With finals approaching, it’s natural for students to feel a mix of excitement and stress. By adopting study habits that work best for you or your student, practicing wellness and maintaining healthy routines, students can approach finals with confidence. Below are ten tips and reminders to help students feel prepared, healthy and focused during this busy time.
1. Set a Study Schedule to Avoid Cramming
Creating a study schedule helps students manage their time, making it easier to tackle each subject without feeling overwhelmed. It is encouraged to start studying early and break down subjects into manageable chunks. Reviewing materials regularly is more effective than cramming.
2. Prioritize Sleep
Quality sleep is essential for memory and concentration and students should aim for 8–10 hours of sleep each night. A well-rested mind can improve focus, recall and problem-solving skills.
3. Take Breaks Between Study Sessions
To avoid burnout students should try to take short breaks every 45–60 minutes. This boosts productivity and gives their minds time to process information. Activities like stretching, walking or listening to music can recharge their energy.
4. Eat Nutritious Meals
Fueling up with balanced meals supports brain function and energy levels. Breakfast on test days is particularly important, as it can improve concentration and memory.
5. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water throughout the day is essential for maintaining focus as even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function.
6. Practice Mindfulness
IUSD’s Mental Health and Wellness and Counseling teams recommend practicing mindfulness to help alleviate stress. Mindfulness can look different for each person and can include breathing and relaxation exercises, reading, listening to music, exercising and other activities that quiet the mind and support self-reflection, which can help students approach finals with a clear mind.
7. Minimize Distractions
Setting up a quiet, distraction-free study area makes a huge difference in productivity. Encourage your child to put away their phones and log off social media during study time to avoid interruptions.
8. Exercise Regularly
Physical activity is a natural stress reliever and improves mood and energy by releasing endorphins.
9. Practice Self-Compassion
Encourage your child to avoid negative self-talk. A little self-compassion can improve their mindset and reduce anxiety.
10. Reach Out for Support
IUSD has a multitude of academic and mental health resources available for students if needed.
- Paper Tutoring provides live tutoring services for students in grades 4 through 12, available 24/7. Paper can assist with essay writing by reviewing essays in less than 24 hours, providing feedback on grammar, content and structure for any subject.
- Khan Academy is a free resource for IUSD students that provides online educational resources such as videos, practice exercises and more.
- Finals can lead to stress and bouts of anxiety. To help with this, IUSD partners with Care Solace and Hazel Health to provide or connect students with Mental Health and Wellness professionals for free.
- IUSD’s Mental Health and Wellness and Counseling teams are also always available to assist students throughout the year.
Please check with your school site for the finals schedule and additional updates.