Many students may feel overwhelmed with the school year ending and final exams looming. (I can attest to this; I'm in the same situation. The five AP exams awaiting me feel like a thorn in my side, reminding me that the first few weeks of May will be filled with tests and studying.)

With schoolwork, extracurricular activities, deadlines, and exams, stress is inevitable—but the good news is, it doesn’t have to control your life. There are many practical and healthy ways to manage it and take control of your schedule and time.

Here are a few strategies to help you thrive during the busiest months of the school year!

1. Get Out of the House

This is my personal favorite and the one I find most helpful. Sitting in the same room for hours on end and studying can feel suffocating and draining. In fact, it takes away from my productivity over time.

A change in environment can be extremely helpful. Try heading to a coffee shop, park, or library for a couple of hours. A new environment can help boost your energy and create a sense of purpose, rather than the suffocating feeling during those 2 AM study sessions.

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Take the Quiz: Music or no music when studying?

Which helps you study better?

2. Schedule and Prioritize

When your busy calendar is filled with schoolwork, extracurricular activities, sports, theater, clubs, competitions, and more, it can start to feel like you’re being pulled in a hundred different directions. Scheduling can help alleviate this feeling. Taking just a few minutes at the beginning of the day, or even the night before, to write down your goals and plan out your day can be helpful.

Whether you’re using a physical planner, a digital app, or other resources, planning out your day can create more structure and organization. This can help reduce the overwhelming feelings in your mind, such as "I have so much to do” and “I don't have the time,” and replace them with more accountability and a sense of control.

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3. Try Different Study Methods

Not every study method works for everyone, and that’s okay! It can be helpful to try out different techniques to increase productivity and comprehension. This can make your study sessions more engaging. Here are a few popular techniques:

The Pomodoro Technique:

1. Choose a task for your current study session.
2. Set the timer for 25 minutes.
3. Work on the task until the timer rings, then record the completion of the session.
4. Take a short break, starting with 5 minutes, but it can be as short as 2 minutes.
5. After completing four study sessions, take a longer break (15-30 minutes).

Active Recall:

Active recall is a learning method where you continuously test yourself by pulling information out of your memory instead of just passively reading notes. Instead of simply re-reading your notes, quiz yourself on the material. Flashcards are great for this and help with long-term memorization.

The Cornell Note-Taking Method:

The Cornell note-taking method is a popular and effective way to take notes. This method typically leads to higher levels of overall comprehension. It involves dividing your paper into three sections, all for different purposes, as follows:

1. Notes: All notes from the lecture go into the right section of the page.
2. Questions: All questions and smaller notes go into the left column of the page.
3. Summary: At the bottom of the page, write a summary to summarize and review the material.

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4. Take Meaningful Breaks

Taking breaks doesn’t mean you’re being unproductive or stopping work. Breaks are needed. What matters, though, is how you spend those breaks.

Scrolling through social media might feel relaxing, but it likely won't contribute to your academic progress. Instead, go for breaks that can help you grow and are meaningful. Some examples of meaningful breaks include:

Meditating:

Engaging in just 5-10 minutes of meditation can alleviate anxiety, strengthen focus, and add a sense of peace.

Exercise Breaks:

Engaging in physical activity can be an excellent break. A gym session, running, yoga, Pilates, or even dancing are some potential activities.

Going for a Walk:

A short walk outside will offer a quick escape. Being in nature and getting some fresh air is sure to be a quick and relaxing break.

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5. Get Enough Sleep

This one may seem basic, but it is extremely important. Sleep is essential for you to feel fully recharged and ready for the day. While pulling an all-nighter might seem like a good idea at the moment, sacrificing sleep often leads to worse performance the next day. If you're studying for a test or trying to retain new material, proper rest is your best bet.

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Conclusion

As the end of the year approaches and things start to pick up, these tips can hopefully assist you in managing stress more effectively. Good luck on those exams!