Managing Stress During Finals
Written by Ivy Nguyen
As the end of the school year approaches, students often find themselves under a lot of pressure to perform well on their final exams and manage end-of-year responsibilities such as club officer interviews, grades, and summer activities. This can lead to increased stress levels, which can negatively impact mental health and lead to poor physical health. However, you can and should always avoid sacrificing your wellbeing by managing your stress effectively while staying on top of your studies.
The first way to prevent the stress of not being prepared for finals is to create a study schedule for each day of your finals. This will help you stay organized which will allow you to focus and will reduce the likelihood of cramming or procrastinating. When you feel overwhelmed, you will feel reassured by knowing you have a plan; studying in shorter sessions for longer periods of time is always more beneficial for mental health and recollection of information on test day. You can make your plan by prioritizing by the most important subjects or base it on which tests you are taking first and divide your study time accordingly. Make sure to include regular breaks to give your brain a chance to rest and recharge, which will allow for better memorization, less burnout, and a better performance on test day.
As mentioned before, you should allow yourself breaks for self-care. Self-care is especially crucial during stressful times like finals. For every person, self-care can look differently. It can be seen by doing skincare, shopping, baking, or anything that makes you feel fulfilled. You can also practice self-care by getting enough sleep, eating fulfilling food, and staying hydrated. In between studying or working on homework, it is a perfect time to practice your recreational hobbies like making art, music, or reading books. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress, so make sure to incorporate some physical activity into your daily routine. Saving time for self-care and activities you enjoy can help reduce stress and improve your overall mood.
During times of high stress, it's important not to shut out friends or family. Make sure you reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional if you feel under pressure. Talking to someone can help ground you and make you feel more supported and loved. Additionally, you may benefit from joining a study group or seeking help from a tutor to reduce academic stress and feel more supported while interacting with peers. Studying with fellow students that are in the same situation as you can be very reassuring and you may even strengthen your friendships. Friends and family are able to lessen your stress during the end of the year pressures.
Finally, it's important to look at the big picture and keep things in perspective. While finals and end-of-year responsibilities are important, they are not make or break moments. You will have more opportunities and so many more experiences in your life. Remember that you are more than your academic performance, and that it's okay to take a break and prioritize your mental health. Trust me, it will help you in the long run.
In conclusion, managing stress during finals and end-of-year responsibilities is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health. By creating a study schedule, practicing self-care, seeking out loved ones, and keeping things in perspective, you can reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Remember: prioritize your mental health and take care of yourself during this busy time, because it will benefit you and your ability to study which will improve test performance.
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