As finals approach on June 16-22, stress levels around school begin to rise. Between projects, exams, and late-night studying, many students feel overwhelmed. While finals can seem intimidating, research shows that healthy habitats and smart preparation can make an actual difference.
One of the biggest mistakes students make is procrastinating. According to a study on student study habitats, students who used active study strategies such as practice quizzes, flashcards, and reviewing notes performed better on exams than students who relied on only rereading materiel. The study also found that students reported being distracted for about 20% of their studying time, which negatively affected test scores.
Sleep is another major factor many students ignore during final weeks. Although some students stay up late cramming, researchers have found that sleep plays an important role in memory and focus. A recent study involving more than 3,000 teenagers showed that students who slept longer and had healthier sleep habits scored higher on reading, vocabulary, and problem-solving test.
Unfortunately, many high school students are not getting enough rest. A national survey found that 77% of high school students reported getting less sleep than the recommended amount, while 23% said they slept five hours or less on school nights.
Experts also suggest limiting distractions like phones and social media while studying. Research on high school students found that increased screen time was linked to lower academic performance and weaker concentration skills over time.
To stay organized during finals, students can create study schedules, limit screen time, and break large assignments into smaller tasks. Taking short breaks between study sessions can also help students stay focused and avoid burnout.
Eating balanced meals and staying hydrated can improve energy levels as well. While caffeine and energy drinks may seems helpful, too much can make students feel more anxious and tired later on.
Finally, students should remember that finals are important, but they do not define their future. Staying calm, preparing early, and taking care of both physical and mental health can help students perform their best.
With smart habits, enough sleep, and confidence, students can survive finals week and head into summer proud of their hard work.
