About to Learn

About to Learn explores the intersection of cognitive science, education, and mental well-being through practical techniques and scientific research. It examines memory enhancement, mindfulness, the psychological benefits of nature, the impacts of the digital world on focus, personalized learning technologies, sleep regulation, effective study methods, the effects of music and social media on work and learning, and the neuroscience behind meditation.

Cognitive Science Education Techniques Mental Well-being Memory Enhancement Mindfulness and Meditation Nature and Psychology Digital Impact on Focus Personalized Learning Technologies Sleep Regulation Study Methods Music and Productivity Social Media Effects Neuroscience

The hottest Substack posts of About to Learn

And their main takeaways

Anki-fy Your Life

305 HN points • 18 Mar 23

Long-term memory is essentially limitless compared to working memory.
Anki can be used to store important information in long-term memory for problem-solving.
When deciding what to remember, focus on facts that are worth 10 minutes of your future time or are striking.

Urge Surfing

156 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23

🏥 Health & Wellness Mindfulness Wellness Addiction Treatment Mental health

Urge surfing is a technique to manage impulses by visualizing them as ocean waves and letting them pass without giving in.
Short mindfulness exercises can be as effective as longer, more intensive treatments for mental health.
Consistency in mindfulness practice is key, and even short sessions can provide significant benefits over time.

Spending Time in Nature Makes You Happier

156 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23

🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Outdoor activities

Spending time in nature can make you happier as shown by research
Exposure to nature has various benefits, such as reducing stress and improving mental health
There are theories like Stress Reduction Theory and Attention Restoration Theory to explain why nature has a positive impact

Focus and the Internet

3 HN points • 09 Mar 23

🏥 Health & Wellness Focus Productivity Mental health Self-Improvement Work-life balance

Repetitive and intensive stimuli from the internet can alter our brain circuitry quickly.
Regular breaks during work can significantly enhance performance and prevent fatigue.
Blocking out 2-6 hours for focused work with breaks can improve productivity and reduce multitasking.

Computer Tutors and Bloom’s 2 Sigma Problem

2 HN points • 04 Mar 23

🕹 Technology AI Online Learning Educational Technology Software Development

The 2 Sigma Problem suggests most students have high potential but one-to-one tutoring is too expensive.
Intelligent Tutoring Systems aim to provide personalized teaching using AI since the 1970s.
Digital tutors have shown positive results by giving personalized feedback and adapting to student learning styles.

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A Short Guide to Melatonin

1 HN point • 24 Feb 23

🏥 Health & Wellness Sleep Supplements Side Effects Efficacy Safety

Melatonin helps regulate sleep cycles naturally.
Melatonin is considered safe with minimal side effects.
Regular use of melatonin is not reported to lead to tolerance.

Listening To Music While Working

1 HN point • 17 Feb 23

🏥 Health & Wellness Music Research Effects Learning Productivity

The type of music you listen to while working can impact your mood and focus.
Background music can help with tasks like studying or counting, especially if it's soft music.
Your personal preference and intuition on listening to music while working is key.

Do Better Study Techniques = Better Exam Scores?

1 HN point • 09 Feb 23

Students may know effective study strategies but still struggle with implementing them due to lack of time or motivation.
Using the right study technique for the right situation can improve exam performance.
Factors such as active recall and motivation play a significant role in learning outcomes, beyond just study techniques.

Does Social Media Use Increase ADHD Symptoms?

0 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23

🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Social media Research

Social media use can impact job performance.
More time spent on social media is linked to lower grades and multitasking.
Excessive social media use can increase ADHD symptoms, especially if it leads to addiction-like behaviors.

The Neuroscience of Meditation

0 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23

🏥 Health & Wellness Meditation Neuroscience Self-awareness

Meditation can lead to better attention and emotion regulation by changing the brain's structure.
There is potential for increased self-awareness through mindfulness meditation, though more research is needed to confirm this.
Studies show that mindfulness meditation can significantly help with anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and sleep disorders.