How to Remove Powder Nails

Powder nails are known for their quick and easy application process, making them a popular choice when visiting the nail salon. Their removal can be quick and easy as well, and you can do it right at home. You can remove powder nails using acetone and aluminum foil, or you can opt for the acetone soak. Whichever method you choose, you should be left with healthy and happy nails.

EditSteps

EditUsing Aluminum Foil

1. Sand down the top layer of each nail with a nail file. Removing the shiny top coat of your powder nails is important for removal. File each nail thoroughly and evenly — this will make the powder come off much more efficiently.^[1]
   
2. Soak cotton balls in pure acetone. Either pull apart cotton balls so the pieces are the size of your fingernails, or use whole cotton balls to soak in 100% pure acetone. Each cotton ball will cover 1 fingernail.^[2]
   
   
   • The cotton balls shouldn’t be dripping with acetone, but they should contain plenty of acetone to properly soak your nails.
3. Wrap your nails in foil to hold the cotton balls in place. Once the cotton balls have acetone on them, place each cotton ball on a corresponding nail. Wrap each nail in a small piece of aluminum foil, making sure the foil completely covers the nail and will hold the cotton ball in place.^[3]
   
   
   • Wrapping a significant part of your finger as well as your fingernail will ensure the foil stays put.
4. Wait 10-15 minutes for the nails to soak in the acetone. Letting your nails soak for 10-15 minutes will ensure that the acetone does its job. Try not to move the foil or cotton balls around too much before the time has elapsed.^[4]
   
5. Remove the foil and cotton balls from your nails. When removing the foil and cotton balls, press down slightly on each nail so that the cotton ball will help wipe off the powder. Remove all of the foil and cotton balls, and file off any residue left over from the powder.^[5]
   
   

EditSoaking in Acetone

1. File the surface of each of your nails. Use a nail file to sand down the top layer of the powder. Filing each nail thoroughly and evenly will help the acetone soak into the powder more efficiently.^[6]
   
   
2. Fill a large bowl or dish with hot water. Find a bowl that will fit another smaller bowl inside of it, and fill the large bowl with hot water. The water doesn’t need to be boiling — it shouldn’t burn your fingers. You can easily heat up the water by microwaving it for less than 1 minute.^[7]
   
3. Place 1-2 smaller bowls in the hot water for soaking. If you want to soak both of your hands at the same time, you’ll need to find 2 bowls that will both fit in the larger bowl together. The easiest method is to choose 1 smaller bowl that will fit in the larger bowl and soak each hand 1 at a time.^[8]
   
   • When choosing a smaller bowl, make sure it’s big enough to fit all 5 nails.
4. Dip a paper towel in acetone and place it in the smaller dish. Fold a paper towel into halves or thirds and thoroughly cover it in 100% pure acetone. It doesn’t need to be so saturated that it’s dripping, but it should be able to easily soak your nails.^[9]
   
   
5. Soak your nails in the dish for 10-15 minutes. Let your nails sit in the acetone for 10-15 minutes to ensure the acetone soaks into the powder. If you’re doing 1 hand at a time, soak 1 hand for 10-15 minutes and then soak the other hand for another 10-15 minutes.
   
   
   • To prevent the smell of acetone from becoming overwhelming, place a towel over your hand and the bowl. It’s also smart to open a window or turn on a fan.^[10]
6. Wipe off the powder nails with a paper towel. After the 10 to 15 minutes have elapsed, remove your nails from the bowl and wipe them off with a paper towel. If there is any residue left, you can use a nail file to remove it.^[11]
   
   

EditThings You'll Need

• Nail file
• Paper towels
• 100% pure acetone
• Cotton balls (for foil method)
• Aluminum foil (for foil method)
• Large bowl (for bowl method)
• 1-2 smaller dishes (for bowl method)

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

How to Accomplish Your New Year's Resolutions

Steps

Part 1

Creating Resolutions and Preparing to Begin

1. 1

   Brainstorm about changes and improvements you'd like to make.

   These can be about anything, not just the big ones like quitting smoking and losing weight that many people associate with New Year's resolutions. Jot down some notes while doing the following:

   • Consider how you can improve your health. Ask yourself, Can I drink more water? Quit smoking? Stop eating fast food or fried food? Become vegetarian? Exercise more?
   • Consider your relationships with others. Are there ways that you can be a better spouse, parent, other family member, or friend?
   • Consider your work life. Ask yourself, Can I be more successful and happier at work? Be more organized? Stop procrastinating?
   • Consider ways to make a difference. Are there ways you could make a difference in the world through activism, awareness raising or promoting a cause?

2. 2

   Choose one or two attainable larger goals. Look over your notes and determine what items on it are most important to you. Don't take too long choosing; often it's the things that leap out at you straight away that have the most meaning for you personally.

3. 3

   Create “systems.

   ” Systems are the ways that you carry out a larger goal. You need to break down large goals into smaller actions that can are easier to carry out. If you leave your larger goals too vague, you may get confused and change your mind frequently on the ways to accomplish them. This is the purpose of creating systems.

   • For example: if your goal is to lose 30 pounds in the following year, you can resolve to cut out fast food, soft drinks, sugary snacks and drinks, drink more water, and walk three days a week until March, and then gradually add in two days at the gym.^[1]

4. 4

   Look at your list and reflect, using the SMART mnemonic.

   Make sure your goals are:

   • S – Specific (or Significant). This means your goals include systems for achieving them. You have specific actions that can be carried out that work toward your larger goal.
   • M – Measurable. This means that the changes you see once the goal is reached is noticeable. You will feel different (better), because you are healthier, because your family or social life has improved, etc.
   • A – Attainable. This means that the goal is realistic and can be reached. There are benefits to aiming high, but you don’t want to aim so high that you become disappointed and discouraged from making any changes at all if you can’t reach the goal you set.
     • For instance, if you’ve never run a day in your life, don’t make running a marathon your goal quite yet. Perhaps start with shorter races like a 3K or 5K, and work up from there.
   • R – Relevant (or Rewarding). This means that there is a real need for your goal. You have been unsatisfied with a certain area of your life for some time, and you have a strong motivation to want to change it.
   • T – Trackable. This is similar to measurable, but means that you can assess your progress throughout the process. Have you made a schedule and are you following it? Are you losing weight gradually (if that’s your goal)? Are you getting along better with your loved ones? Etc.^[2]

5. 5

   Talk to others about your goals.

   Discuss your goals and why you made them with your family and friends. This step is very important!

   • Ask for others’ support on these goals throughout the year. If possible, team up and visit the gym or shop at the health food store together. Ask them to speak up if you slip and order a Diet Coke instead of a water, or forget another goal on your list.
   • People who tell others about their goals are more likely to accomplish them, whether it’s because they have extra support they need, or because they’re afraid of being embarrassed if they don’t accomplish them, it’s hard to say.^[3]

6. 6

   Print out copies of your resolutions.

   Save a copy on each computer or electronic device you own, such as your cell phone and tablet.

   • Email a copy to your work address and save it to your work computer.
   • Make a smaller copy and keep it in your wallet.
   • Post a copy on the outside of your refrigerator! Use bright paper so it catches your eye and don't let it get hidden behind coupons and artwork.

Part 2

Starting Your Resolutions

1. 1

   Create a schedule.

   Even more important than a specific deadline for your goals is to set a schedule of how you will reach the goal. Some goals are actually lifelong changes that you will continue after the goal is reached.

   • For instance, systems for weight loss and for improving your relationships don’t necessarily “end” once you’ve reached the goal. To keep weight off, you have to maintain the healthier lifestyle system that you created. To maintain healthy relationships, you would want to continue the things you started doing in your resolutions. So consider:
   • If the goal is losing weight, be sure that you have researched a healthy amount of time to lose a certain amount of weight, and write down your exercise schedule and the changes you will make in your diet for each day.
   • If you’re trying to be a better parent or friend, or to be more successful at work, make a schedule of when and how you will do each thing that’s on your systems list.^[4]

2. 2

   Start following your plan immediately.

   Don't wait for inspiration to strike. The best thing to do is start on January 1 and start tracking your progress.

   • If your goal is to lose weight, don’t say, “I’ll start tomorrow.” Start right away! Starting may actually be the toughest part, but once you get into a routine it should become easier.^[5]

3. 3

   Create accountability.

   Set up dates for evaluation with a mentor. This helps you to stay focused and evaluates methods for improvement.

   • It's even better if you find someone who has the same resolution. If you have a friend who’s also trying to lose weight, check in with each other and motivate each other. It may also help to consult with your doctor or a trainer about your progress

4. 4

   Remind yourself about your goals.

   For every day on your calendar or schedule, write down what you will do for that day, what time you will do it, and don't forget to actually do it, no matter how busy you are.

   • If your goal is losing weight, write down what you will eat, and when and how you will exercise each week.

5. 5

   Focus on the process rather than the end goal.

   Take each step one at a time and be happy with your progress. The only way you'll get to where you want to go is to complete every small step along the way, checking it off with pride as you accomplish each step.

   ^[6]

   • Remind yourself of the weight you are losing or how you are feeling healthier instead of the fact that you haven’t reached a certain number of lost pounds yet. You will get there.

6. 6

   Create your environment so that you will accomplish your goals.

   It’s also good to get rid of habits that don’t coincide with your goals and may contribute to you being unable to reach them.

   • For example, set your running shoes next to the door. Put fruits and veggies in the front of the fridge. Get rid of the junk food and don’t buy more.
   • If something you regularly do for fun with family and/or friends includes eating out at places where most of the food is unhealthy, choose a different place that offer healthy meals. Or, don’t eat out at all and do something else like go for a walk or a bike ride instead.

Part 3

Maintaining and Accomplishing Your Resolutions

1. 1

   Reward yourself.

   Determine ahead of time what rewards will be at small milestones of accomplishment. Have frequent small rewards and a “grand prize” for completion.

   • If your goal is losing weight, you might buy new clothes to replace old ones that don’t fit anymore at each milestone, and then plan a nice vacation for when you’ve reached your goal.

2. 2

   Remind yourself of your successes.

   It can be hard to maintain your motivation and dedication to making a change in your life when you can't see immediate results for your efforts.

   • At each low point, have faith that persisting and being consistent in reaching your goal will pay off in the long run. If you’re trying to lose weight and are struggling to keep up with your workouts, just think about how each minute you exercise burns fat and gets you closer to your goal.^[7]

3. 3

   Face your fear of change.

   Fearing change often stops us from achieving a goal. Making a goal sounds good at the time, but then the fear of change surfaces. To avoid this happening to you, realize that your excuses are a way of covering up a fear of change.

   • Look beyond "I can't" and start substituting this with "I can" and "I am".
   • Identify your excuses for not going through with parts of your goal. By listing excuses, you can see them for what they are and move beyond the fear of change.
   • Sidestep blaming other people or circumstances for not achieving your goals. If you take responsibility for achieving your goal, these external factors cannot sap your power to do what you've said you'd do.

4. 4

   Recognize your self-defeating behaviors.

   Write down the things you do out of habit that distract you from what really matters. Then, list things that you consider to be more positive and fulfilling behaviors and choices you want to make instead.

   • This includes adjusting the habits mentioned in a previous step, even if they were things you once enjoyed. For instance, if are trying to lose weight and you eat out with family or friends as bonding time, either choose restaurants that offer healthy meals or decide to do something else fun together instead of eating out.

5. 5

   Begin again if you slip up.

   Everyone encounters occasional outside stressors and events that take us out of focus on our goals. Use Monday as your day to regroup and start over if you slip and have a bad week completing your goals for any reason.

   • The “Monday Campaigns” is a group of nonprofit health organizations that organize various healthy things to do on Mondays, such as “Meatless Mondays,” “De-Stress Mondays,” and “Move-It Mondays.” Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip and remind yourself of the progress you have made. Just start over on Monday.^[8]

6. 6

   Lean on your support team.

   Whoever you've chosen to help you, be it family, friends, a life coach, therapist, or someone else, lean on them to support you through times of weakness, when you need a booster to get back on track.

   • Don't expect to do this completely alone; look for other people's advice, ideas and feedback to help you keep going.^[9]

7. 7

   Keep a journal.

   Document at least one thing every single day in the following year for which you feel grateful and one sentence for the progress you have made.

   • When writing, consider: What memorable moments can you draw from each day? In what ways did you grow today or find that your awareness shifted? Keeping note of this will help you to stay grounded and motivated with your goals.

Community Q&A

Add New Question

• What if I try so hard about something and it just always fails?

  wikiHow Contributor

  Don't give up! Instead, try to write down why you think it's going wrong and then tackle those issues - find solutions for these and slowly implement them into your life to make them regular habits, and soon enough you'll be able to achieve you overall goal. Remember, things take time but having motivation will get you there!

Ask a Question

Tips

• Don't try to plan your resolutions when you're in a bad mood or pressed for time. Taking time to make a thoughtful list will make your goals easier to achieve.
• Research your goals. Be sure you understand how to schedule your system to accomplish what you want to accomplish.
• Keep a Diary of your goals. Mark when you began, and set a date to accomplish them by. Do this for every goal and try to always improve upon your previous time.
• Consider setting up a little competition with your family or friends to keep focused on a tough goal. Should the loser buy a healthy lunch? Maybe take a family vacation to a great beach if everyone hits their goals by July.
• Track the results in your diary so that you get to know you improved and feel to hard work until you reach your goal.

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How to Tie Necklace Slipknots

Slip knots are a great addition to handmade jewelry, as they allow you to easily adjust the size of a piece by sliding the knot up or down. These knots also look pretty and add an interesting detail to a necklace or bracelet. To tie slipknots on a necklace, start by doubling the length of the necklace and adding pendants or beads to the cord. Form the slip knot by looping and wrapping the cord. Once you’re done, try out the slip knots on the necklace to make it bigger or smaller based on your needs.

EditSteps

EditMeasuring and Decorating the Cord

1. Use leather or waxed cotton cord. Look for cord that is in width so it is just thick enough to knot.^[1]
   
   • Pick the color of the cord based on the pendant or beads you are using for the necklace. Often, a darker colored cord will help to make a pendant or beads stand out more.
2. Make sure the necklace cord is at least long. A necklace with slip knots has to be able to go over your head and fit nicely around your neck. You will need to have at least of cord to fit the necklace over your head. Add more cord if you’d prefer the necklace to sit lower around your neck. Then, double the amount of cord so there is enough cord for the knots.
   
   • You can triple the normal amount of cord you would use if you want the knots to sit very close together on the necklace.
   • For example, if you start with of cord, you can then double that amount to so you have enough cord. Or you can triple it so it is long to make a longer necklace.
3. Place any pendants or beads on the necklace before you make the knots. Secure a pendant on the cord with a cow hitch knot or a square knot. String beads on the cord and secure them with knots or crimp beads.^[2]
   
   
   • Once you put the knots on the necklace, you will need to undo them to add any items to the necklace, so make sure you put them on beforehand.
   • If you’d rather leave the necklace plain, skip this step.
4. Confirm the necklace sits where you want it to. Before you start tying the knot, hold the ends of the cord together and slide it over your head to confirm you can put it on easily. Then, make sure it sits at a spot you like around your neck. Keep in mind it will be nearly half its length once you tie the slip knots.
   

EditMaking the Slip Knot

1. Place the necklace on a table or countertop. The ends of the necklace should sit on top of the cord, doubling the cord to form 2 layers of cord. Make sure the pendant or beads are sitting in the center of the cord. The ends should run straight up from the pendant or beads.^[3]
   
   
2. Fold the cord in half from 1 end. Use your finger to fold the cord, forming a V-shaped mark.^[4]
   
   
   • The cord you have marked with the V-shape will be the cord that you use to tie the slip knot.
3. Lie the V-shaped fold on top of the straight cord. Hold both pieces of cord with your thumb and forefinger. Keep your thumb on top of the V-shaped mark. You should now have 1 straight cord and 2 other short cords formed by the V-fold cord.
   
   
4. Take the short end of the V-fold cord and loop it around the 2 other cords. Hold the short end of the cord and place it behind the other 2 cords. Make sure you are looping the end around the other 2 cords away from the V-fold, not toward it.^[5]
   
   
   • Check that you are looping the end over 2 cords, not just 1, as this will result in an incorrect knot.
5. Wrap the V-fold cord 2-3 times around the other cords. Keep your thumb in place over the V-shaped mark as you wrap the cord around the other 2 cords. Hold the straight cord taut as you wrap the end, moving down the straight cord. You should have 2-3 nice tight wraps.^[6]
   
   
6. Remove your thumb and thread the end of the V-fold through the knot. Take your thumb off of the V-fold. Hold the end of the V-fold cord and pass it through the wrapped cord, threading it above the straight cord. Let it hang out of the first wrap you made. Pull the end tight with your fingers to secure the knot.^[7]
   
   
7. Cut the end with scissors. Once you have tightened the knot, cut off any leftover cord on the end with scissors. Make the cut right underneath the knot so the end is flush to the knot. This will ensure the knot stays in place and the end does not get caught on anything.^[8]
   
   
8. Repeat the knot on the other side of the necklace. Follow the same steps to make a slip knot with the other end. Snip off any remaining cord on the end once you have finished wrapping and securing the knot.
   
   
   • Make sure the knots sit at the same spot on the cord so they appear aligned on the necklace.
9. Try on the necklace and adjust it as needed. Once you have tied both slip knots, put the necklace over your head and let it sit on your neck. Place 1 finger over the slip knot and use your other hand to slide the knot up or down to make the necklace longer or shorter. Check that both knots sit evenly on the cord so the necklace is straight around your neck.^[9]
   
   
   • Try wearing the necklace at different lengths by pulling the slip knots up or down. Have fun wearing it low or high based on your outfit or mood for the day.

EditThings You’ll Need

• of leather or waxed cotton cord
• Pendants or beads
• Scissors

EditSources and Citations

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How to Help a Hyposensitive Autistic Person

Do you have a friend, student, spouse, or loved one on the autism spectrum? Are some of their senses hyposensitive? Is hyperactivity or sensory seeking impacting their lives? Here are ways you can help them receive the stimulation they crave, so they can be comfortable.

EditSteps

EditGeneral Tips

1. Expect hyperactivity. Because their sensory needs are greater, they will need to move more in order to meet those needs. This is natural, and it will always be part of their lives. You can help them manage it, but don't expect it to go away.
   
2. Exercise together. Sports and heavy work can help release pent-up energy, helping the autistic person focus better. Here are some ideas:
   
   • Football and baseball
   • Trampolines
   • Wall push ups
   • Chores (let them lift the heavy stuff)
   • Horseback riding
   • Swimming
   • Dragging children (e.g. siblings, sons, or daughters) around on blankets
3. Expect stimming, and don't remark on it if it isn't actively causing harm. Stimming is an easy way to fulfill their sensory needs, and it is an important coping mechanism. Don't assume that just because it doesn't look useful to you doesn't mean that it isn't useful to them.
   
   • Help them find a variety of stims to use.
   • Talk to them if their stimming is destructive (e.g. ripping the wallpaper) or broaching others' personal space (e.g. playing with his sister's hair without her consent). Help them find an alternative stim.
4. Realize that symptoms vary, both from day to day and from person to person. Stress can make sensory processing more difficult, and their needs might be different from one day to the next.
   
   • Expect them to be hyposensitive to some things and hypersensitive to others. For example, maybe they need lots of touch and activity, but bright lights bother them.
   • Even within sections, some steps may not apply to them. Autistic people are very diverse!
5. Find out what other autistic people do to handle Sensory Processing Disorder. Autistic people have a large presence online, where they share tips with each other about how to handle various problems. Check out the #askanautistic and #actuallyautistic hashtags to begin.
   
6. Help them find a good occupational therapist.^[1] An occupational therapist can help them build a sensory diet, or variety of activities to help meet their needs. This will reduce hyperactivity in the long run. They can also teach useful coping techniques, such as stims and exercises.
   
7. Be patient and accommodating. Sensory seeking requires a lot of time, and under stimulation can be difficult to handle. Allow them to be themselves and meet their needs.
   

EditVision

Autistic people with hyposensitive vision may be constantly attracted to motion and bright colors.

1. Decorate rooms with bright colors and plenty of decorations. Put posters of favorite things and colors on the walls, and don't shy away from rainbow or bright patterns.
   
2. Find stim toys that they can look at. Here are some things they may enjoy:
   
   • Snow globes, glitter jars, or a bottle with food coloring, water, and cooking oil (Simply shake)
   • Lava lamps
   • Mobiles
   • Sparkly beads and objects
   • Moving fans
   • Animated gif patterns (e.g. the "Mesmerizing Gifs" thread on reddit)
3. When shopping together, pick out brightly-colored things. It'll help moderate their need to stim, and it'll make your space more cheerful as a bonus.
   

EditHearing

If an autistic person has hyposensitive hearing, they may be very loud. Finding ways to meet their needs without infringing on others' needs can be a challenge.

1. Find times and places where they can make lots of noise without bothering others. This may be outdoors, in a room away from everyone else, or in a place where everyone has left for now.
   
2. Invest in a good pair of headphones. This way, they can turn up the volume on their computer or TV without bothering anyone.
   
3. Get some earplugs and white noise—not for them, but for yourself. Autistic people with hyposensitive hearing can be quite noisy. Meeting them partway will help both parties be happy.
   
4. Join in the noise making! Sing along to music together. Turn kitchen pots and pans into a drumset. Chase each other around the playground, giggle, and scream. A little noisy playtime can be a great bonding experience.
   

EditSmell and Taste

1. Buy strong-smelling products when you can. Hyposensitive autistic people may enjoy smelling the following:
   
   • Scented candles and air fresheners
   • Strong-smelling soap, shampoo, and body wash
   • Spicy or strong food
   • Campfires
2. Keep little candies or gum around. Some hyposensitive people will put inedible things in their mouths (necklaces, clothing, whatever they can find). When this happens, you can offer them a candy or piece of gum instead. For young children, explain why: objects are germy, and only food belongs in their mouths.
   
   • Children can be taught to ask for candy/gum when they want something to chew on.
   • Give them package of gum so they can get some whenever they want it.
   • Try buying them chewy jewelry if they do this often. These can be found at special needs stores like Stimtastic or Fun and Function.
3. When cooking, put spices on the side. This way, the hyposensitive autistic person can pile it on, while others can apply a tolerable amount. (This also helps hypersensitive people who can't handle spice.)
   
   • Always have spice on the table, even if people don't usually add spice to a given meal. This way, if the autistic person refuses to eat a food because it is "bland" or "tasteless," you can offer them the spices.
4. Have plenty of spicy and flavorful foods available. Your daughter may eat peppers like they are potato chips. (This can also be entertaining to onlookers.)
   
5. Consider making a game of who can eat the spiciest foods. See who can challenge the champion.
   

EditTouch and Movement

1. If you notice that they have a hard time sitting calmly, take a break. Let them get up, run around, bounce off the walls, and do whatever they need to do. This will allow them to release their energy so they can focus again.
   
   • Stim toys, like stress balls and tangle fidgets, can also help with focusing and sitting calmly. Try keeping a box of stim toys that your loved one can grab from as needed.
2. Get an exercise ball or sensory seat wedge. The autistic person can sit on the wedge or ball when others use chairs, allowing them to bounce and wiggle to their content while being able to focus on whatever is in front of them.
   
   • Teachers can get this as part of the student's IEP or special needs plan.
3. Keep an eye out for injuries. Sometimes, autistic people may get hurt without noticing it, because their sense of pain is hyposensitive. If you notice something odd, mention it right away, in case they didn't know.
   
   • This can vary greatly—from not feeling a bug that landed on their arm to not realizing that their leg is broken.
4. Talk to children about pushing or hitting. Due to a hyposensitivity to pain, they may not always realize that these things hurt other people. Make it clear that others have different pain thresholds, and if they need input, they should push against walls (not people).
   
5. Massage them or hug them tightly. This provides the deep pressure they may crave, and also shows them that you love them.
   
6. Identify a cushioned area (couch, bed, a pile pillows) that they can crash into. Hyposensitive autistic people may love to run into things, and it's important that they use a place that can't hurt them. Encourage the person to go land on their "crash pad" if they are getting hyper.
   
   • Try out the "crash pad" together. It may be more fun than you think!

EditRelated wikiHows

• Redirect an Autistic Child's Harmful Stims
• Interpret Autistic Body Language
• Help an Autistic Family Member
• Support an Autistic Person
• Cope With Sensory Integration Disorder
• Help a Hypersensitive Autistic Person
• Talk to an Autistic Person

EditSources and Citations

• Cynthia Kim: Sensory Seeking
• Thinking Person's Guide to Autism: Sensory Seekers and Sensory Avoiders
• Helping Your Child Cope with Sensory Needs
• Cynthia Kim: Sensory Diet (contains a list of ideas)

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How to Clean a DSLR Sensor

If your DLSR sensor is dirty, any picture you take may appear spotty or grainy. Cleaning your sensor periodically can keep your pictures clear and help avoid excess dust from building up on the sensor. DLSR sensors can be cleaned in 1 of 2 ways: dry or wet cleaning. With the right tools and plenty of persistence, you can clean your DLSR sensor all on your own.

EditSteps

EditCleaning Your Sensor (Dry)

1. Lay your camera down on a flat surface. You will want to keep your camera level while you are cleaning it. This will prevent you from dropping it as you clean the sensor. Remove the camera lens to expose the sensor so you can begin cleaning it.^[1]
   
   • Dry cleaning is best for mildly dirty sensors. Try this option first before cleaning solutions.
2. Locate the DSLR sensor. Unscrew the camera lens and place it on the table. Look inside the hole left by the camera lens until you spot a mirror. This mirror is the DSLR sensor.^[2]
   
   
3. Use a bulb blower on the sensor. Hold the blower to inches away from the sensor and begin blowing on the sensor. Move the blower back and forth as you use it to evenly clean the sensor.^[3]
   
   
   • Bulb blowers can be bought online or at electronics stores.
   • Do not use canned air blowers on your DSLR sensor. The pressure is usually strong enough to damage your sensor.
4. Use a sensor scope to spot small dust particles. A sensor scope is a magnifying glass with a light shining at the end of the scope. Use the scope to check for more dust after you've finished blowing. Use the bulb blower again on areas where you spot more dust.^[4]
   
   
   • Sensor scopes can be purchased online or at most camera shops.
   • Turn the camera upside down to dislodge hard-to-reach dust as you blow the DSLR sensor.
5. Take another photo after cleaning and compare it to the first photo. Make your second photo as identical as possible, then run it through the same photo editing program. Look for any residual dust and, if you spot any, dry clean the DSLR sensor again or try using a cleaning solution.
   

EditUsing a Camera Cleaning Solution

1. Purchase a sensor cleaning solution. Do not use general soaps or cleaners on your camera. Use a specialized DSLR sensor cleaner, which can be purchased online or at some electronics stores. DSLR cleaners leave a coating on the sensor that can repel dust and minimize future build-up.
   
2. Dip a sensor swab or cotton swab in the cleaning solution. Keep your swab away from touching any objects before you use it to avoid dirtying it. Hold the cleaning tool on 1 end and dip it in on the other end.^[5]
   
   
   • Read the cleaner directions carefully before you use it on your sensor.
   • Avoid using cotton balls, which do not have a separate stick to hold while you clean the sensor.
3. Let the swab soak in the solution for about a minute. One minute is approximately enough time for the solution to soak into the cleaning tool. When a minute has passed, keep the cleaning tool lifted over the solution so it can catch any drips.^[6]
   
   • Do not squeeze cleaner directly onto the DSLR. Apply it with a cleaning tool.
4. Drag the swab over the DSLR sensor carefully. Tilt the swab at an angle, then drag it from one end of the sensor to the other. Then, drag it back once the other way. Lift the swab off of the sensor after you've dragged it both ways to keep from smudging it.^[7]
   
   
   • Apply light pressure as you drag the swab across the sensor.
   • Don't worry about getting all of the dust off with your first swab. You can always repeat the process as necessary.
5. Throw the sensor swab away after it has been used. Sensor or cotton swabs cannot be used twice, as they will no longer be sterile. If your sensor still looks dirty, dip another swab in the solution and try again until it is clean.^[8]
   

EditChecking if Your Sensor is Dirty

1. Set your ISO to its lowest normal range. Do not set your ISO lower than its extended range, which may impede your camera's ability to spot all dirty areas on your sensor. If your camera has an automatic ISO setting, change it to manual and adjust it based on your camera manual's lowest ISO instructions.^[9]
   
   
   • The lowest ISO range for most digital cameras is 100.^[10]
2. Turn on your camera's manual focus. To catch all the dust and debris on your sensor when you take the picture, you'll want the photo to be out of focus. If taking the picture indoors, set the focus to infinity. If taking it outdoors, set it to close-focus.
   
   
3. Choose a medium-sized aperture level. If your aperture is too wide, you may not be able to see any dust. If you set it too small, however, the detail may be so close that you see dust in the air or on other objects rather than your camera sensor.
   
   
   • f/22 is usually an ideal aperture level.^[11]
4. Take a picture of a blank background. If your photo is too detailed, you may not be able to distinguish between dust and spots of light or blurry objects. A white wall, cloudy sky, or blank piece of paper works as a perfect background.^[12]
   
   • Slowly move the camera as you take the picture to further blur it.
5. Process the photo online to check for spots. Running your photo through an editing program will help you catch dust spots. Desaturate the photo and increase the contrast to make spots more visible. Sensor dust will look like small, dark circles randomly dotting your photo.^[13]
   
   • If your photo seems more smudged than spotted, your lens may need cleaning instead of your sensor.

EditTips

• Clean your DSLR sensor in a well-lit area to make sure you clean away all of the dust.
• Wash your hands before cleaning your sensor to keep it and your cleaning tools sterile.
• Some digital cameras have a self-cleaning setting for its DSLR sensor. If yours does, use the self-cleaning sensor first and try manual cleaning options only if it doesn't work.^[14]

EditThings You'll Need

• Photo editing program
• Bulb blower
• Sensor scope
• DSLR cleaner
• Sensor swab or cotton swab

EditRelated wikiHows

• Repair Lens Problems on Your Digital Camera
• Buy a Digital Camera
• Keep Your Camera Sensor Cleaner

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

How to Avoid Depression on New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is a time of partying, celebrating accomplishments made in the soon-to-be-gone year, and for making toasts and resolutions for the upcoming three hundred sixty-five (or six!) days; however, New Year's Eve can also be a difficult time for many people, bringing about feelings of sadness, loneliness, or regret. A few simple tips can help you make the most out of your New Year's Eve and look toward the year ahead.

EditSteps

EditGetting Through the Night

1. Celebrate with close friends or loved ones. Surround yourself with the people who know you the best and the people that want the best for you, especially if you have individuals in your life who know you struggle with depression or low moods.^[1] They'll be able to be sensitive to how you are feeling and may even know a way or two to try and lift your mood. You might find that the happiness will find its way to you through celebration with the right people.
   
   • Choose to spend the evening with a few friends, or family members, somewhere you feel safe and comfortable.
   • If family or close friends don't live near you (if you're traveling or living away from home, etc.), go out with some local friends or pick the friend that you are closest to and spend the celebration with him.
2. Have a party! Even if you are not “feeling” the holiday spirit, start celebrating anyway! Go to a previously planned party at a friend's house, or gather some people and count down the final moments of the year (with some snacks and good music) in your own home. Participating in something social has been shown to help decrease feelings of isolation, anxiety, and stigma.^[2] You may find that the decorating, the atmosphere and the environment, or possibly just participating in doing something are enough to brighten your mood.
   
3. Take your mind off it. If you feel the down mood will be with you no matter what you are doing, then try doing something to actively distract yourself from your negative thoughts.^[3] Focusing too much on the negative can actually make your mood worse, so instead, try and set yourself up to be distracted by an activity and the spirit of New Year's Eve being the start of something new.
   
   • Make a New Year's Eve craft or project.
   • Research a future vacation, a topic of interest, or learn something new.
   • Reorganize your room or apartment.
4. Pamper yourself. If the idea of a quiet night in brings you peace and happiness, then do just that. Spend the evening pampering yourself, and taking part in what is appropriately called “self-care.”^[4] Self-care is extremely important in combatting feelings of depression, as the symptoms of changes in appetite, sleep, and lethargy directly affect your ability to care for yourself. Do whatever makes you feel refreshed, beautiful, and ready to start the year anew!^[5]
   
   • Have a luxurious bath with candles, champagne, and music.
   • Give yourself an at-home manicure, pedicure, or facial mask.
   • Relax and get a restful night of sleep.
5. Make healthy choices. It can be pretty easy to begin making unhealthy decisions when you are feeling depressed or down. Poor decision making and a lack of intuition have been linked to many symptoms of depression and the effects of depression on emotional and physical health.^[6][7]
   
   • Eat foods that boost your mood and fight off depression.^[8]
     • Fruits with Vitamin C, like blueberries, grapefruit, or kiwi.^[9]
     • Food rich in Vitamin E, like nuts and seeds.^[10]
     • Omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, flaxseed oil, and nuts.^[11]
     • Proteins like turkey, tuna, or chicken.^[12]
6. Avoid drinking too much. If feeling down or depressed has you tempted to make unhealthy decisions regarding alcohol (or other drugs), fight it and try to make a concerted effort to stay healthy. There is a very strong relationship between alcohol use and depression regardless of which issue comes first, so be aware of the slippery slope which can occur when these two interact.^[13] Often drinking will only worsen your down moods in the short-term and create a larger problem in the long-term.
   
   • If you are not sure of your ability to limit your alcohol use, then it may be better to avoid drinking alcohol altogether. You will be happy you did later on.
   • If you do decide to drink, try limiting your drinks, or drinking a full glass of water after every glass of alcohol to pace yourself. Make sure you are not drinking on an empty stomach and eat during the evening.
7. Get moving. Working out is another great way to combat symptoms of depression. If you are not particularly a “work out” person, any kind of movement will do! Have a private dance party to your favorite music or take a walk outside.
   
   • Movement will help increase levels of serotonin in your brain and endorphins in your body, causing mind and body feelings of happiness and well-being.^[14]
   • It will also help burn all those pesky post-holiday calories from Thanksgiving or other winter holidays you celebrate.
   • You will have the satisfied feeling of doing something good for yourself and your body to start off the new year right.

EditReframing the Past

1. Reflect. Take time to figure out what has you feeling the way you do. Being able to reflect on why you're feeling down or what specifically has you feeling depressed, will help you discover ways in which you can improve for the coming year and will help you move on.^[15]
   
   • Try not to focus too much on the disappointments. If they come up during your reflection its okay to sit with them for a short time and then refocus your attention on more positive reflections.
   • Reflect on the past year month by month, being certain to reflect on one good thing that had happened in that month.
   • Review your year by life area, taking time to focus on family life, professional life, romantic life, physical life, spiritual life, and financial life. Identify at least one thing you are proud of from that area of your life.
   • Ask yourself a series of positive questions such as, “What new things did I find out about myself?” or “What was the best news I received?”^[16]
2. Recognize the symptoms of depression. Depression is more than just a temporary “down mood.” Know the symptoms and as you are reflecting on your past or how you are feeling, be honest with yourself about where you stand.^[17] You do not need to experience all of the following symptoms or you may experience some atypical ones not listed here.^[18]
   
   • Persistent sad mood, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or pessimism.
   • Difficulty sleeping, early-morning waking, or oversleeping.
   • Changes in appetite or weight, more hungry or less hungry than usual or loss or gain of weight.
   • Activity level changes such as a loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities you once loved.
   • Physical symptoms such as chronic pain or lack of energy.^[19]
   • Family history of depression.
3. Learn from the past. Learn from what has happened and then try to leave it there. If you were unhappy with your previous year, take this as an opportunity to learn from the mistakes made and put solutions to action in the upcoming year. ^[20] If there were no mistakes made, but rather a bad year because terrible things happened, reflect on what you have learned about your own resilience and ability to cope with the worst.^[21]
   
4. View any difficulties as challenges. It is often difficult to not get weighed down by bad things when they happen to you, or by circumstances in your life. The most successful people view these things as challenges or as circumstances they have survived or overcome.^[22] Think about what you have accomplished and overcome in the past year, changing any feelings of failure into a form of helpful feedback.
   
5. Choose to see the good. Actively focusing on good will set you up to retrain your brain to focus more on the positive on a more regular basis.^[23] The power of positive thinking has truth to it and, much like any skill, you have to practice it to become good at it.^[24] The benefits include decreased cortisol (known as the "stress hormone") and increased serotonin in your brain, which creates feelings of well-being and helps support brain growth.^[25]
   
   • Try listing ten things you are grateful for from the past year. This may be the great vacation you took with your family, discovering a new band or author you love, accomplishing a goal, making a new friend, or learning something new about yourself.
   • Practice mindfulness. Being mindful means slowing down and allowing yourself to fully experience and savor the moment.^[26] Watching fireworks? Really allow yourself to appreciate the color and the spectacle — don't strategize about how you're going to navigate your way home later or wonder if anyone liked your social media post about your New Year's resolution or anything else. Just enjoy the beauty of that moment.
   • Work on reframing. Sometimes, changing a negative thought to a positive one is just a matter of looking at it from a different angle. If you find yourself stressing out about the big crowds, worrying about traffic and how late you're going to get home, try reframing by thinking something like, "It's really great that so many people are coming together to celebrate tonight. If traffic gets too crazy and it gets really late, my friend said I can just crash with her tonight and we can make breakfast in the morning."

EditCelebrating Your Present

1. Know that you are not alone. New Year's Eve (the holiday season in general) is regarded by many to be a holiday that sparks depressive feelings. ^[27] With a year ending and the popularity of resolutions, the pressure to evaluate your life is high. This holiday unfortunately also falls during the time of seasonal depression in areas with winter climates.^[28] Know that there are others out there who feel the same way that you do about this holiday and that maybe you can find someone who feels similarly and spend the night discussing it with a kindred spirit.
   
2. Be kind to yourself. Don't beat yourself up for not completing resolutions from the previous year. There are no rules when you are taking control of your life. If you are unhappy about the circumstances in your life, forgive yourself and allow yourself time to get there.^[29]
   
   • Pay attention to the thoughts you are having, especially those about yourself. Are they kind thoughts or unkind?
   • Counter each unkind thought with a kind thought about your self or your life. Be patient, this may take some time.
   • Pamper yourself. Kickstart the new year with a solid nights sleep, a long bath, or a massage as a good way to take care of yourself.
3. Start a new New Year's Eve tradition. It may be fun and helpful to add a sense of ritual and tradition to the occasion. It can provide you with a moment to think back over the coming year and it presents a turning point at which you choose to move forward.^[30] Additionally, you'll get a boost in self-efficacy knowing that you are being active in changing your experience. Choose where, when, and what type of new tradition would have meaning for you. Some ideas include:
   
   • Write down anything that you feel negative about over the past year. After writing them down, get rid of them; toss them in the trash, tear them up, or burn them.
   • If you want to do resolutions, write this coming year's down and bless them in some way. Place them somewhere prominently to remind you of what's to come rather than what has been.
   • Create a New Year's jar. Take a jar and, throughout the year, anytime something good or happy happens write it down and put it in the jar. Then on New Year's Eve, read through them to remind yourself of the great year you had.
   • Light lanterns and set them afloat as a way of sending your hopes or wishes out into the world.
4. Make it about you. For your own happiness and comfort spend the night doing what you want to do, not what others want you to.^[31] If the thought of spending the night at a party, surrounded by others, or drinking gets you feeling down, then choose to do something else. Nothing is better than starting the new year with something that makes you happy, so whip up your best meal, listen to your favorite song, or watch a great movie. Look to do what makes you feel happier and indulge yourself.
   
   • Make sure, however, that you are being honest with yourself. If your habits are to isolate yourself from others and stay in bed all day, notice that these are powerful symptoms of depression and while they feel like you want to do them, they are not the healthiest choice for you. Maybe stay in, but ask a family member or a friend to stay with you as well.

EditPlanning for a Better Future

1. Make a positive change. With all the perspective taking you've done, if there are changes you want to make, now is a great time to make them! Once you're aware of what has been making you unhappy, you're better positioned to make a positive change.^[32] Try not to think of these as resolutions, make them more than that and think them through.
   
   • Close your eyes and try and envision what you want your life to look like in the coming year. Use this to help you establish goals.
   • Go back to your reflections and if you reflected by month, write a goal for each month. If you reflected by areas in your life (such as family, career, etc.), list a change or a goal for each area.
2. Start with something small. It is tempting at this time of year to make grand statements and promise big changes; however, it is not very realistic and by doing so you risk setting yourself up for failure and disappointment. It can be difficult to make changes at all if you are feeling depressed, so remember: this is not the only time where you can make changes in your life.^{[33] [34]} Start now, start small, and set S.M.A.R.T goals for yourself.^[35] SMART goals are defined as the following:
   
   • Specific. Make sure the goal is specific to increase your ability to know when you meet it. Ask yourself the 5 “W” questions; who, what, where, when, and why.
   • Measurable. Set up a concrete measurement of what it will look like when you meet the goal. To help ask yourself questions like: How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished?
   • Attainable. When you are making your goals attainable, think of ways you can reach those goals. Consider your skills, abilities, time, emotional, and financial capacity to reach them.
   • Realistic. Make sure your goals are ones that you are willing and able to work towards.
   • Timely. Ground your goal within a time frame or a time table. Ask yourself: When do I want this completed? How often will I work towards this or check in on my progress?
3. Know your patterns. Take the time to start noticing patterns for how you are feeling. Are you usually more depressed before New Year's Eve or after? Is it a feeling that lasts all holiday season? Use this to help you determine what you might be struggling with. Look carefully at what relaxed you in the past that worked and take note of it. Set yourself up with a self-care plan for times when you see a difficult patch coming. Learn and grow from it.
   
4. Seek professional help. If you know you have depression or if you feel like nothing is working to help lift your mood, seek professional help.^[36] Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder are common and completely treatable conditions. Treatment for depression can include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Here are some places you can look to for help:
   
   • Mental health specialists.
   • Your general practitioner or primary care doctor.
   • Health insurance company.
   • Community mental health centers.
   • Through your employer.
   • Local hospital.
   • Religious leaders with training in mental health care.
   • Nearby university or medical school-affiliated mental health clinics.

EditTips

• Consider whether or not you want to make resolutions very carefully. Don't set yourself up to fail. If you make them, make them realistic, and be gentle to yourself when trying to reach them.
• Remember: Keep a positive mental attitude, don't let the little things get to you, and make the new year something worth remembering. Life is too short for regrets–make the most of it!

EditRelated wikiHows

• Cope With Post Holiday Syndrome
• Accomplish Your New Year's Resolutions
• Celebrate New Years Alone
• Reflect

EditSources and Citations

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