by Luis Hernandez

With finals approaching, students may be feeling bogged down due to stress and anxiety. To succeed on your finals, it is important to manage your stressors and focus your full attention on studying. These are some methods you can use to limit stress with finals around the corner.

Do not procrastinate.

The best way to manage your anxiety is by ensuring that you are using your time wisely and avoiding waiting until the last minute. It is important to start studying as soon as possible, as it allows you to budget your time to give you sufficient time to study for each course. This will greatly benefit your chances of succeeding on your exams.

Take short breaks.

Remember that it is important to not burn yourself out. It is essential to customize breaks depending on your personal needs and preferences. Some people relax by watching TV or videos, while some benefit from taking a nap or even working out. Do not try to study all at once and “cram” for exams, as you are likely not going to remember any of it, and you will be more concentrated and refreshed after a break.

Create a Study Schedule.

Creating a study schedule can lead to less stress because it can help you prioritize time for each course. This will prevent you from forgetting to study for a specific class. An organized schedule will greatly reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and reduce the chances of not studying for specific topics.

Speak with peers and teachers.

If you are having difficulty with certain topics, it is best to speak with a fellow student or your teacher to receive help. Studying with friends helps with memory retention and offers a different perspective on a question that you may need. A teacher can obviously help greatly, as well, so check the hours they are available to help you and do not wait until the last minute to seek out help.

Use resources.

Bosco offers many resources that can aid you in your upcoming exams. Teachers should be available in their classrooms next week starting at 8:00am before finals begin each day. It is important to utilize this time if you need it, as they can clear up any confusions you may have or provide you the opportunity to make up work you’ve missed.

Get good sleep.

Sleep is essential. A lack of sleep can lead to irritability and reduced memory retention, which will only add to your stress. Aiming for at least eight hours of sleep will cause a significant change in your attitude and ability to study well. Studying while tired is also not very effective, so it is important to be energized and attentive.

Remember you are more than a grade.

Caring about your grade is important, but always remember it is just a grade. It does not define who you are and your value. Do not judge yourself based on your performance on the exams. Your mental and physical health should always be your top priority, especially during a very stressful time like finals week.