Exam Week

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This week marks the beginning of one of the most dreaded times of year, exams. Today and tomorrow I have my French and science exams, Monday I have AP Lang (send help), Tuesday is math and U.S. History, and finally Wednesday finishes up with economics. I always find midyear exams to be more difficult than finals because the content is much more detailed and specific. Although most schools finished all their tests before Christmas break I thought I would still share a few of my study tips! Just remember the three S's, sleep, study guides, and staying after!

Sleep// Overhearing conversations in the halls about people staying up until 2 or 3 in the morning makes me nervous for them. The chances of actually retaining information from the late hours of studying are very slim. It is so much more effective to call it quits by 11 and still have a few terms you are iffy on. During the exam you will be well rested and ready to go. 

Study Guides// At this point, majority of my teachers do not provide us with study guides. Going through old notes and creating your own study guide will help you figure out what you know and what you need to know. Also, having this on your computer will be super helpful when finals roll around. For language classes or any exams you know will be vocal heavy, make a quizzlet! 

Stay After// If there are certain sections you are still a little bit confused about, go in and meet with your teacher. This easy step will show your teachers that you have been studying and want to do well- they may even give you a few extra study hints! 

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

How to be a Morning Person

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This past year I have found myself slowly becoming more and more of a morning person, and surprisingly I love it. Waking up a little bit earlier gives you some extra time to be productive and makes you feel more awake by the time you need to be at school or work. Although getting out of bed when it's still dark out is not completely appealing, there are lots of benefits to becoming a morning person. Here are a few things that I have been doing to get up a little bit earlier. 

get to bed earlier// Freshman and sophomore year I stayed up way to late during the week doing homework and studying. I finally have my afternoon routine down to a science and have not gone to bed after 11 on a school night all year. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule will help you be more awake in the morning.

get up 30 min earlier// I used to get up at 7:00 every morning to be at school by 8:00 and this year I wake up at 6:30 Monday-Friday. I have found that I like to get to school on the earlier side as I can go to the library and finish up homework or fit in a little extra studying. Also, by the time 8:00 rolls around and class starts I have been up for an hour and a half and am significantly more awake. 

don't hit snooze// I think that I am in the minority here, but I get out of bed the second my alarm goes off and think that it really helps you get ready for the day. If you are constantly hitting snooze, try to eliminate one per day or week until you can finally get up the first time! 

lay out an outfit the night before// I have been doing this for most of my life and it is seriously a game changer in the morning. Waking up can be so much more relaxing and getting ready will not take nearly as long. 

morning workouts// Sign up for an early mooring workout class, or find the motivation to go on an early mooring run once a week. Starting your day with a workout will wake you up and give you the rest of the day to be productive! 

don't sleep too much on the weekends// I try to wake up no later than 9 on the weekends. If you are waking up super late on the weekends your sleeping schedule will get all messed up and waking up on monday will not be easy.

eat breakfast// I am a sting believer that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and have zero idea how people skip it entirely. You do not need to whip up some gourmet meal every morning but just having some fruit and yogurt or a bagel will give you some energy to kick start the day! 

drink coffee or tea// If you really are not a morning person and can't wake up, give yourself a little caffeine to kickstart the day. 

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea