even introverted individuals often find that being a part of some larger community is fulfilling and enjoyable.^[28]
   
   • Find groups that share a cause you're passionate about.
   • Try volunteering with like-minded people for some kind of shared cause.
   • Join (or start) a book club. You'll get to interact with people who share your interests while also bonding over works of art.^[29]

[Edit]Dealing with Challenges in Life

1. Confront your struggles. It may seem easier to avoid the challenges in life than to face them head-on. But avoiding your problems will only lead to more problems down the road, which may result in your feeling a lack of control. The best way to deal with challenge and struggle in your life is to acknowledge them and face it.^[30]
   
   • Don't avoid dealing with your problems. Address them as they arise, and recognize that a given problem needs your attention.
   • Think about the times you've faced your problems in the past. You no doubt walked away with a greater sense of purpose and a stronger sense of confidence. Remember this as you approach new and bigger problems, and take comfort in this fact.
2. Accept what you have, not what you want. One of the best ways to feel content with the conditions of your life (no matter how challenging) is to practice accepting your situation as it is. Though you may wish things were easier (like having more money, a more secure job, or even better health), dwelling on what you don't have will not make living in the present any easier.^[31]
   
   • Remember that without hard times, you would not have as much appreciation for the good times.
   • Accepting your life the way it is right now is the only way you can truly appreciate everything you have. Be grateful for the people in your life, no matter how difficult your life's circumstances may be at the moment.
   • Recognize that everyone has similar struggles in some form or another. No life is without difficulty, but it is through perseverance and mindfulness that life becomes joyous and meaningful.
3. Try to see problems as opportunities. It's not always easy to see the silver lining in unfortunate or challenging situations. But the reality of the situation is that struggle often leads to new insights about yourself, a new perspective on life, and even a renewed sense of purpose.^[32]
   
   • It will not be easy to see your problems as an opportunity for growth, but with mindfulness and a lot of practice, you'll quickly see that you do actually grow and develop from living through your challenges.
   • Recognize and always remember that life is full of meaning. Just because you are going through a hard time (like being unemployed or losing a loved one), or even suffering physical/medical ailments (like chronic illness or the loss of a limb), it does not mean that your life is without meaning.
   • Try to use the problems in your life to motivate you. Perhaps living with a medical condition might give you the opportunity to join others in raising awareness of that condition, or even working towards finding a cure.
   • Know that even if a given problem doesn't work out favorably, you'll still have grown as a person and developed more confidence as a result of facing your problems and trying to learn from them.

[Edit]Being a More Loving Person

1. Practice gratitude. Everyone has countless things to be grateful for in life, but in the chaos of day-to-day life, it can be easy to forget to practice gratitude. Increasing your gratitude in every situation and circumstance in life can help you feel better, and may help you find a greater sense of purpose.^[33]
   
   • Write a letter to someone you appreciate (a parent, a friend, your romantic partner, etc.) and let that person know why you appreciate them. Thank that person for everything they've done for you, and let them know that you value their friendship.
   • Keep a journal of things you're grateful for. You can write about the big things in life, of course, but carry your journal around every day and write about the little things, too. Perhaps a hot latte prepared perfectly at your favorite cafe was what you needed to feel better on a gray, rainy day. Often it's the little things that can have a tremendous impact on your day-to-day life.
   • Take time to dwell on pleasant places and things you encounter. Allow yourself to stop what you're doing and watch the sunset, or slow down your walk through the park to enjoy the colors of the leaves around you.
   • Share good news and joyous occasions with others in your life. Studies have shown that sharing good news with someone you care about can actually increase your joy, and it allows your friend to engage with you in your moment of happiness.
2. Identify and use constructive feedback. It can be hard to hear what other people think of your performance, but learning how to identify and use the constructive feedback that you receive can help you to develop your skills and work towards a happier life.
   
   • Keep in mind that criticism can be constructive or non-constructive. For example, if after giving a presentation someone tells you that you made a bunch of mistakes and that it was really boring, then this is not constructive. This statement is mean and it does not offer an opportunity for you to improve your next presentation.
   • However, if a classmate tells you that she really liked your presentation, but sometimes had a hard time following along because you were talking kind of fast, then this is constructive feedback. You received a compliment and can use this information to improve on your next presentation.
   • If you receive feedback that upsets you, try to take some time for yourself before you do or say anything about it. Take a walk, call up a friend, or do something else to distract yourself. Wait until you are feeling less emotional to think about ways that you can use the feedback to improve yourself.^[34]
3. Be forgiving of yourself and others. Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to offer to someone who has hurt you. It can be even more difficult to forgive yourself when you've done something upsetting. However, harboring anger, resentment, or even guilt can be incredibly damaging to your sense of self, your mental health/wellbeing, and the relationships in your life.^[35]
   
   • We all make mistakes, and we often learn from those mistakes. That's what makes someone a stronger, more caring individual.
   • Forgiving others doesn't mean you have to necessarily forget others' wrongdoings. It also doesn't mean you should make yourself a doormat that other people walk all over. It simply means recognizing that someone (including yourself) made a mistake, hoping that something was learned from that mistake, and letting go of anger and resentment.
   • It's often easy to forgive others for their mistakes, but hard to forgive yourself. Don't hold yourself to an unfair standard that you wouldn't hold others to. Accept yourself as someone who is trying his or her best, and try to learn any lessons you can from your mistakes.
4. Cultivate compassion. Living compassionately will help you be a better friend, a more caring person, and an overall happier individual. In fact, studies show that practicing genuine compassion and love towards others can also give you greater insight into how and why other people live and think.
   
   • See yourself in others, and try to see others in yourself. Your experiences are ultimately not so different from other's experiences, and everyone desires happiness, health, and affection.
   • Offer genuine warmth, humor, and friendliness to everyone around you.
   • Try smiling at others. It may be the little boost that someone needed to get through a difficult moment.
   • Everyone has hurdles to overcome. We're learning through life every day, so it's natural that everyone will occasionally make mistakes.
   • Practice genuine gratitude to others. This extends beyond being grateful when someone does something nice to you. Learn to appreciate the patience, love, and efforts of everyone in your life, including those who work with you or for you.^[36]

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Living a happy life may not come easily for you. It may take a lot of work and awareness on your part. Ultimately, though, it will all be worth it.
• Practice working towards a happier life every day. Over time it will become a habit, and it will start to come more easily.
• Be thankful for and grateful towards everyone in your life. Take stock of the good things and the kind people in your life, and always remember that life can be wonderful if you have the right attitude and the right support.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Always Be in a Good Mood
• Make Lemonade when Life Gives You Lemons

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2012/02/decoding-keys-to-a-healthy-life/
2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950
3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950?pg=2
4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950
5. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950?pg=2
6. ↑ http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/stay-positive
7. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356
8. ↑ http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_neuroscience_of_happiness
9. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356?pg=2
10. ↑ http://www.choosemyplate.gov/fruit
11. ↑ http://www.choosemyplate.gov/vegetables
12. ↑ http://www.choosemyplate.gov/grains
13. ↑ http://www.choosemyplate.gov/protein-foods
14. ↑ http://www.choosemyplate.gov/dairy
15. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
16. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/basics/relaxation-techniques/hlv-20049495
17. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/stress-management/basics/definition/prc-20021046
18. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/basics/definition/prc-20013692
19. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/stress-management/basics/definition/prc-20021046
20. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/basics/fitness-basics/hlv-20049447
21. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/basics/quitsmoking-basics/hlv-20049487
22. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/basics/quitsmoking-action-plan/hlv-20049487
23. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/basics/std-prevention/hlv-20049432
24. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mind-over-money/201309/living-purpose
25. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/turning-point/201404/how-live-purposeful-and-fulfilling-life
26. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/spiritual-wisdom-secular-times/201107/advancing-the-spiritual-path-1-spiritual-skills
27. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/spiritual-wisdom-secular-times/201108/advancing-the-spiritual-path-3-secular-spiritual
28. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-introverts-corner/201502/why-even-introverts-need-community
29. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/your-personal-renaissance/201502/where-is-your-community
30. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/headshrinkers-guide-the-galaxy/201412/7-strategies-face-lifes-challenges
31. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/headshrinkers-guide-the-galaxy/201412/7-strategies-face-lifes-challenges
32. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/meaning-making/201405/overcoming-lifes-difficult-moments
33. ↑ http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/stay-positive
34. ↑ http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2015/12/26/4-constructive-ways-to-deal-with-criticism/
35. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/turning-straw-gold/201601/how-live-compassionately-forgive-yourself-forgive-others
36. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/lifetime-connections/201507/4-keys-happiness

How to Succeed in College

College is a time unlike any other in your life. You have gained independence, you are in a new place, and your adult life is gradually staring you in the face. You have choices to make, and you know it. There is no secret recipe for succeeding in college; everyone does it differently, in a style all their own. Most students in college, who succeed however, share certain characteristics.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Studying

1. Avoid procrastinating. College academics in the first term will be particularly difficult because it is material that you have never seen before. Plus, you are facing much higher expectations, especially that you are the one responsible for your motivation and success. Unlike high school, college expects you to build your education from the bottom up, rather than regurgitating whatever facts a teacher feeds you. This means much more work than you are used to.
   
   • Give yourself incentives to study in advance. Don't cash your paycheck until you're finished with that term paper. Celebrate with friends after you've taken the test. Treat yourself to something you've been wanting after you finish your studying goals.
   • Choose your priorities. It is not possible to fit in all the same social, academic, employment, and logistical responsibilities in college that you did in high school. Be realistic about how much time is required to meet your academic obligations and how much you can devote to social activities.
2. Get passionate about something. Take a moment to reflect on what you enjoy doing and studying, and what you're genuinely interested in. What are your goals? What are your plans? College is another step on the ladder to the rest of your life. What do you want to do after college, and how will college prepare you for that next step?
   
3. Work on your general education. Most colleges require a broad range of classes in the beginning, often referred to as "general education" or "distribution" requirements. Even if you've already declared your major and know what you want to study, the distribution requirements build critical skills such as written and oral communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Keep your mind open and look for ways to apply these skills within your major.
   
   • Another reason to take advantage of this broad range of classes in college is that you're likely to change careers over your lifetime, and even a class or two can make an impact in know-how and understanding. Anecdotally, you are likely to be in a different field at the end of your career than the one in which you started. ^[1]
4. Learn to separate gossip from genuine information. Learn to use observations and evidence to form your own opinions. Attend special events and seminars on campus. Join clubs for students in your major or program. Read a reliable news site every day. You are your own person, and you owe it to yourself to form your own opinions about things.
   
5. Talk to your professors. A big mistake college students make is never forming a relationship with their professors. Forming a relationship with professors can help make your education richer and your network bigger.
   
   • Go to office hours with the intent of improving your mastery of the course material, and not just to "show your face" in an attempt to suck up, change a grade, or appear more dedicated. Office hours are your opportunity for extra help with ideas and methodologies with which you are having trouble. Arrive prepared with specific questions. Bring your class notes and your textbook. Ask specific questions about the concepts where you need help. Professors will not repeat an entire lecture that you missed. Professors want to help you, but always remember that you are responsible for your motivation and success.
   • Look for a mentor. A mentor can be a professor or staff member who can dispense advice specific to your goals. Start with the professors in the department of your major. There is usually a program advisor who can help you choose classes make recommendations for graduate school. However, do not expect a mentor to secure a job for you after you have graduated.
6. Form good study habits. Everyone studies in a different way. Having a television or music in the background is a bad idea. Some people like to study alone. Some people like studying in groups. Find out what habits work best for you. Ask yourself and answer these questions:
   
   • How much time does it take an idea to stick for you? Do you need weeks before the light bulb goes off, or days?
   • What kind of a learner are you? Keep in mind that while you may have a preferred way of learning things, this does not excuse you from engaging with other teaching and learning styles. ^[2] Are you:
     • An auditory learner? Do you learn by hearing something? You would rather have an idea explained aloud than reading in.
     • A visual learner? Do you learn by seeing something? You would rather learn by looking at graphs, reading, or watching a demonstration.
     • A kinesthetic learner? Do you learn by touching something? You would rather build whatever you're reading about, and see it in action.
   • What time of the day do you work best? Do you bust out a lot of work in the morning, or are you a night owl?
7. Set an academic goal for yourself. If you don't set any academic goal, you might leave college wondering whether you tried enough. Your academic goal doesn't have to be the same as someone else's goal. Try to be realistic about it when you set it; balance it out with other personal goals you may have.^[3] Getting through college isn't always about getting a 4.0 or graduating summa cum laude. It's about doing the best you're capable of, given your resources.
   

[Edit]Socializing

1. Establish as many friendships as possible. If you're at a bigger school, you may find the sheer number of new people a bit intimidating. That's okay. Everyone feels that way at first. Get past the intimidation of the numbers and you'll find dozens, if not hundreds, of people that you get with and learn from. Many people look back on their college years with good memories, often because of the friendships that they made.
   
2. Get involved in clubs, traditions, and events. College events are lot different from the compulsory events you might have done in high school. Because no one is forced to participate, the people who are there enjoy being there on their own. It's no secret the real draw of clubs and events is the social aspect.^[4] You'll probably meet a lot of people with similar interests, a few people you don't get along with, and a few people with absolutely amazing backgrounds. C'est la vie: it's a cross-section of life.
   
   • Take the time to do clubs and events outside your immediate social circle. It's fine to invite your best friends to participate in your club's activities. But what if bringing your friends along means that you wouldn't have met another potential friend? Try to meet as many interesting people as possible during your time in college. Don't make friendship an exclusive right shared only by you and your inner circle.
3. Go to parties. Be yourself and get in the mood for meeting new people. However, be smart and be cautious. Go with friends and use the buddy system. Be your friend's keeper. Keep an eye on your friend and see if s/he's drinking too much, and ask your friend to keep an eye on you also. Never leave your friend alone, impaired, or in an unsafe or unfamiliar environment.
   
   • Be a gracious party-goer. Don't litter bottles around someone's room, make a mess in someone's kitchen, or use someone's bed without their permission. Bring cups or soda, or if you're old enough, beer or wine. It's never bad being the person that the host takes a liking to because they're generous and well-mannered.
   • Be careful about drugs. Know which drugs are likely to harm you and which drugs are milder. (Alcohol and marijuana in moderation aren't likely to put you in the emergency room, but cocaine, meth, hallucinogens, and painkillers can all be potentially fatal, especially if you mix them with each other or with alcohol.) Some students find that college is a time to experiment with drugs, but follow your conscience. Don't do anything you're not comfortable doing. In addition, remember that you never know for sure what's in a particular drug.
4. Engage in safe sex, if you choose to be active. Many college-bound freshmen are still alarmingly ignorant about sex. In college, people like to brag about sex. The truth is that college students have sex at a much lower rate than their braggadocio might suggest. One study found that a majority of participants had 1 or fewer sexual partner over the course of a year. Another survey found that 59% of students reported having no sexual partners in the last 30 days.
   
   • Always use protection. Whether you're a guy or a girl, always keep a condom on you if you're sexually active. If used correctly, a condom is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy.^[5] Don't agree on sex unless you or your partner uses protection. Contracting HIV, herpes, or another STI is as easy as having unprotected sex one time. And unlike your excitement, which will fade with time, an STI like herpes won't go away.^[6]
   • Understand that alcohol severely impairs your judgment and decision-making skills. Even a small amount of alcohol will decrease your inhibitions, meaning that you'll find it easier to justify having sex with someone you might not have if you were sober.^[7] Understand this before you start drinking.
   • Get straight on the myths about sex. Let's debunk some of the myths about sex:
     • "The birth control pill protects me from STIs." Myth. Birth control will not protect you from STIs like HIV/AIDS.^[8]
     • "I can't get pregnant if I'm on my period." Myth. You can absolutely get pregnant when you're on your period.
     • "I can't get pregnant if I'm a virgin and it's my first time having sex." Myth. Unfortunately, this is false. You still have a 5% chance of getting pregnant.
     • "The birth control pill is effective the first day you start taking it." Myth. It can take up to a month for the birth control pill to become effective.
5. Never eat alone. (Actually, if you feel like it, eating alone doesn't have to be a bad thing.) Taken from the name of a book by Keith Ferrazzi, the idea is that networking, or making connections that might jumpstart your career at a later date, can be made easy and doesn't have to be a bad thing. Make the most of your opportunities while you're in college. Turn time in the mess hall into a rewarding lesson in personal development.
   

[Edit]Maintaining Your Health, Safety and Finances

1. Eat healthy, exercise, and get enough rest. All three seem to be on the shortlist for things college students do least. If you want to succeed in college, however, and learn how to balance work, play, and a thousand different things in between, you'll need to start getting serious about your health.
   
   • The optimal diet for a college student is the same as it is for everyone else: eat lean meat or protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and stay away from sodas, candy, simple carbohydrates, and saturated fats.^[9] Not only will you feel better, but you'll also be in better shape to avoid the infamous freshman 15.
   • Exercise is a miracle drug, except that it's not really a drug. Exercise helps us burn fat, build muscle, lower cholesterol, ease stress, and sleep better.^[10] Join an intramural sports team, do laps in the gym pool, or simply take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you do nothing else, try to get in 30 minutes of walking a day.
   • Get enough sleep. One of the best ways to maximize academic performance on tests is getting a good night's sleep.^[11] In fact, students who pull all nighters, students with sleep disorders, and students who routinely stay up late on weeknights all perform worse in college than students who get regular, comfortable, lasting sleep.^[11]
2. Visit the university health center. The university health center will have all sorts of information about staying healthy on campus, in addition to housing the university's best doctors. Take advantage of the free amenities your health center offers: free vaccines, condoms, and counseling are among the most common.
   
3. Use the safety department, if your college has one. Many colleges and universities will have a public safety department that looks after the safety of the university population. Public safety officers will routinely:
   
   • Escort you to your home or dorm if you feel unsafe.
   • Give you valuable safety tips about living in your area (especially applicable in an urban setting).
   • Investigate crimes that happen on campus. If you've been a victim of a crime, especially robbery, rape, coercion, or assault, please notify the campus security and/or local police.
4. Budget out your expenses. College is a time when kids start behaving like grown-ups. Part of being a grown-up is having a budget. To make a budget, take an inventory of the money you'll have during any given month. Look at your past expenses, and budget out how much you'll allow yourself to spend during that month. The expenses should not exceed the amount of money you have. A sample budget might look like this:
   
   • Total amount of income per month: $1300.
     • Housing: $600
     • Food: $250
     • Books and school supplies: $100
     • Gas: $200
     • Discretionary spending: $150
5. Apply for financial aid. Apply for federal student aid, or FAFSA^[12] before going to college, and check back routinely for new financial aid opportunities. Check with your college's student aid department to find out if you apply for any financial aid or merit-based scholarships. There's a lot of financial aid floating around out there if you know how to find it.
   
6. Look for work-study opportunities. Your college or university needs employees to function, and it probably knows that giving its students a chance to work is a winning bet. Check with your school about work-study opportunities. Much of the time, you'll get paid to do a mindless, nominal task like man the library entrance. This should also give you opportunities to study while you earn a paycheck.
   
   • Other times, the college or university will pay you to perform research with a teacher or department. This is where having a mentor (see above) becomes important. Letters of reference are necessary to convince the department that you are a qualified candidate for the research position. Such positions are extremely competitive, require an excellent academic background and strong letters of reference, and require a great deal of work.
7. Save money, wherever possible. If you're getting a scholarship or financial aid, or your parents are helping you out with expenses, try as much as possible to save money while you're still in college. After you leave college and become the arbiter of your own life, you'll have to start paying bills. Those bills will be a lot easier to pay if you stored away a little nest egg while you were still in college. Other reasons to save money in college:
   
   • Study abroad costs money. Lots of it. If you want to study in Florence, Italy or Shanghai, China, or virtually anywhere else, it's going to cost you a pretty penny. There are scholarships and aid, but you can't always count on them.
   • Student loans take time to pay off. If you're like most college students, you'll have a lot of loans to pay off once you leave college. Getting them (and the interest payments) paid off can play a huge part in what your budget looks like after you graduate.

[Edit]Tips

• Remember who you are, what you are doing, and why you are doing it.
• Do the problems at the end of each chapter, get a solutions manual to help you when you are stuck, but only if your university honor code allows it, otherwise a solutions manual is cheating and grounds for suspension or expulsion.
• If you're having trouble understanding, ask for help! Ask your professor or a tutor to help you.
• Make your goal to learn the material, not to get a grade. Professors are far more likely to write strong letters of reference for students who focus on building their knowledge and skills, regardless of the grade earned in class. It is very difficult for a professor to write a good letter for a student who slacks off (fails to attend class, surfs the internet during class, does poorly on exams) and then blames everyone else for a poor grade.
• If you are an easily sidetracked person, find ways to minimize distractions to optimize learning ability.
• Try to sit in a place where you are comfortable during class. Usually it is easier to stay focused when sitting up front.
• Stay healthy by doing five things:
  • Eat healthy
  • Exercise
  • Relax
  • Be optimistic
  • Smile and Laugh
  • Get enough sleep
• Read ahead. If you know the professor is going to cover a certain section, try to read about it ahead of time. This way, you will have a more thorough understanding and can ask questions in class.
• Do not rely on late night study sessions or cramming. Such actions do not work.
• Buy books online or from fellow classmates who have taken the course to save at least $200 a quarter/semester on textbooks you might only study once.
• Cramming and procrastination only work for a select few, who are innately equipped to handle the pressure of completing tasks at the last minute to a fair degree of quality. If you aren't able to deal with these demands, don't risk it.
• Be realistic about what you are able to in college. The entire experience is about learning how to balance your time, meet your obligations, gain maturity, and take responsibility for your actions.
• Use old exams as study guides, but only as a guide. You need to fundamentally understand the material. Exams will not ask the same questions, word for word the same as in an old exam or in a study guide. After the exam, review the questions that you got wrong and make sure you can answer them correctly. The professor obviously thought it was important enough to test you on - and you may see it again on another exam.
• Not many students do this, but it is recommended that for every hour you are in class, you should spend two or three hours studying for that class. You may not need to do this for every class, but you should try to do this for the first few weeks of the semester and if you are doing well, slowly reduce how much time you study for that class.
• If your school allows you to live on campus and you can afford it, live on campus. You will be able to study much longer in an academic environment, you will have easy access to tutors and professors, and you will go through the many benefits of living on campus during college.

[Edit]Warnings

• Do not be afraid to make a few mistakes or take risks; just remember to learn from them.
• The best course of action, but perhaps not the safest one, is to learn for yourself what you wish to know about your strengths and weaknesses.
• Everyone is different, and therefore no specific strategy will work across the board due to the variations from person to person.
• The steps and tips toward making your first year in college a successful one are based on overarching, basic, and general principles that are constructed for ease of application. They are based on pure observation and first-hand experimentation; do not perceive these tips as pedagogical or idealistic admonishments meant to restrict your freewill to choice of action.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

The following is a list of basic, essential things you might want to bring for your first year in college. Some things may have been left out that you would find absolutely crucial, so do not take this list as complete or literal as it certainly is not limited. Also, there is no particular order of importance, because each item more or less contributes to your preparedness.

• Office materials (paper, printer ink, pens, pencil, calculator, stapler, etc.)
• At least two sets of bedding (pillow cases, sheets)
• Enough clothes to last at least two weeks and at most three weeks
• An organizing container, perhaps one of those plastic drawer sets
• Entertainment. Bring hobby materials, sports equipment, books you enjoy, movies and/or other things your enjoy.
• A computer (depending on your level of usage for it, some people will want an incredibly fast machine, but most use their computers for general program applications and word processing) A laptop computer is highly recommended, because it allows for portability when going home and increases one's ability to type up lecture notes. Also, professors often talk incredibly fast so typing notes most definitely trumps writing them out. Plus, times new roman is probably neater than your handwriting!
• Reliable printer + accompanying black ink cartridges (you don't really need color ink much)
• Mini fridge (great for cooling water, juice, milk, fruit, etc.)
• Microwave (not that important, but comes in handy once in a while.)
• Collapsible boxes or storage bins (great for bringing things back and forth from home, and also comes in handy when you move out of your dorm at the end of the year)
• Water! You will get incredibly thirsty in your room and should have some readily available water reserves at hand. A filter would satisfy this requirement, but some might prefer bottled spring water. Depends on what you like.
• Snacks - Snacks are great for those late nights studying, or at times in which you have to skip a meal. Granola bars have done wonders.
• Cold/Flu Medicine - Face it, you will get sick at least once or twice while at school, and having medicine ready will only work to your advantage!
• Toiletries (toothpaste, mouth wash, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, scrubber, as many towels as you can bring so you don't have to do laundry as often)
• Carrying case for toiletries (not very necessary unless your room is far from the common baths and you are not provided with some cubby space to place your items)
• Laundry detergent
• A reusable plastic bottle container to transport water or coffee
• Money

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Nap
• Be Smart
• Work and Study at the Same Time
• Get Into MIT
• Succeed in College

[Edit]Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about succeeding in college, check out our in-depth with [v162302_b01].

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/resource/top-advantages-of-general-education-requirements-in-college
2. ↑ https://www.wgu.edu/blog/learnings-about-learning-styles2201.html
3. ↑ [v162302_b01]. 19 January 2023.
4. ↑ [v162302_b01]. 19 January 2023.
5. ↑ https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/sexual-health/a2209/condoms-contraception/#
6. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
7. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm
8. ↑ https://www.hiv.va.gov/patient/daily/sex/birth-control.asp
9. ↑ https://au.reachout.com/articles/foods-that-help-our-brain-study
10. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/benefitsofexercise.html
11. ↑ ^{11.0 11.1} http://www.aasmnet.org/articles.aspx?id=659
12. ↑ https://studentaid.gov/