Tips for Supporting Mental Health for People with Disabilities

Supporting mental health for people with disabilities plays a critical role in their well-being. Nurturing their emotional and psychological health deserves special attention. Disabilities, whether physical, cognitive, sensory, or developmental, can bring unique challenges that shape daily experiences, social interactions, and self-identity.

These factors may increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and stress if the right support systems aren’t in place. Understanding how to foster a positive mental environment can empower individuals with disabilities to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

Understanding and Accessing Support Services

Support services are often the backbone of mental wellness for people with disabilities. These services can include therapy programs, disability-inclusive support groups, personal care assistance, and community resources designed to make everyday life more manageable.

Having access to thoughtful support helps individuals navigate emotional hurdles and encourages independence, and improves quality of life.

Individuals and caregivers need to explore available options and learn how different services can meet diverse needs. Whether your click here gave you information or you still need to do more research, taking time to understand disability-focused support services can ease stress, reduce isolation, and build confidence.

Programs ranging from counseling and behavioral therapy to mobility assistance and life-skills training can make a meaningful difference.

Community disability centers, nonprofit organizations, and government programs often provide resources that people may not know exist. It helps to regularly check local directories, health service providers, and disability advocacy groups to stay aware of new tools and opportunities.

Supporting Mental Health for People with Disabilities

Encouraging Emotional Expression and Connection

Loneliness and social isolation can significantly impact mental health. Encouraging healthy communication and emotional expression is vital in helping individuals with disabilities feel seen and heard.

Caregivers, friends, and family members can strengthen emotional well-being by offering a safe, judgment-free space for conversations. Listening with empathy, without rushing to offer solutions, helps build trust and emotional strength.

Building community connections plays a powerful role. Participating in social activities, inclusive programs, or hobby-based clubs gives people with disabilities opportunities to make friends, develop confidence, and escape from isolation. For those who prefer online environments, virtual support groups and digital meet-ups can offer camaraderie and shared understanding.

Promoting Routine, Structure, and Independence

A structured routine can provide comfort and reduce stress for individuals who depend on predictability to feel secure. Planning regular schedules around meals, hobbies, medical care, and rest encourages balance.

Routines should support independence wherever possible, even small decisions, like choosing outfits or planning meals, can strengthen confidence and self-esteem.

Developing life skills at a comfortable pace can enhance independence. Whether it’s learning to manage finances, practicing self-advocacy, or handling transportation, gradual skill-building reinforces autonomy while ensuring mental well-being remains a priority.

Encouraging Physical Wellness and Adaptive Activities

Physical and mental health are deeply connected. Exercise, adapted to each person’s abilities, can lift mood, manage stress, and boost self-confidence. Activities like swimming, stretching, adaptive yoga, and chair-based exercises help enhance mobility while promoting emotional balance.

Engaging in enjoyable hobbies, from painting to gardening to music therapy, stimulates positive emotions and reduces anxiety. Celebrating small achievements helps build pride and fosters motivation.

Educating Caregivers and Expanding Awareness

Family members, caregivers, and support staff play a vital role in mental health. Understanding disability-related emotional challenges and learning mental-health-first-aid strategies equips caregivers to provide better support.

Workshops, online courses, and community seminars can help deepen awareness and develop practical techniques for assisting loved ones in times of stress or emotional change.

Education empowers caregivers to recognize signs of burnout in themselves and the individuals they support. Addressing stress early helps prevent emotional decline and maintains a nurturing environment.

Advocating for Accessibility and Inclusion

Supporting mental health for people with disabilities thrives where accessibility exists. Environments that embrace disability inclusion, in workplaces, schools, healthcare systems, and communities, help individuals feel valued and respected.

Advocating for accessible mental health programs, barrier-free communication options, and equal opportunities promotes dignity and belonging.

Self-advocacy plays a key part. Encouraging individuals with disabilities to voice their needs and preferences strengthens confidence and ensures their mental health remains centered in decision-making.

Tips for Supporting Mental Health for People with Disabilities

Prioritizing a Person-Centered Approach

Supporting mental health for people with disabilities means recognizing every person’s individuality. Needs vary widely, and no single approach fits all. Taking a person-centered approach, listening, adapting, and empowering, helps build a strong foundation for emotional wellness.

With compassionate care, supportive services, and meaningful connections, individuals with disabilities can lead emotionally rich, empowered lives. This begins with a collaborative assessment where the individual, not their diagnosis, is the expert on their own life, goals, and preferences for support.

Communication must be adapted to the person’s specific needs, which may involve using tools like visual aids, assistive technology, or working closely with a trusted advocate to ensure their voice is heard.

Support plans are then co-designed as dynamic, living documents that evolve with the person’s changing aspirations, rather than being static, prescriptive treatment regimens.

Understanding Triggers: How Awareness Strengthens Sobriety

Maintaining sobriety is a challenging journey, often complicated by the presence of triggers. These triggers can provoke cravings, making it all too easy for someone in recovery to stumble.

Being aware of what these triggers are and how they influence thoughts and behaviors reflects how awareness strengthens sobriety — it enhances coping strategies and reinforces commitment to recovery.

Developing an understanding of triggers, along with strategies to manage them, plays a vital role in the recovery process.

This article delves into various aspects of triggers, their origins, and how increased awareness can lead to sustainable sobriety.

What Are Triggers?

Triggers are stimuli that provoke intense emotional or psychological reactions, leading to cravings or urges to use substances. They often fall into three categories: external, internal, and social.

External triggers include environments or people associated with past substance use, like bars or certain friends. Internal triggers encompass feelings such as stress, loneliness, or other emotional states that provoke cravings.

Understanding the nature of these triggers is key for individuals in recovery, as it allows them to recognize and prepare for situations that could lead to relapse— a clear example of how awareness strengthens sobriety..

Each person’s triggers are unique, stemming from individual experiences and histories with substance use. For some, a particular smell or song may evoke vivid memories tied to past use, skewing their emotional state.

Stress or anxiety might create internal triggers that can become almost automatic responses. Identifying personal triggers is the first step in managing them effectively.

Identifying Personal Triggers

Awareness begins with reflection—the first step in understanding how awareness strengthens sobriety.. Keeping a journal can help individuals track their feelings and behaviors, revealing patterns. Notable moments of stress or cravings can shed light on the specific types of situations that provoke unwanted urges.

This method aids in recognizing both internal and external triggers, facilitating deeper introspection.

Therapy and support group sessions create safe spaces to discuss triggers without judgment. Sharing experiences can help individuals understand that they are not alone, enhancing their coping network.

Therapists often suggest cognitive-behavioral techniques to reframe thought patterns associated with triggers, reducing their power over recovery. Whether you go to a detox center in Lake Forest, Knollwood, or anywhere else local to you, having the right support system can be pivotal in this phase.

Beyond reflection, practicing mindfulness and meditation can build the mental muscle to observe triggering thoughts without immediately reacting to them.

It’s important to develop a personalized “safety plan” that outlines specific, healthy actions to take when a recognized trigger arises, such as calling a sponsor or going for a walk.

Developing Coping Strategies

Once an individual identifies their triggers, the next step is developing effective coping strategies. These can range from breathing exercises to mindfulness practices that create mental space between feelings and actions.

Techniques like grounding exercises help to bring attention back to the present, reducing the grip of overwhelming emotions.

Having a specific plan in place for encounters with triggers proves beneficial. Someone might decide to call a friend or engage in a hobby when faced with cravings. Establishing these proactive measures fosters resilience, building confidence that one can navigate challenging situations without resorting to substance use.

Utilizing Support Networks

A robust support network significantly bolsters sobriety efforts. Friends, family, and recovery groups serve as emotional anchors, providing encouragement during difficult periods. Engaging with others who understand the journey enhances accountability, making triggers easier to manage collectively.

Support groups often utilize shared experiences to highlight common triggers and successful coping strategies.

The power of collective wisdom can offer insights that individuals may not discover on their own. Having a go-to list of supportive resources ensures that individuals can connect with others when triggers arise, reducing the feeling of isolation.

Creating a Trigger-Free Environment

Fostering a supportive physical and emotional environment plays a pivotal role in maintaining sobriety. This may involve removing substances associated with previous use from one’s living space or distancing oneself from individuals who might pose a threat to recovery.

A clean and safe environment reinforces a commitment to sobriety.

Cultivating an atmosphere that encourages positive habits further strengthens resilience against triggers. Engaging in healthy activities, maintaining a structured routine, and focusing on self-care are vital components.

These changes embody how awareness strengthens sobriety —diminishing the prominence of triggers and enhancing well-being, making the path to sobriety more manageable.

The Role of Mindfulness in Recovery

Mindfulness significantly impacts recovery by facilitating present-moment awareness, which can reduce the intensity of cravings. Practicing mindfulness through meditation or yoga creates a deeper sense of connection to the present, allowing individuals to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

Mindfulness enhances self-regulation, equipping individuals with the tools to confront triggers without returning to previous behaviors. Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines allows one to respond to stress or anxiety with greater clarity and calmness, strengthening resolve in the face of adversity. Regular practice fosters resilience, leading to improved emotional stability and a reinforced commitment to sobriety.

Understanding triggers and developing awareness around them can make a significant difference in the journey toward sobriety. By identifying personal triggers, creating coping strategies, utilizing support networks, and fostering a conducive living environment, individuals can enhance their chances of succeeding in recovery. Incorporating mindfulness practices nurtures the mind, paving a smoother path to lasting sobriety.

How Technology Is Expanding Access To Mental Health Support

Mental illness is, unfortunately, more prevalent in society than ever before, expanding access to mental health support has become increasingly vital as almost everyone knows someone who suffers from it—or experiences it themselves.

If you have a loved one who’s dealing with mental health issues, recommending technological support services to them could be a great way to give their health a boost and alleviate their symptoms.

There are many different ways in which technology can help, ranging from online psychiatry services to guides and articles that provide information and resources patients can use to overcome their problems. Read on to find out more.

expanding access to mental health support

Teletherapy Services

Not everybody is able to commute to a psychiatrist’s office once or twice a week. Some people live in remote areas or have mobility issues. Such individuals can benefit massively from teletherapy services, which the experts from the Telepsych Health website say have a lot to offer.

One of the biggest advantages of teletherapy is that, because it is online, it tends to be very affordable. Many of these services also offer discounted payment plans to people whose budgets do not cover the cost of their offerings. By expanding access to mental health support, teletherapy is, without a doubt, revolutionising therapy.

AI Chatbots

AI (Artificial Intelligence) gives people a tool they can use to express themselves and get constructive advice. While AI should not be used instead of a therapist, it can still be used to streamline the compilation of resources.

It can also be used in an emergency to find contact numbers for mental health support services. If you plan on using an AI chatbot, make sure you shop around and find the best one you can. Some are better than others. Try to find a tool that has access to the latest online resources.

Online Prescriptions

Therapists can fill prescriptions out digitally now, which means you do not have to go to your psychiatrist’s office to get a prescription. If you sign up for a telepsychiatry service, they might even be able to bypass your doctor and write prescriptions out for you, although that depends on the service and the location of your therapist.

As well as being able to fill out prescriptions online, therapists can also digitally send them to a pharmacy of your choice, expanding access to mental health support by allowing you to go straight to the pharmacy and pick up your medicine without worrying about extra trips to the doctor’s surgery.

guide to expanding access to mental health support

Wearable Monitors

One last way worth mentioning that modern technology helps those suffering from mental illness is wearable monitors. People can wear wearable monitors to monitor their stress levels, heart rate, and blood pressure. This makes it possible for them to remove themselves from potentially difficult situations in the early stages of a panic attack or stressful situation.

Make sure that if you do invest in a wearable monitor, you shop around and find one with good reviews, offered by a brand with a solid reputation. Reviews tell you everything you need to know about a product.

Technology is expanding access to mental health support and giving people with serious problems more opportunities to seek help. If you are struggling with mental illness, now’s the time to look into the technological advances being made in psychiatry.

The Hidden Effects of Extended Screen Time on Your Health

As technology advances and screens become increasingly integrated into daily life, the impact of extended screen time on our health is an important issue to consider.

From smartphones to laptops and televisions, screen use has escalated dramatically in recent years. As a result, more people are experiencing a range of health issues linked to excessive screen exposure, with effects that can extend beyond mere eye strain.

Understanding Screen Time and Its Implications

Initially, it is important to define what constitutes “extended screen time.” While there is no universally agreed-upon duration, studies have shown that spending more than four hours a day on a screen can lead to various health complications.

Physical issues such as eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns often arise from excessive use. The mental toll of being constantly connected can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression, creating a vicious cycle that is hard to break.

Our bodies are not designed to remain sedentary for long periods, and with the rise of remote work and virtual entertainment, more individuals are succumbing to this lifestyle.

The need to balance screen time with physical activity has never been more crucial. Engaging in regular breaks and movement can significantly counteract the adverse effects of extended digital exposure.

The Impact on Eye Health

One of the most commonly reported issues related to excessive screen exposure is digital eye strain, often referred to as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include dryness, irritation, and difficulty in focusing, which can significantly impact daily productivity.

About 50 to 90 percent of people who use computers for extended periods experience some symptoms of digital eye strain. Protecting one’s eyes involves incorporating practices such as the 20-20-20 rule, where every 20 minutes spent on a screen is followed by looking at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Blue light emitted from screens can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle by interfering with melatonin production. This can lead to difficulties falling asleep or achieving restful sleep.

Studies suggest that limiting screen time before bedtime, particularly using devices with bright screens, is good for maintaining healthy sleep patterns. More conscious choices regarding screen use can mitigate these negative impacts and promote better eye health.

Effects on Mental Health

Beyond physical health, extended screen time can have a significant impact on mental well-being. Many studies have indicated a link between high screen time and increased rates of anxiety and depression, particularly among adolescents.

Platforms encouraging prolonged interaction, like social media and online gaming, can heighten feelings of comparison and inadequacy. When individuals curate their online personas to present perfect lives, it can lead to dissatisfaction and emotional distress in their real lives.

Excessive connectivity can lead to a decline in face-to-face interactions, impacting social skills and building strong relationships. This phenomenon creates a paradox wherein people can feel more isolated, despite having instant access to social networking platforms. Striking a balance between digital engagement and real-world interactions is vital for cultivating mental health.

Hair Health and Technology

Interestingly, extended screen time can impact hair health. The stress associated with constant connectivity and the pressure to maintain an online presence can lead to increased stress levels, which in turn can cause hair loss.

A recent study found that individuals, particularly streamers experiencing hair loss, may face issues related to fatigue and stress from long hours in front of screens. Hair transplant options have emerged as potential solutions, allowing those affected to restore their confidence and hair fullness.

These procedures typically involve relocating healthy hair follicles from one part of the scalp to thinning or balding areas, resulting in natural-looking growth. With advancements in technology, modern hair transplants are minimally invasive and offer shorter recovery periods, making them an increasingly appealing option for those seeking long-term results.

Posture and Musculoskeletal Health

Extended screen time contributes to poor posture and musculoskeletal issues. Sitting for long periods without ergonomic support can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain.

A recent study published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that prolonged sitting increases the risk of muscular and skeletal disorders, which are prevalent among those who work primarily on screens. Individuals may find themselves hunched over their devices, leading to discomfort and potential long-term damage.

Investing in ergonomic furniture and maintaining a healthy workspace can help combat these challenges. Alternating between sitting and standing while using screens, along with regular stretching, can improve posture and reduce the risk of developing serious musculoskeletal conditions. A proactive approach emphasizes the importance of physical health in relation to our screen habits.

Strategies for Managing Screen Time

Managing screen time is crucial for health. Creating a schedule that limits screen use can help in establishing boundaries. Utilizing technology to your advantage can be beneficial. Many devices come equipped with apps to track screen time and remind users to take breaks.

Encouraging offline activities, such as reading physical books, participating in sports, or spending time in nature, can provide healthy alternatives to excessive screen engagement. As more individuals begin to recognize the importance of these changes, a pathway toward healthier screen habits will emerge.

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Concerns

Extended screen time often reduces physical movement, which can negatively impact cardiovascular and metabolic health. Research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle can raise the risk of conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.

When screen time replaces exercise or even light activity, the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and circulation can suffer. Prolonged sitting slows metabolism, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight.

Incorporating short walks, stretching sessions, or standing breaks throughout the day can improve circulation, increase energy, and reduce related health risks.

Social Development and Family Dynamics

Extended screen use doesn’t just influence individual health. It can reshape social and family relationships. When people spend excessive time on devices, face-to-face communication may decrease, affecting emotional connection and communication skills. Families that rely heavily on screens during meals or shared downtime may find fewer opportunities for meaningful conversation.

This can weaken bonds and reduce empathy among younger users who are still developing social awareness. Limiting screen use during family interactions and setting shared device-free times can foster closer relationships and help restore healthier communication patterns.

In light of the extensive consequences of prolonged screen exposure, embracing a balanced approach toward technology is crucial. Understanding the impacts on physical and mental health is an important part of developing healthy habits around screen use.

As individuals become more aware of the potential risks, prioritizing well-being while still enjoying the benefits of technology will lead to a healthier lifestyle.

How Interdisciplinary Studies Are Redefining Modern Therapy

The field of therapy is undergoing a profound transformation as interdisciplinary studies emerge as a key player in shaping modern practices. By integrating knowledge from various academic disciplines, therapists can create more holistic and effective treatment plans.

This shift challenges traditional methods, moving away from a purely psychological focus to a broader, more integrated approach. Therapists are exploring how insights from medicine, art, science, and philosophy can enhance their practices and improve client outcomes.

The Significance of Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The complexity of mental health issues often requires multifaceted solutions. Interdisciplinary collaboration is important for comprehensively addressing these challenges.

Professionals from fields such as psychology, sociology, neuroscience, and even art therapy are coming together to find common ground, resulting in innovative strategies that address a patient’s emotional, physical, and social well-being.

A therapist may combine cognitive-behavioral strategies with insights from neuroscience to offer clients a well-rounded therapeutic experience.

By inviting diverse perspectives into therapy, practitioners can better understand their clients’ experiences. This approach allows therapists to tailor their interventions based on a wider array of information.

Evidence suggests that such collaborative methods lead to improved outcomes. Interdisciplinary teams reported a 28% increase in client satisfaction compared to traditional, singular discipline approaches.

The Interdisciplinary Shift in Education

As the need for interdisciplinary understanding in therapy grows, so does the emphasis on integrating multiple fields into educational training programs. Institutions now offer specialized training and degrees that prepare future therapists to approach mental health from diverse angles.

These programs often incorporate elements from psychology, neurology, social work, and even philosophy to cultivate well-rounded practitioners.

This broadened educational focus aligns with the adjustments made in therapeutic practices. It encourages prospective therapists to acquire knowledge beyond their primary discipline, promoting greater collaboration and understanding among professionals.

Comprehensive training equips students with the tools to evaluate client needs holistically, fostering a more empathetic and effective therapeutic process.

Integrating Arts and Creativity in Therapy

One of the most exciting aspects of interdisciplinary studies is the incorporation of arts and creativity into therapeutic practices. Concepts from artistic expression and performance art can enrich a therapist’s toolbox, offering clients new ways to communicate their feelings and experiences.

Creative modalities such as music therapy, art therapy, and drama therapy allow clients to explore their emotions in a non-verbal manner, often leading to breakthroughs that may not occur through traditional verbal therapy alone.

Research shows that engaging in creative activities can have significant therapeutic benefits. A study by the Journal of Arts in Therapy concluded that clients who participated in art-based therapies demonstrated improved emotional regulation and lower levels of anxiety.

By embedding art into therapy, practitioners can diversify their methodologies, fostering a more inclusive environment for clients.

The Role of Technology in Modern Therapeutic Practices

Technology plays a crucial role in therapy. The introduction of teletherapy and digital apps for mental health has opened new avenues for access and engagement. Interdisciplinary studies offer insights into the most effective ways to utilize these technologies.

Combining knowledge of psychology with information technology can lead to the development of apps that cater to specific mental health needs.

These tools can be particularly helpful in reaching underserved populations or individuals who prefer anonymity. Innovative platforms can track users’ moods, send reminders for mindfulness practices, or even connect them with peers for support.

Statistics show that clients using mental health apps report a 35% reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression within two months of regular use. This intersection of technology and therapy embodies the interdisciplinary spirit, making mental health care more accessible than ever.

Holistic Health Perspectives in Interdisciplinary Studies

With the growing recognition of the interconnectedness of mind and body, interdisciplinary studies have introduced a holistic health perspective that benefits therapy.

This framework acknowledges that psychological, emotional, and physical health are intertwined and cannot be addressed in isolation. Practitioners are increasingly adopting approaches that incorporate physical health strategies into their mental health practices.

Therapists may collaborate with nutritionists or fitness experts to create comprehensive wellness plans for clients. This strategy emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors, such as exercise and diet, in promoting mental health.

Statistics from the World Health Organization suggest that engaging in regular physical activity can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms by up to 30%. A holistic approach ensures that clients receive well-rounded care that takes their well-being into account.

The Future of Therapy in an Interdisciplinary Context

As interdisciplinary studies continue to shape modern therapy, we can anticipate innovations that will redefine existing practices. The emphasis on collaboration between various fields signifies a commitment to providing comprehensive mental health care.

Therapists are poised to become more resourceful and adaptive, able to draw upon a range of insights to best serve their clients.

Continuing to embrace an interdisciplinary focus will likely lead to the development of new therapeutic modalities and interventions. By valuing diverse approaches, the therapeutic community can remain responsive to the evolving needs of society and contribute to a more compassionate and effective mental health care system.

By integrating interdisciplinary studies into therapy, we are witnessing a significant shift that enhances client well-being. As practitioners adopt these innovative methods, clients stand to benefit from holistic, tailored approaches that address the complexities of their experiences.

How to Cram for a Test Without Going Crazy

Do you have a test coming up you should have been studying for weeks ago? Don’t worry; you’re not alone, and all hope is not lost. In fact, there are a ton of effective methods you can use to learn all the material you need for your test: even if you’re a little late to the game. If you’re ready to learn how to cram for a test the right way and achieve the results you need to succeed, keep reading! Below, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on the how, why, and where to study for your next test.

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Where to Cram

How to Cram for a Test

Additional Cramming Tips

Conclusion

Where to Cram

Woman cramming for her test at the library

Image via Pexels

If you want to learn how to cram for a test, you must start with the basics. This includes not only focusing on the material but also ensuring your environment is conducive to effective studying. A clean and organized space can significantly improve your focus and motivation. Feeling overwhelmed with organizing your study process or struggling with essay tasks? Platforms like MyAssignmentHelp offer exceptional essay writing help, allowing you to dedicate your time to actual learning while they handle your writing needs. With a supportive study environment and expert assistance, you’ll be better equipped to tackle exams and assignments efficiently.

The library is a great place to cram because it’s quiet and orderly—two qualities of an ideal environment for learning and retaining information. Avoid as many distractions as you can, and if that means getting out of the house, do it! Some of our other favorite places to cram include the following:

Coffee shops
Bookstores
Parks
A friend’s house

How to Cram for a Test

Now that you know where to cram, you can finally learn how to cram for a test the right way. There are a lot of tips out there, but we’ve selected the method that actually works. Follow the steps below to ensure success on your next test or exam!

Step One: Turn Off Distractions

We already stressed the importance of an environment conducive to cramming for a test, but we didn’t talk about what you are using in that environment. If you have your phone with you, we suggest turning it on silent and putting it away. The same goes for your computer or laptop. Close any outside communication applications and remove temptations from your study site. You want to be able to completely focus on the task at hand and not waste valuable study time trying to remember where you left off after you’ve been distracted.

Step Two: Time Yourself

This step may come as a shock to you, but you should set up a timer. When studying, you shouldn’t push yourself past your limit. For most people, the limit will be around the six-hour mark. Our general rule of thumb is to give yourself a break at least once every hour. Each of your breaks should last for at least 10 minutes at a time to ensure you are refreshed and ready to get back into it. If you need some suggestions on what to do on your breaks, we recommend the following:

Taking a walk
Drinking a glass of water
Eating a healthy snack
Do some yoga
Sing a song or dance to one
Play with a pet
Deep breathing exercises
Meditation

Step Three: Focus, Rewrite, and Highlight

One of the best things you can do when learning how to cram for a test is to re-read everything and highlight the key ideas. After you’ve picked out the key details of the topic, you can focus on rewriting everything into a notebook.

It may seem like an unnecessary task considering you have the information highlighted right there in front of you; however, writing things down is one of the best ways to commit it to memory. Some people will rewrite these key details as many as seven times in a row to ensure retention of the material. Reading each of the sentences out loud as you write them can also be helpful in memorizing the material. Many people find a combination of speaking and writing the key to cramming a lot of information in a little time.

Step Four: Eat Well

You may have heard of the term “brain food.” Well, when you are learning how to cram for a test and put those actions into motion, your brain will need a lot of fuel. When you’re using your brain, your body is also working and can greatly benefit from the nutrients found in healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. It is also imperative you stay hydrated if you want to retain as much information as you can without getting a dehydration-related headache. Don’t neglect your body; it can be an essential element in helping you succeed on the day of the test.

Step Five: Rest

Regarding your physical health, another important factor is getting an adequate amount of sleep. Sleep is an important aspect of health, and as we learned above, your physical health can make or break your ability to succeed on the day of the test. Go to bed as early as you can and wake up with enough time to have a balanced breakfast. All you can do now is look at our additional tips below and sharpen that number-two pencil!

Additional Cramming Tips

Girl is studying and writing notes for the exam

Image via Pexels

You now have the step-by-step instructions on how to cram for a test. If you’re looking for a little more guidance to get you started, keep reading. Below, you will find a list of additional cramming tips to help you ace your test or exam.

Make Your Own Study Guide

One of the most helpful tips we received from previous graduates was to make your own study guide. Many teachers and professors will provide study guides for the test, and many students spend time on questions they already know the answers to. If you want to get the most out of your cramming session, make your own study guide and highlight the aspects you find most challenging.

If you don’t have a lot of time, you can also use this method to narrow down the topics or ideas you think will be covered on the test. Although you won’t learn all the material this way, it’s a great way to save time and double down on your efforts, especially if you have a lot of material to learn.

Make a Song

Did you know there’s a reason you can remember the lyrics to your favorite song easier than you can the elements on the periodic table? Putting things to music is a learning device that many people find surprisingly effective. If you’re a fan of music, try putting vocabulary words and ideas into your favorite song. You can also use common jingles like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star if you want to keep it easy.

Cram With a Friend

For some people, studying with a friend is the most effective method to cram in a lot of information. If you thrive on competition or the help of another when studying, phone up a friend and ask if they’ll help you cram. Studying with a friend allows you to quiz one another and makes learning that much more interactive and fun which, in the long run, helps you retain the information that much easier. It’s true; learning really can be fun in the right environments and under the right circumstances.

Set a Goal

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself to learn how to cram for a test, set a goal! A ton of people thrive when they set goals for themselves, and you might too! Promise to treat yourself if you reach your goal. The reward can be something as trivial as an ice cream cone. Think of what would motivate you and use that as leverage against yourself to study for one more hour, or two, or even five. Maybe each 10-minute break means one more M&M or a quick round of cards with your roommates. Whatever keeps you going, go for it!

Make Flashcards

Flashcards are considered a traditional studying method for a reason—they work! One side either asks a question or states a vocabulary term, and the other side answers the question or defines the vocabulary term. Flashcards are highly effective and they don’t take a ton of time to make. There are a plethora of websites and apps that allow you to make your own digital flashcards for free.

Conclusion

There are few things in the world as stressful as cramming for a test, especially when it’s a test you forgot about. Luckily, there are methods and tips, like the ones we reviewed above, to ensure you still ace your test without the long-term preparation. Now that you know how to cram for a test without going crazy, you can breathe a sigh of relief. As long as you remember to take care of your body and your mind, you’ll have no trouble coming out on top of your next test or exam. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a pencil and a notebook and start cramming!

Featured Image: Photo by Louis Bauer from Pexels

AP Psychology Study Resource: About Somatosensory Cortex

Have you ever stopped to think about how we all feel or experience certain things in the same way as others?

How do you know the color you perceive as being “red” is the same “red” as the person next to you?

What if their red is your green?

While we can’t answer these mind-boggling questions completely, we can explore the brain’s role in processing external stimuli, like colors, textures, sounds, and so on.

This is where your samatosensory cortex (sometimes referred to as the somatosensory cortex, instead) comes into play.

Responsible for processing external stimuli (or sensations), it plays an integral role in our day-to-day lives.

Below, we will explore this cortex in more detail, including how it works and what role it potentially plays in prosocial behavior.

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The Location of the Somatosensory Cortex

What’s the Role of the Somatosensory Cortex?

Brodmann’s Areas for the Somatosensory Cortex

Somatotopic Arrangement

How the Samatosensory Cortex May Contribute in Prosocial Behavior

Further Studies

A Role in Social Function

Putting These Findings into Practice

The Location of the Somatosensory Cortex

Before we dive into the important role of the samatosensory cortex, it’s important to understand where it is in your brain and how it contributes toward your brain’s overall anatomy.

It goes without saying that your brain is the central hub of your body. And in order to provide so many different functions, it is a complex structure.

Made up of two sides (or lobes), your brain can be divided into the left- and right-hand side, both of which are connected by the corpus callosum. A different function is performed by each lobe.

The cerebral cortex makes up the outer layer of your brain, acting almost like the skin on a piece of fruit. Its role is to help with processing and more complex thinking skills, like interpreting the environment, language, and reasoning.

Making up part of this cerebral cortex is the somatosensory cortex, which you’ll find in the middle of your brain.

What’s the Role of the Somatosensory Cortex?

The samatosensory cortex receives all of your body’s sensory input. And the cells (or nerves) that extend around your body from the brain are known as neurons.

These neurons sense many different things, including audio, visual, pain, and skin stimuli, and send this information to be processed in the somatosensory cortex. However, the location the neurons send this information to in the cortex isn’t random. Rather, each will have a specific place that’s relevant to the type of information being processed.

When these receptors detect a sensation, they send the information through to the thalamus (the part of your brain that relays receptors’ sensory impulses to the cerebral cortex) before they are passed on to the primary somatosensory cortex.

Once it arrives there, the cortex gets to work interpreting the information. Think of it like any type of data that’s sent to someone for analysis.

Furthermore, some of these neurons are incredibly important, which is why a large portion of this cortex is devoted to understanding and processing all of the information from these neurons. For example, high-level data will be analyzed in more detail and will take more time to interpret, while low-level data will go to a less-equipped analyst, requiring less time to be spent on it.

We can explore this in more detail by using Brodmann’s areas.

Brodmann’s Areas for the Somatosensory Cortex

When examining the brain, Korbinian Brodmann, a German neurologist, identified 52 different regions according to how different their cellular composition was. Today, many leading scientists will still use these areas, hence why they are often referred to as “Brodmann’s areas.”

When it came to the somatosensory cortex, Brodmann divided this into four areas, 1, 2, and 3 (which is further divided into 3a and 3b).

These numbers were assigned by Brodmann based on the order he examined the area, and, therefore, are not indicative of their importance.

After all, area 3 is often seen as the primary area of this cortex.

How come?

Area 3 is responsible for receiving the bulk of the input that comes straight from the thalamus, with the information being processed initially in this area.

Area 3b is concerned specifically with the basic processing of things we touch, while 3a responds to the information that comes from our proprioceptors (these are specialized sensors that are located on the ends of your nerves that are found in joints, tendons, muscles, and the inner ear, relaying information about position or motion so you are constantly aware of how your body is moving or is positioned in a space).

Areas 1 and 2 are densely connected to 3b.

Therefore, while the primary location for any information about the things we touch is sent to 3b, it will also be sent to areas 1 and 2 for further in-depth processing.

For example, area 1 appears to be integral to how we sense the texture of something, while area 2 seems to have a role in how we perceive this object’s shape and size. Area 2 also plays a role in proprioception (this enables us to orientate our bodies in a particular environment without us having to consciously focus on where we are).

Should there be any lesions to these areas of the cortex (those that support the roles mentioned above, in particular) then we may notice some deficits in our senses. For example, if there is a lesion to area 1, we will find a shortfall in our ability to distinguish the texture of things, while a lesion to area 3b will affect our tactile sensations.

Somatotopic Arrangement

Each of the four areas we have mentioned are arranged in such a way that a particular area will receive information from a specific part of the body. This is what is known as the somatotopic arrangement, with the entire body being represented within each of the four areas of the somatosensory cortex.

And as some parts of our bodies are more sensitive, e.g. the hands and lips, this requires more cortex and circuitry to be dedicated to processing any sensations that come from these areas. Therefore, if you look at somatotopic maps that depict the somatosensory cortex, you will notice they are distorted, with the areas of the body that are highly sensitive taking up far more space in this area.

How the Samatosensory Cortex May Contribute in Prosocial Behavior

As we now know, when someone experiences pain, this bodily sensation is processed in their brain. It will also switch on an emotional reaction in their brain, too.

However, when we see someone else in this type of pain, many of these same regions are activated in our own brains. But this differs entirely when you are dealing with a convicted criminal with psychopathic tendencies.

When they see someone else in pain, there is less activation in these specific areas of the brain. They will also show disregard and less empathy toward others.

What does this suggest?

That when these “shared activations” are lacking it can cause issues with a person’s empathy.

In fact, over the years, scientists have developed the belief that we are able to feel empathy for others who are in pain because of these shared activations – and this is why we have a desire to help them.

That said, there is still a lack of evidence which helps identify how helpful behavior is influenced by these pain-processing areas of our brain. That’s why some suggest that helpful behavior is contributed to very little by empathy-related processes.

Further Studies

To explore this further, one study looked at participants’ reactions to a video of someone being swatted on their hand by a belt while displaying different levels of pain. The participants could then indicate how much pain they felt this person was in by donating money to them – so the more pain they thought they were in, the more money they donated to try and ease this.

Throughout the study, the participants’ brains (their samatosensory cortex, in particular) were measured. And the results found that the more activated this area was, the more money they donated.

The researchers then interfered with the participants’ brain activity using various techniques that affected how they perceived the sensations in their hand. This altered their accuracy in assessing the pain of the victim, and it also caused disruption to the link between the perceived pain of the victim and the donations. The amount of money being given was no longer correlating to the pain they were witnessing.

A Role in Social Function

These findings suggest that the area of the brain that helps us perceive pain (the somatosensory cortex) plays a role in our social function. It helps us transform the vision of bodily harm into an accurate perception of how much pain the other person is experiencing. And we need these feelings in order to adapt so we can help others.

This also adds to the current argument of what role empathy plays in helping behaviors, with it suggesting that we are indeed promoted to help by brain activity that is empathy-related. It allows us to pinpoint who needs our help.

Putting These Findings into Practice

By understanding this relationship between the activity in our brain and our helping behavior, it may help in the development of treatments for people who are suffering with antisocial behavior. Or for children with unemotional, callous traits – something that’s associated with a general disregard for other people and a lack of empathy.

What You Need to Know About Weber’s Law

Psychology has always been a study that constantly asks a single question: Why? Why do we think this way? Why do we feel this way? Why do we behave this way? In a discipline so deeply linked to philosophy, it should come as no surprise that many theorems in psychology are still unanswered questions. There is only so much that can be empirically proven about human nature. However, with the rise of scientific and technological advancement, the sub-field of neuropsychology is in a better place than ever to find answers to some of the more nuanced psychological theories, such as Weber’s law.

Quick Navigation

What Is Weber’s Law?

Is Weber’s Law Useful?

The Key Points of Weber’s Law

Conclusion

As it stands, Weber’s law is currently enjoying a moderate amount of experimental attention in neuropsychology. Neuropsychologists are trying to pin down how human neurons detect and process physical stimulation, and Weber’s law happens to be the most long-standing theory on this phenomenon in the entire study of psychology. So, what is this theory? We’ll break down what Weber’s law is, why the law is useful, and the key points of the law that make neuropsychologists so curious.

What Is Weber’s Law?

In the simplest terms, this theory is about human perception. Specifically, this theory tries to understand how humans can perceive even the slightest difference between two stimuli. This theory addresses each of the five senses –touch, taste, scent, sight, and hearing–and suggests that human perception is sharp enough to accurately distinguish between the smallest of differences.

The Difference Threshold

In the Weber’s law theory, the “difference threshold” is the absolute smallest difference between two similar stimuli. Some neuropsychologists refer to this as “just noticeable difference”. In either case, the difference threshold grounds the theory with the caveat that the human mind can perceive the difference between two stimuli better depending on how close the comparison stimuli is to the original stimuli. Or in other words, we humans can distinguish between changes in stimuli even when two stimuli are very similar.

However, Weber’s law and human perception is challenged when the original stimuli is very intense. When the intensity of a stimuli is great, we have a harder time detecting changes after introducing another stimuli. This is the case for all five of the senses. If we are exposed to an intense stimulus, we are less likely not notice a subtle stimulus simply because the comparison between the two is too great. In this way, the difference threshold also suggests a blind spot in human perception.

Is Weber’s Law Useful?

This is a theory that can be very useful. In fact, we probably contend with this theory every day without noticing it much. Just like many theories in the broad field of psychology, humans are constantly proving or disproving the accuracy of theories. This law is no exception. Let’s look at some examples where Weber’s law is both present and useful.

Example One: Weight

The original proposal for this theory in 1834 was made on the basis of psychophysics, or the intersection between psychology and physics. For this new theory, the easiest way to test it was to use something that could be easily measured and recorded: weight.

Imagine you are holding a paperback book in your hand. You can obviously feel the heft of the book as well as the general size and shape. If we were to place another book of similar size, shape, and weight in that same hand, you would be able to detect the added weight. If we were to place another book that is slightly heavier or has a different shape in your other hand, you would be able to decide which book is lighter or heavier. Both are an example of the difference threshold.

However, if you were holding a box of books and we placed that paperback book on top of the box, you probably wouldn’t be able to detect the added weight. Why? It’s the perception blind spot in the difference threshold. Because the box of books is so heavy–making the stimulus intense–you are not able to detect the subtler stimulus.

Example Two: Temperature

Image by daniel monetta from Pixabay

We humans have an exceptional talent for detecting temperature changes. If you closed your eyes and we touched each of your arms with a piece of ice, you would be able to tell which piece of ice is larger because of how your skin would register a larger cold spot. But if we submerged your entire arm in ice water and then touched that arm with a piece of ice, you wouldn’t be able to register the smaller point of cold because of the intensity of your entire arm being cold thanks to that perception blind spot.

Temperature detection that is compromised can be dicey. When a body is exposed to cold for too long and hypothermia begins to set in, it is recommended that the body be warmed in small increments, starting with warm water and working up to body temperature water. Why? Simply because Weber’s law proves that the perception of temperature will be so drastically altered after the intensity of full-body cold that the body is unable to tell whether something is burning hot or not. In order to protect the skin, and to not shock the entire body system, victims of hypothermia are warmed gradually.

Example Three: Taste

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While we all might not have the sensitive palate of wine tasters, the average human taste bud can detect slight differences in the way something tastes. Imagine making two pots of chicken soup, but one pot has an added secret ingredient. In a blind taste test, people who try the two soups would be able to tell which of the soups has the added ingredient.

However, if the intensity of the flavors is very great, the taste buds will be so overwhelmed that they would be unable to detect additional flavors unless the additional flavor was drastically different. This is why it is recommended to drink cold milk or water after eating something very spicy–the stark difference between the milk and the spice can reset your taste buds.

Example Four: Hearing

The human ear is a highly sensitive thing. If we focus, we really can hear the most minute sounds from across a room, which is why we can eavesdrop on a juicy conversation in a crowded room without any problems. However, if we overwhelm the difference threshold with an intense original stimulus, the following stimuli will be harder to detect. This is why people have trouble hearing each other during concerts. The sound of the concert is so overwhelmingly loud that it is almost impossible to hear the person next to you even if they are shouting in your face.

Example Five: Sight

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Most humans actually have decent color perception because of the difference threshold. If we placed two red cards in front of you and asked you which card was more yellow, you would be able to point at the red-orange card with some ease. If we placed two blue cards in front of you and asked you which card was darker, you could point to the darker card without any trouble. If we placed two green cards in front of you and asked which is more vibrant, you would be able to pick the right card again. Human color perception is generally spot-on.

However, we run into some challenges when faced with light. The intensity of bright lights, such as the sun or a flashlight, shining in our eyes is so great that we can have trouble detecting weaker lights, colors, and even objects until our eyes adjust. This is another way in which the intensity of the original stimulus can undermine the difference threshold.

Example Six: Scent

Photo by Ruslan Zh on Unsplash

Human scent perception is fascinating. Not only are out olfactory senses tied directly into memory coding, but they also vary in sensitivity between human to human. Some people are able to detect the slightest differences between two similar scents, while others can only tell the difference between two different scents.

And just like every other sense, scent is also vulnerable to the blind spot in the difference threshold. If we doused a handkerchief in perfume, held it against your nose, and then asked you to try to smell anything else, you would find it impossible because of the intensity of the perfume.

The Key Points of Weber’s Law

Neuropsychologists continue to conduct research to try to understand how our sensory nerves detect stimuli and how that detection translates into perception in the human brain. These are the key points that they continue to come back to:

The just noticeable difference between two stimuli
The blind spot in the difference threshold
The areas of the brain that respond to different stimuli

Neuropsychologists are trying to pinpoint how human perception is translated by the brain. One of the ways they do this is to study the brain through MRI scans while exposing volunteers to different stimuli. Some of this research has enabled neurologists to confidently isolate the portions of the brain that are responsible for sensory processing.

Conclusion

Although not talked about often, Weber’s law is a cornerstone of neuropsychology. As one of the most enduring psychological theories in the field, this law and the associated principles of the law continue to make the case for the sensitivity of human perception.

This theory overall suggests that human perception is sensitive enough to accurately distingish differences between two similar stimuli, with the exception of intense stimuli that overwhelm the senses.

Researchers continue to try to understand how the brain processes sensory information by using Weber’s law as a basis in experimentation.

Featured Image: Image by Mashiro Momo from Pixabay

Dodge the Burnout and Boredom!: How to Improve Your AP Score

AP exams are unlike anything high schoolers have been through before. We found the ultimate expert advice on how to get the best AP score in your class.

When it comes to improving your AP score, the struggle is very real.

For perhaps the first time in your academic life, you are experiencing pressure from every direction.

You have to study, you have to score well, and you know that you have to become an expert in your chosen subject — all on your own.

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Well, we’re here to tell you not to fret.

You’ve got this!

We found you the best tips and tricks on the internet explicitly designed to help you score as high as possible on every AP exam you have coming up.

But first, let’s cover some of the basics.

Let’s Talk About Your AP Score

For starters:

It’s vital that you understand how your AP test will be scored.

After you take the test, you will earn a score of one through five — here’s what the scores mean:

5: extreme qualification for college credit

4: well qualified to earn a college credit

3: qualified to earn a college credit

2: you may qualify to earn a college credit

1: you will not qualify for college credit

You can do it!

Around 13% of the people who take an AP test score a 5.

If you have a higher AP score, you will qualify for more credits than you would with a lower number.

Here’s the deal:

The only way to guarantee that you will qualify for college credit is to make sure you score a 3 or above.

The Many Benefits of a High AP Score

There are many benefits to nailing it on your AP exam aside from just earning credit towards your college classes.

old photo of Dr. Suess holding the book he wrote entitle "The Cat In the Hat"

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“The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Dr. Seuss

Image via Al Ravenna, New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

First, research shows that typically students who score a three or higher on their AP exams experience more academic success in college over the kids who don’t partake in AP classes.

But that’s not all:

If you have a high AP score, you are also more likely to graduate from college on time — which could save you thousands of dollars.

AP scores are global!

If you are considering studying abroad, here’s what you need to know about your AP score: Qualifying AP scores can earn credit in nearly every university in the United States and Canada. Globally, over 100 other countries worldwide accept qualifying AP scores. And, In Europe and the UK, scoring a three or four will fulfill admission requirements.

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Now:

You already know that you could earn college credits with a decent score, but what does that mean for you?

Well, it means:

Advanced placement in classes

Fulfilling requirements to graduate early

Skipping introductory or general-education classes

In summation, if you’re planning on going to college, you can save tons of time and money by scoring well on your AP exams.

You can do it!

Around 19 percent of the students that take an AP exam score a 4.

And, if you want to score a 3 or higher, you’re going to need to study your butt off.

Watch out for the Dreaded Burnout

Studies show that these days, students are burning out faster than ever.

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You might be burned out if you:

Keep getting sick
Procrastinate or feel overwhelmingly disinterested
Struggle with self-criticism or anxiety
Find yourself over-reacting to everything — even the small stuff
Are always exhausted
Are always distracted when you are eating
Feel numb or work to numb your feelings with drugs, alcohol, or food
Have trouble concentrating
Don’t feel like taking care of yourself anymore
Keep skipping school
Take out your frustrations on others

Does this sound like you?

Well, keep reading.

How to fight back against burnout

Now, if you just realized you’re feeling burned out lately, don’t worry — we found some ways you can deal with it.

Let’s dive in!

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“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.”

Jean Shinoda Bolen

Image via Facebook

The “Avoiding Burnout” Toolbox

Get more rest: exhaustion can make you burn out faster
Say no to things you don’t have time for
Ask for help: talk to your friends, parents, teachers, or counselors
Eat healthy foods
Find an interest outside of your studies
Reward yourself for a job well done
Plan something fun
Set boundaries
Set aside time for something fun: no studying allowed
Get more exercise: a ten-minute walk can help improve your mood for two hours

But, that’s not all.

There’s more.

Expert Tips on How to Fight Back Against the Boredom Monster

Burning out isn’t the only thing that will hurt your AP score.

Can you guess what is?

I’ll help you.

Boredom is another silent killer.

Yes, boredom. No matter how much you love the subject you’re studying; everyone gets bored or sleepy after a while.

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Luckily, we managed to find some expert advice on how to deal with the boredom monster when it attacks:

Studies show that exercise is more beneficial to your academic success than you might think.

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“It is remarkable how one’s wits are sharpened by physical exercise.”

Pliny the Younger

First, exercise increases serotonin production, which will help you feel less anxious and depressed.

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Secondly, and most importantly, we know that exercise also helps improve concentration, alertness, motivation, memory, and learning ability.

So, the experts say that a short 30-minute cardiovascular workout is most effective for the best results — and the best part is that you will notice the effects immediately.

You can do it!

25% of the people who take an AP exam score a 3.

However, not everyone is the same.

Perhaps you’re saying to yourself:

“There is no way I can do that.”

It’s OK!

If you aren’t capable of a workout like that, just do what you can to get that heart rate up for as long as possible.

It’s that simple.

A few more tips for beating boredom into submission

Exercise isn’t the only way to kick boredom in the butt.

Here are a few more tips:

You might be burned out if you:

Limit your sessions: study for 30 minutes, then take a 10-minute break
Don’t focus too hard on results: concentrate on the process and the subject your tackling at that moment
Vary your setting: try to study in different areas like the library, a book store, or a cafe
Go outside
Reward your inner child: treat yourself for getting through that rough spot

Do you think you can do those?

Now Let’s Talk About How to Supercharge Your Study Habits

We get it. Maybe those suggestions just aren’t quite right.

Don’t worry!

Exercise isn’t the only way to boost your learning potential.

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We found several more scientifically proven way to supercharge your study habits.

Some of these are easier than you think!

No cramming

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You already know that studying for short bursts of time with little breaks is a great way to beat boredom.

However, you also need to remember to spread out studying your subject as well — this means no cramming.

Can you believe it?

Everyone crams, right?

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“Learning is not the product of teaching. Learning is the product of the activity of learners.”

John Holt

Well as it turns out, cramming isn’t all that beneficial.

See, if you cram for your exam, your brain will only store the information in its short-term data banks.

On the other hand, if you study for your AP exam spread out over as much time as possible, you will commit the information to your long-term memory.

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Once the information exists in the long-term memory section of your brain, it will be there forever.

So, change it up and give this no-cramming rule a try!

Teaching someone else

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Studies overwhelmingly show that if you teach someone else what you’re learning — it will help you learn the information yourself.

Here’s how it works:

If you read the material with the intention of teaching it to someone else, you actively understand and store the information in your memory.

Pro tip!

Studies show that if you read through the exam before you take it, that could help your score.

Whereas, if you read the information passively, that’s how your brain remembers it.

Test yourself

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Next, we understand that the test itself is the true stressor in your life right now.

However, there are a ton of practice AP tests out there — and you truly want to boost your AP score, you will take as many of them as possible.

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Research shows that testing yourself will help you:

Ease test anxiety
Show areas of weakness
Learn/recall the information more proficiently

Reading the material is all well and good.

You can do it!

In 2018, 21.2 percent of the people that took the AP psychology exam scored a 5.

It’s essential, though, that you can recall that information when you’re going to need it, and a practice test is the only way to know for sure.

Once you’ve got a few practice tests licked, your confidence will be flying sky high!

AP practice tests

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We know, what you’re wondering:

“Where can I find some of these practice tests?”

We’ve got you covered.

Here are some excellent links to pages with a ton of free practice tests.

Get some sleep

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Another way to boost your AP score is to get plenty of rest.

In addition to combating burnout and boredom, getting plenty of sleep has a significant impact on what you’re brain will be able to recall.

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Here’s how it works:

When you sleep, your brain goes through physical changes.

“Sleep is my lover now, my forgetting, my opiate, my oblivion.”

Audrey Niffenegger – The Time Traveler’s Wife

Image by Michael Strong, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After your brain intakes information during the day, it grows new connections and pathways after you fall into a deep sleep later on — which commits the information to memory.

If you aren’t sleeping well, however, your brain won’t have a chance to perform that essential function, and that won’t help your AP score one bit.

No more all-nighters

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Regardless of what Hollywood might lead you to believe, all-nighters are not an effective way to make sure you nail it on your AP exam.

Pro tip:

The mind/body connection is a strong one. Experts say that striking a powerful pose, hands on hips, AKA the Wonder Woman pose before the test helps you face it like the superhero you are.

Sadly, in the real world, missing out on a night’s sleep will inhibit your brain’s ability to process and store information.

As a matter of fact:

Research shows that skipping out on sleep could cut your ability to recall the information you learned by up to 40 percent.

How Music Can Help You Turn Things Up

Next, we have great news for music lovers.

According to research, listening to music while you study is incredibly beneficial for more reasons than one.

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Look:

First, according to the University of Maryland, listening to music helps students with stress and test anxiety feel better.

Secondly, other studies found that music helps in overall performance and even with pain management.

Most importantly, though, let’s talk about what music will do for your brain’s ability to learn.

You can do it!

In 2018, 13.4 percent of the people that took the AP chemistry exam scored a 5.

According to a study out of Stanford, “Music moves the brain to pay attention.”

Interestingly enough, by using classical music, the study found that:

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“Music engages the areas of the brain involved with paying attention, making predictions, and updating the events in memory.”

Check out the video below of what Mozart does to someone’s brain:

But that’s not all.

It turns out that music is also an incredibly influential factor when it comes to memory and cognitive functions.

Check out this video:

As you can see, when it comes to memorization and recall, music is your friend.

Tips Specifically for Boosting Your AP Score

By now, you realize that your upcoming AP test is unlike any exam you have taken before.

So, we checked in with the experts to see what you can do to specifically help you improve your score on your upcoming AP exams.

Wnat to know what they say?

Keep reading.

Make a study schedule

First, whether you are taking one or several AP classes, make a study schedule.

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Most students find that starting to study for the final AP exams around three months out is the most effective strategy — but you should figure out what works for you.

Check out the video below:

To come up with the most effective plan, ask yourself the following questions:

How many weeks/days/months away are the exams?
What time of day do you feel the most focused?
How much time each week/day/month can you devote to studying for each exam?
When will you do the work? (for example, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. study for AP psych)

Start with older material

Did you know the order of the material matters?

It does!

When you sit down to review for your AP exams, experts say to start with the old material first.

Refreshing your memory consistently is the best way to make sure you recall the information you need.

You can do it!

In 2018, 30.2 percent of the people that took the AP physics exam C (mechanics) scored a 5.

Keep the AP exam in mind as you approach new material

Next, as you go through the school year, approach all your new material with the AP test in mind.

It’s easier than you think.

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When you take an AP class, you can’t just forget the material once you’re graded on it the first time.

As you learn new material in your AP subjects, make notes about what you’re up to.

Pro tip:

Not all music is created equal when it comes to learning. Experts find that instrumental music like classical, ambient hip-hop, and electronica help the most.

Later on, you will want to have noted both the essential points in each lesson as well as the areas in which you struggled.

Don’t rely too heavily on your teacher

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“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Nelson Mandella

Library of the London School of Economics and Political Science [No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons

Now, you already know that your AP course is unlike anything you have done before.

It stands to reason, then, that preparing for the AP test is also a new experience for you.

For what may be the first time in your school career, you can’t count on your teacher to deliver all the essential information.

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It’s your teacher’s job to ensure you have your information for the school year.

However, no teacher has the time to cover everything on the AP test; and counting on them to do so will hurt your overall score.

This calls for reinforcements.

Invest in an AP prep book

The good news is:

You aren’t entirely on your own when it comes to learning everything you need to know for a fantastic AP score.

First, there are a ton of AP prep books like this one on the market these days covering every subject you can think of.

You definitely want to get yourself a prep book for the AP subjects you’re studying this year.

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In addition to essential information on your AP subject, sometimes those prep books will have practice tests in them as well.

She Scored a 5 on Her AP Psych Exam – Here’s How

Now, we have heard enough from adult experts, let’s hear from some students going through the process.

Check out the video below:

As you can see, she used a few of the ideas we are talking about today to study for her exam.

Not taking the AP psychology exam?

No problem!

Handy Memorization Techniques

Anyone who has ever studied anything knows that no matter how hard we try not to, sometimes learning comes down to straight memorization.

Luckily:

We found some interesting techniques to help you memorize all that stuff easily.

Check out this video:

But that’s not all, there’s more!

The Link Method

First, we have the link method.

Check out the video below:

It seems simple enough.

You just create links between what you already know and what you want to remember.

Bam!

The Story Method

Check out this one!

The video below to learn about the Story Method for memorization:

Like the Link Method, the Story Method for memorization creates a pathway for remembering more stuff than you can imagine.

Neat!

The Loci Method

Next, instead of a story, the Loci Method for memorization uses physical items and locations to help you remember.

Check out the video below:

Feeling overwhelmed?

Don’t worry!

You don’t have to learn all of these techniques — we simply want to give you as many options as possible.

Mind Mapping Technique

Finally, we round out this list of memorization techniques with the Mind Mapping Technique.

You’re going to want to see this one.

Check out the video below:

It’s Test Time

Finally!

Now that we have covered how to study leading up to it let’s talk about the week of the exam.

So, lets get down to business.

Top foods to eat on the day of the test:

Fish to get those Omega-3’s
Dark fruits and veggies: berries, apples, beans, artichokes
Complex carbohydrates: whole grains, fresh fruit, beans or legumes
A quality protein: eggs, lean meat, low-fat milk, or soy
Water: you need to be adequately hydrated to get 100 percent performance out of that brilliant brain of yours]

Hopefully, you have given yourself plenty of time for studying, so the final week should be as relaxed as possible.

Here are some pro-tips for exam time:

The night before: get a good night’s sleep
Don’t study right before the test
Stay calm
Don’t engage in negative talk with your peers before the exam (for example, “I am so nervous right now.”)
Ask the instructor for a scrap piece of paper for mind-mapping/math
Don’t pay any attention to the students that finish before you
Make sure you read through the exam in full before you start
Read the instructions on the test carefully before you begin

Easy enough, right?

You’re Going to Nail It

Congratulations, you have just taken the bull by the horns, and you are more prepared than ever to get the highest AP score possible.

a girl raising her hands up for nailing the test

via GIPHY

Just remember:

Give yourself plenty of time.

If you follow the simple steps we laid out for you here, starting with a study schedule, you will find you’re capable of more than you ever imagined.

Featured Image: CC0 via Pexels

Incentive Theory: AP Psychology Study Resource

Most of us do our best when we are being motivated by our goals or positive reinforcements. All of us have our own internal drives that direct the way we push ourselves into taking certain actions. The incentive theory of reaction focuses on a theme called operant conditioning.

Quick Navigation

What Inspires You to Do Well?

Some Incentives Seem to Take a Stronger Hold than Others

Important Things to Consider about Incentives

Incentives Can Be Powerful Tools in All Walks of Life

Keeping a Job to Pay Bills

Keeping Your House Clean

Obeying the Law to Avoid Trouble

Paying your Bills to Avoid Financial Crisis

Walking the Dog Before Work

In Summary

Incentive Theory: What Inspires You to Do Well?

Jelly look with 3 different colors, incentive theory

Operant conditioning refers to how we respond to positive and negative effects related to our actions. Most commonly, this occurs in the aspects of rewards and punishments.

Think about your personal life and your childhood. Were you spanked? If so, that is a form of the operant conditioning that takes place under the incentive theory.

For example, when a child is spanked for disregarding a rule of the home, they are facing a consequence of that action. As a result, they will think twice before breaking the same rule again. The same effect results through other forms of punishment like time-outs, loss of privileges, or writing sentences.

Similarly, you might have been motivated to do well at school by a rewards system based on your performance. You might have also earned an allowance for completing home chores regularly and on time. This is an example of positive operant conditioning under the blanket of incentive theory.

Incentive Theory: Some Incentives Seem to Take a Stronger Hold than Others

Depending on the person, some motivators will take a better hold than others. One person might not think that the reward is worth the work, while another might see it as more than worthwhile. This is usually found in young siblings with varied interests.

An example of this would be two sisters. One of them enjoys horses and being outdoors. The other would prefer to play videogames.

Telling both children that they will get to go to horse riding camp if they get good grades will likely inspire one to immediately pick up a book. The other will likely not see the effort as worth the opportunity, since the reward isn’t aligned with her personal interests. You’d get the opposite reaction if you offered a new video game as the reward to both girls.

To inspire both girls, you need to present equal and worthwhile rewards to each child. Perhaps one will get to go to horse riding camp and the other would get a new gaming console. This would create an inspiration for both kids without having to pick one’s interests over the other.

Suppose the rewards are the same items, such as pens, and you want to maximize the reward effect. In that case, you can change these items, decorate them according to what each child likes, and use their favorite characters as designs and customizations. Producing a unique pen for each child, Custom Pens allow both children to have equal rewards but play a better role.

The same is true for negative incentives or punishments. If the girls get into a fight, you might ground one indoors and take the other away from the video games.

Picking appropriate rewards and punishments is key in inspiring people to behave in certain ways.

This can also be situational.

An example of this exists with older teenagers. A teenager might usually be inspired to do their best by the positive praise that is showered on them by a parent or relative. But when their friends are around, they will not want the same kind of parental attention. They might even be inspired to act negatively because their friends will perceive them as “cooler” if they skirt parental authority.

Incentive Theory: Important Things to Consider about Incentives

Although incentives and punishments are very powerful tools in teaching responsibility and gaining the behavior we want from others, we have to remember there are factors that will affect the success of this tool. Some of the most common factors are outlined here.

Incentives Can be Used to Both Inspire Behaviors and Stop Them

If you are trying to stop a child from misbehaving, you can offer a positive reward for stopping the behavior. It doesn’t have to always be a punishment.

If time outs and other punishments aren’t working, you might try offering a positive reward, instead.

An example of this is to set a timeline. If the child manages to complete a set number of days without exhibiting their bad behavior, they can earn a reward.

A Reward Must be Obtainable for It to Be a Successful Motivator.

Often, people are discouraged by rewards that aren’t attainable.

If a child is near the end of the semester and pulling a failing grade, it is unreasonable to tell them that they must now finish the semester with an A grade or they won’t earn their reward. This will only inspire them to not even try.

Instead, try telling your child that they need to pass the semester to earn a reward, then offer a greater reward if they pull all As and Bs on the next one.

Incentives are Only Powerful if the Target of the Incentive Views Them as Important.

Don’t offer an empty threat or promise.

Telling someone that you will give them something they don’t care about having isn’t going to inspire them to do well.

Telling someone that you will punish them with something they don’t care about isn’t going to inspire them to stop negative behavior, either.

Make the reward or punishment fit the action and make it something that will mean something to the target.

Incentive Theory: Incentives Can Be Powerful Tools in All Walks of Life

There are a number of ways we work with incentives and punishments in life, sometimes without even knowing it.

Incentive Theory is present in almost all our daily actions and choices and we are continuously inspired by what happens next.

Here are some surprising examples of how incentive theory affects us.

Keeping a Job to Pay Bills

We have all had mornings where we didn’t want to go to work. We roll over and silence our alarms and think about the office drama, the pile of paperwork that is waiting for us, and all the movies we would rather stay home and binge. This is a completely normal feeling.

However, we all also get up and go to work. Why? Because we know we need the paycheck to pay our bills. If we quit our jobs, we can’t support ourselves.

That’s its own form of punishment that keeps us in line and gets us up and into the shower.

Keeping Your House Clean

Have you ever walked into someone else’s house and been taken aback by the filth? How about the way you feel when you watch an episode of one of those home disaster shows about compulsive hoarding?

If you’re like the majority of the population, they make you uncomfortable and you find yourself facing certain high levels of disgust.

This is why we keep our homes clean.

Nobody likes the process of cleaning, but we don’t like feeling dirty or being surrounded by filth either. A clean home is the reward for cleaning a home and we punish ourselves with guilty feelings when we fail to complete the necessary tasks.

Obeying the Law to Avoid Trouble

Getting a ticket is expensive. Getting thrown in jail is expensive, embarrassing, and scary. We don’t want to do these things, so we pay attention to the law and are careful about law enforcement.

We don’t want to be seen as convicts or criminals, nor do we want to face the punishment of the courts. This is why we watch our speed, maintain our taxes and registration, and follow other seemingly mundane and pointless rules that are implemented by the government.

How often have you driven down a road and thought, “There’s no reason I have to go so slow here.” Yet, you likely didn’t speed up because you were afraid of being caught doing it.

That’s Incentive Theory at work.

Paying your Bills to Avoid Financial Crisis

Nobody likes to pay bills, either. Imagine it’s payday and you look at your account.

You know you have enough money to afford a nice weekend getaway. But rent and the electric bill are both due and you’re going to need groceries and gas to get through work the next few weeks.

Chances are that you will skip the weekend getaway to take care of less fun but more responsible needs. Why? Because being out of money is punishment and the comfort of a clear mind is a positive reward for your responsibility.

Walking the Dog Before Work

This is an almost comical scenario where your own pet uses the incentive theory to train you, whether they know they’re doing it or not. What happens when you don’t take the dog out? Do you come home to torn up garbage, chewed on furniture, and messes on the floor?

Exactly. In this case, the pet has become the training master.

Positive vs. Negative Incentives

Positive Incentives

Incentives that give a positive outcome in providing an individual’s needs and desires are called positive incentives. These incentives include the law of optimism and are ready to fulfill the employee’s psychological requirements. For example, when a supervisor celebrates a new employee for doing a good job. Other positive incentives are things like recognition, job promotions, extra allowances, awards, and badges.

Negative Incentives

On the opposite end of positive incentives, negative incentives are given to improve an individual’s mistakes and errors in the attempt to produce gratifying results. Usually, negative incentives are given if the positive incentives do not work, conditioning a person to act in a way that avoids negative incentives. Some examples of this are job demotions, punishments, and penalties.

The incentive theory says an incentive attracts a person towards it. A person will most likely behave to get himself closer to that aim. This theory is grounded in conditioning, which is done by an incentive to make a person happier.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsically motivated actions are carried out because of the personal satisfaction they bring. These behaviors are considered ones where the reward is simply the fulfillment of doing the activity itself. For instance, if you are in school because you like learning, you are motivated intrinsically to be in school.

Extrinsic Motivation

Extrinsically motivated behaviors, on the other end of the spectrum, are done to get something from others or avoid specific negative outcomes. The extrinsic motivator is outside of the individual. Outside rewards, such as job promotions, financial advancement, stickers, or other goodies, are good examples of extrinsic motivators. Social and emotional stimuli like praise and attention are also extrinsic motivators since they are given to the person by another person.

Extrinsic rewards are usually used to influence someone who shows limited interest in a possibly useful activity. This is like if a child shows no interest in learning to read. His or her teacher may begin to use external rewards to get him or her to engage in that activity.

Final Thoughts Incentive Theory

Incentive theory is the idea that we are all driven by rewards and punishments. We do well to make gains or to avoid unpleasant outcomes.

We all face incentive theory in the day to day actions of our lives, whether we are paying bills, going to work, or doing our dishes.

We can also use incentive theory to inspire those around us to perform well or stop behaviors that we find disturbing.

Understanding and Accessing Support Services

Encouraging Emotional Expression and Connection

Promoting Routine, Structure, and Independence

Encouraging Physical Wellness and Adaptive Activities

Educating Caregivers and Expanding Awareness

Advocating for Accessibility and Inclusion

Prioritizing a Person-Centered Approach

What Are Triggers?

Identifying Personal Triggers

Developing Coping Strategies

Utilizing Support Networks

Creating a Trigger-Free Environment

The Role of Mindfulness in Recovery

Teletherapy Services

AI Chatbots

Online Prescriptions

Wearable Monitors

Understanding Screen Time and Its Implications

The Impact on Eye Health

Effects on Mental Health

Hair Health and Technology

Posture and Musculoskeletal Health

Strategies for Managing Screen Time

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Concerns

Social Development and Family Dynamics

The Significance of Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The Interdisciplinary Shift in Education

Integrating Arts and Creativity in Therapy

The Role of Technology in Modern Therapeutic Practices

Holistic Health Perspectives in Interdisciplinary Studies

The Future of Therapy in an Interdisciplinary Context

Where to Cram

How to Cram for a Test

Step One: Turn Off Distractions

Step Two: Time Yourself

Step Three: Focus, Rewrite, and Highlight

Step Four: Eat Well

Step Five: Rest

Additional Cramming Tips

Make Your Own Study Guide

Make a Song

Cram With a Friend

Set a Goal

Make Flashcards

Conclusion

The Location of the Somatosensory Cortex

What’s the Role of the Somatosensory Cortex?

Brodmann’s Areas for the Somatosensory Cortex

Somatotopic Arrangement

How the Samatosensory Cortex May Contribute in Prosocial Behavior

Further Studies

A Role in Social Function

Putting These Findings into Practice

What Is Weber’s Law?

The Difference Threshold

Is Weber’s Law Useful?

Example One: Weight

Example Two: Temperature

Example Three: Taste

Example Four: Hearing

Example Five: Sight

Example Six: Scent

The Key Points of Weber’s Law

Conclusion

Let’s Talk About Your AP Score

The Many Benefits of a High AP Score

“

Dr. S​​euss​

Watch out for the Dreaded Burnout

How to fight back against burnout

“

Jean Shinoda Bolen​

Expert Tips on How to Fight Back Against the Boredom Monster

“

A few more tips for beating boredom into submission

Now Let’s Talk About How to Supercharge Your Study Habits

No cramming

“

Teaching someone else

Test yourself

Dr. Seuss

Jean Shinoda Bolen

Audrey Niffenegger – The Time Traveler’s Wife

Incentive Theory: What Inspires You to Do Well?

Incentive Theory: Some Incentives Seem to Take a Stronger Hold than Others

Incentive Theory: Important Things to Consider about Incentives

Incentive Theory: Incentives Can Be Powerful Tools in All Walks of Life

Final Thoughts Incentive Theory