It’s about that time: the very week that high school students dread all semester long. Finals create immense amounts of stress that can be very overwhelming for students.  It can be difficult for students to manage their time and maintain focus leading up to finals, and students sometimes sacrifice aspects of their personal lives to compensate. Here, we are going to be sharing tips to help you get through these upcoming final exams in a healthy way.

Use Effective Study Habits

Firstly, you need creative techniques and habits to keep you on top of your studying. Making sure you’re organized and put together plays a huge role in final exam success. One of the most helpful study tips we have found is creating flashcards. Physically writing information a notecard aids with memorization and is an easy way to learn terms and facts quickly. Other helpful study methods include Quizlet, Kahoot, and finding a good study buddy to keep you motivated after hours of hard work.

Getting High-Quality Sleep

Sleep improves brain performance, mood, and overall health. It overall improves cognition and memory, learning habits, and recharges our mental and physical batteries. Sleep is one of the main components that will determine how well you a student does during finals, even though students may sacrifice a few hours of sleep to keep studying. It’s important to try reaching the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night so you can feel and perform the best you can. Recharging your body will ensure you have the energy to power through the work you have to get done!

Prioritize Your Meals:

While studying, you must prioritize your meals. Whether it’s for a source of energy or just to take a break, your meals are one of the most important things to keep in line during finals prep. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because after hours of sleep and rest, your body needs fuel in order to perform at its best. Some great food options to keep your brain sharp are berries, dark chocolate, avocados, and eggs. Don’t forget about hydration: the most important thing to consume as you are studying is water because it helps maintain optimal brain function while also helping you think more clearly and creatively. 

Getting Enough Sunlight:

Although many students spend hours hunched over in a library, making sure to get enough fresh air and sunlight is crucial. Believe it or not, getting fresh air actually helps the brain function more efficiently and clearly. Energy levels automatically increase and the individual experiences a mood boost when they see sunlight. A great option to get some fresh air is to go on a walk, even for 20 minutes. Getting fresh air is a good option for a much-needed mental health break.

Develop a Study Plan:

Make sure you have a plan to stay organized and to stay in control. Marking down which final you will study for on each day will help you stay motivated and stay on track. The worst thing that can happen is forgetting to study for something specific, so taking the week one step at a time is how you can make prep week as smooth and easy as possible.