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5 Ways to Learn Fast and Retain More: Independent Learning
The sooner you realize that learning never ends, the more willing you’ll be to expand, elevate in your profession, thrive in your life and even generate more income. Learning and studying can be difficult once we are long past our college years. For all the old dogs who might be reluctant to learning new tricks, we tapped the expertise of Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a New York-based Neuropsychologist and Teaching Faculty at Columbia University to share 5 ways to learn fast and retain more so we can quickly grasp new concepts, technologies, business strategies and up-level our willingness to learn.
Independent learning is the hot new brain trend. Thanks to digital media, we see a new renaissance when it comes to learning. On the professional side, nearly two-thirds of U.S. workers have taken a course or sought additional training to advance their careers, according to a March 2016 study by Pew Research Center. On the personal development side, a simple Google search can lead anyone to a plethora of courses on everything from mastering personal finances, parenting, our relationships, nutrition, cooking, designing clothes, home organization, and design.
“The key to longevity is the learning and application of new things. When we stop learning, we stop growing and that is a slow death to our brains and bodies. Luckily today there are online seminars and other ways to learn that speak to our interests. It’s also incredibly convenient to learn,” explains Dr. Hafeez.
What are the best ways to learn new things quickly? Dr. Sanam Hafeez offers the following 5 ways to learn fast and retain more.
- Learn in quick sprints.There’s a sweet spot for learning in the 30-50 minute timeframe. Dedicate that amount of time to learning and then take a 10 to 15-minute break to end a learning segment before starting a new task. “You’re more likely to retain more when you focus on a shorter amount of time at once,” explains Dr. Hafeez who helps people with ADHD to enhance their ability to focus and learn. “Using tools like notecards with quick points helps the brain absorb concepts even more,” she adds. Which leads to…
- Take written notes and use color! Ditch the laptop and go old school with a pen and paper. Outline important points with a different color pen or highlighter and if you can draw a concept out in the margin, go for it. Writing fuels comprehension and enhances listening skills. Studies out of UCLA and Princeton found students who took notes on laptops didn’t perform as well as students who wrote by hand. “When we handwrite notes we listen then process the information before writing. When we type on a laptop, we transcribe what we hear without any self-interpretation which is where the actual learning comes into play,” offers Dr. Hafeez.
- Give your brain time to rest and recharge with sleep.People brag that they work so much and sleep so little. Arianna Huffington’s book, “The Sleep Revolution,” and choice to add nap rooms at her Huffington Post offices turned the light onto sleep as a performance enhancer. “People who get a full 8 hours of deep uninterrupted sleep retain what they learn and have bandwidth to grasp more information quicker. We often feel tired after a course or following instructions. This is because focusing requires energy. Naturally, when we rest we get to reboot the brain,” says Dr. Hafeez.
- Read out loud, record, replay.Research has shown that reading out loud engages both senses of sight and sound which heightens retention.“Recording yourself reading and elaborating with your own idea of how the concept resonates then replaying the recording a day or two later, is a great technique that fires up the part of the brain that processes concepts like a computer filing information for later use,” explains Dr. Hafeez.
- Break things down and relate it to what you already know.We all heard of the math teacher who used the example of rock concert ticket sales to get kids to grasp algebra. According to Dr. Hafeez, “when we take a concept and link it to something we already know about or have a genuine interest in, we retain that concept. Anytime we can internalize a concept it has resonance. It sticks.”
About the Doctor:
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is an NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens.
Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.
Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com
Vegan Chicken Salt A Best Seller Amazon: All-Purpose Seasoning
Australian-inspired Vegan Chicken Salt is quickly becoming a U.S. favorite! Customers are loving the versatile seasoning collection especially with Turmeric being the key ingredient. JADA Spices’ Vegan Chicken Salt is a 100% paleo friendly, an authentic vegan parve all-purpose seasoning made with unrefined sea salt, turmeric, onion powder and garlic powder that is safe to use before, during, and after cooking.
Turmeric and its health benefits have received plenty of attention and consumers are looking for ways to add it to their diets. Native to India, it has been used for thousands of years in foods and for medicinal purposes. Below is a list of health benefits associated with Turmeric:
- Natural anti-inflammatory: helps with arthritis, muscle ache, and heart disease
- Powerful antioxidant: helps cleanse the body and fights signs of aging
- Help prevent Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease
Though many delicious meals include Turmeric, this beneficial ingredient is not as popular in US households. With somewhat of a bitter taste, this powdery spice works best when mixed with other complementary herbs.
With essential add-on ingredients such as garlic, sea salt, and black pepper, the Vegan Chicken Salt collection has made it easy to include more Turmeric in everyday meals and snacks. With five flavors to choose from (Original, Reduced Sodium, Lime, Red Pepper and BBQ), customers can pick their favorites and begin enjoying the health benefits of Turmeric when spicing their eggs, tofu, vegetables, meats, legumes and more!
JADA Spices is also the first to create an exclusive Turmeric Salt flavor. Though all of their flavors contain Turmeric, Turmeric Salt contains a higher amount. Just in case you wish to include more Turmeric in your recipes without adding a distinctive taste (such as Lime, Red Pepper, or BBQ), Turmeric Salt is a great solution.
ABOUT JADA SPICES
JADA Spices is a health-conscious seasoning company hoping to provide flavorful and healthier alternatives to traditional all-purpose seasonings. All their seasonings are currently Vegan and Non-GMO certified; thus, leading the movement of certified products for health-conscious consumers.
“We understand it can be time-consuming preparing delicious meals but many of us know eating unhealthy is a compromise for the convenience it offers. We all desire to be healthy, so we created flavors with the essential ingredients [you’re already using] in order to compete with busy schedules. With the right combination of vital herbs and spices, flavorful and healthy meals are a few bottles shake away,” stated JADA Spices.
Vegan Chicken Salt is meant to encourage a healthier cooking lifestyle by motivating consumers to enjoy more home-cooked meals using healthy ingredients and spices. “We are extremely proud to have incorporated Turmeric in all our seasonings.
We know people want to take advantage of all the health benefits certain natural ingredients have, but we also understand they want a convenient way to incorporate it into their meals,” commented JADA Spices. With additional health benefits such as Gluten, MSG, and Soy-free, and the inclusion of turmeric as a key ingredient, customers can enjoy plenty of health benefits with every meal.
Chicken Salt is currently sold on Amazon: Amazon Best Seller, Southern California grocery chain Bristol Farms, and on their official website: www.chickensalt.com
Ann Taylor Presents: Mother’s Day Gift Guide
With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking of the perfect gift. Why settle for just flowers and a card, when Ann Taylor has all of the looks that will make her smile the whole season?
From bold hues to colorful prints, Ann Taylor has everything that will have Mom looking trendy, sophisticated and feminine.
Fashionable footwear, admirable accessories and desirable dresses are the perfect way to tell her “I love you!”
Festival Fashion Celebrity Style: Coachella 2018
Coachella Festival is a time to be free and set the fashionable tone for summer activities. The event is considered to be the epitome of boho chic with festival-goers wearing crochet tops and fanny packs.
This year, celebrities showcased their individual style. Some went the traditional route of wearing floral tops while others selected rompers.
It was an eclectic mix of fashion! There was definitely an influence of pop culture with bright colors and logo filled outfits.




Cardi B
Moschino party, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Palm Springs, USA – 14 Apr 2018
WEARING VERSACE
Photo Images are from People Style
#Beychella 2018: The Fashion, Music, and Return of Destiny’s Child…Update
Beyonce performed for the annual Coachella Festival 2018. This was a highly anticipated event-based upon her name alone.
The performance was streamed on Youtube with the hashtag #Beychella or #DestinysChild.
Kelly and Michelle joined the stage wearing camouflage inspired costumes. Some are saying that it was the performance of the decade!
Festival Season Beauty Essentials From Josie Maran, Malin+Goetz, Rita Hazan & More.. Inbox x
Mother’s Day Gift: The RESCUEHER for Busy Moms
The RESCUEHER kit in basic black, pink or white is the perfect gift for the busy mom.
Chock full of 34 high quality, must-have cosmetic, personal, and beauty essentials for the on-the-go mom, RESCUEHER ensures she is never left in a pinch. With products like BB cream, lip gloss, a contour pallet, makeup wipes, Advil, tweezers, earring backs and crazy glue for that broken heel or nail, she’ll be covered thanks to your Mother’s Day gift.
This versatile bag is perfect to keep in the car or at work or in her suitcase while traveling; it even doubles as a cross-body bag for a night out with leftover room to fit her smartphone, credit cards, and other basics.
Looking Your Best: Quality Pieces and Seasonal Colors
The last few weeks have been extremely busy. From moving into a new subdivision to developing my business structure. Despite the busyness of life, I believe in looking your best. This concept varies from day-to-day.
Featured Photo Pleated Shift Dress: New York & Company
For example, crazy school mornings call for leggings and a pull-over. While afternoon meetings include a blazer, jeans, and flats. I dress according to the occasion; no heels at the grocery store.
Looking your best doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Simple quality pieces can update any outfit. For example, gold earrings, silk scarves, structured handbag, diamond studs, leather belt, and trench coat can pull together last-minute appearance.
Lately, I’m a huge believer in wearing seasonal colors. Some of us love the classic tone of wearing black but why not try a Lavender t-shirt or Sky Blue earrings? Fashion can be a fun experience when we coordinate and invest the time!

Belted Shirt Dress Comparison: Forever 21 | Sunglasses: Target | Blanket Scarf Comparison: Amazon | Handbag Comparison: Saks Fifth Avenue

Peplum Blazer: Amazon | Denim Leggings: Express | Handbag Comparison: Belk
Recap | Style Fashion Week Palm Springs
This weekend, Style Fashion Week brought excitement and elegance to the Palm Springs Air Museum. Guests sipped Notorious Pink Rosè and GT’s Living Foods Kombucha Cocktails, as they mingled amongst socialites, and shopped the Style Fashion Week marketplace—featuring artwork by local artists and brands including Father Akki, John Otterson, Jev Pic, Sharon Ryder, Brandini Toffee, Pura Vida Bracelets and others. Emerging musician, Sofia Zorian, opened the night with her powerful vocals. The crowd additionally enjoyed a live performance by Vezt music artists, Chris Stylez and Mann.
Showing designers included: House of Grayling Purnell, Andre Emery, Glaudi by Johanna Hernandez, Mario De La Torre, Underrated, Smock Me, Richard Hallmarq, Father Akki, Merlin Castell, David Tupaz, Royal Heart by Sergio Davila, Bohimi, Andrew Christian, Sweet Talk Swim, Celebrity stylists, and Style FW hosts, Derek Warburton and Ashley North sat front row amongst influential attendees and mingled with designers.
The three day series of runway shows immersed the Greater Palm Springs Region in fashion, art, and music. Style Fashion Week is proud to support this artistic community are so thankful for the incredible amount of love and support we have received from the community.



















