Truth and Tips about AP TESTING:
The fear that is undoubtably pulsing through the minds of many teenagers as we speak (or type/ read, if you would like to be literal).
Let's face the facts: AP's are inevitable and in the long run, we WILL indeed that ourselves for these never-ending hours (or if you're a time-waster like me: limited supply of hours) that we spent slaving over our books, notes, and practice tests. BUT here's the thing: If you realize that it is bound to happen, it will make the experience a lot less painful, trust me!
Well, if you don't really believe me, here are some tips for excellent studying/ de-stressing:
1) First off: here's a no-no. DON'T BINGE EAT. or really eat a lot of unhealthy junk in general. Keep your snacking to a minimum, because you know what comes right after AP Tests and finals...? Yeah, that's right. SUMMER. So don't waste any of that work you put into sculpting your beach body.
2) On that note: RUNNING! I know how you feel, 95% of the time, I HATE running as well, but if you're stressed and need to blow off steam: It really helps! Besides, if you HATE running so much, then you don't have to worry about spending a lot of time going for a long run, because you'll be home and back to your books very shortly.
Here's another pro of running: It releases endorphins! You know... those things that can help you DE-stress! Whhhat?? Yeah.. I know, it's crazy.
3) A very popular method: Listening to music! If you plug in your headphones, crank up the tunes (ranging from heavy metal to beethoven), and lose yourself from stress from the real world, it helps you focus down. Now this may seem false, because studying while listening to music is not exactly "suggested", but if you can't seem to get your mind off of all of your other work/ need a mental break, then music really is a cure-all. ALSO: You can listen to music while you run and it will help you get into the zone. EASY (revert back to #2).
4) LASTLY: A tip for effective studying is (I know you've heard it before), putting down your phone and logging off your Facebook (and twitter) and studying HARD. Here's where the tip comes in...
What I suggest, is that you set a timer in your phone, say... 45 minutes. So you put your phone aside for those 45 minutes, and study as hard and effectively as you can. After the timer goes off: Treat yourself for a nice, self-indulgent 10 minute break. You can repeat this process for the entirety of your study period and you will be AMAZED at how much work you get done. Don't believe me...? Try it for yourself! And DONT cheat!
If you have any feedback about any of these methods or anything else, then leave a comment!
- Natalie
