Final Exam Stress? Tips for Raising Scores and Lowering Stress

By MACKENZIE KEPHART

The end of the semester (December 21), along with the dreaded final exams (December 19-21), is quickly approaching. While grades and tests can be a large source of stress in your life, there are a few things you can do to help minimize this anxiety and pressure.

Sophomore Max Shambaugh recommends “a large study session the night before [exams]. That way you can have a refresher on the stuff you need to remember.”

Shambaugh adds, “Listening to a song while I study helps me remember things better. I also recommend chewing gum; it helps me a lot and gives me something to focus on rather than my stress.”

Here are four more things that you can do to help reduce the stress of final exams:

Study early and create a study schedule! This will help keep you on track and help you know what to study. You can also ask your teachers to help you on specific questions.

Stay healthy! You don’t want to have to worry about a cold when your grades are on the line, so eat healthily, sleep a sufficient amount, and remember to exercise! Exercising can also give you more energy and give you a break from the stress of studying.

Stay organized. This will help you with midterms as well as everything else in your life. Make sure you have things planned out so you don’t have to worry as much.

Spend some time outside! Taking breaks in your study session is a great way to refocus yourself. Take a five-minute walk, go for a run, or play a game of frisbee or soccer with your friends. You could even have a study session outside for a nice change of scenery.

Exams are stressful, but they don’t have to be. Remember to plan ahead and take care of yourself. Good luck!