Every December at St. Edward, there’s a moment when the whole school shifts. The hallways get quiet, the LRC fills up faster, and the classrooms turn into a mix of flashcards, laptops, and half-empty iced coffees. That’s when we all know finals are coming.
I’ve been through enough finals seasons to know how overwhelming they can feel. The late-night study sessions, the pressure to finish projects, the countdown to winter break- it all hits at once. Over time, I realized that stressing nonstop doesn’t make me do better. Instead, I’ve learned what actually helps me stay calm and focused. And since a lot of us are feeling the same pressure right now, I thought sharing my own strategies might help someone else get through finals with a little more confidence.
One line I always repeat to myself, and has become my motto for finals, is, “Breathe, break tasks into small steps, and remind yourself that effort matters more than panic.” Because of that, I wanted to share the tips that keep me calm, focused, and in control during finals week.
1) I make sleep a priority.
I’ve learned that staying up late only makes me forget more. Getting 8-10 hours helps my memory and keeps me from feeling overwhelmed before a test.
2) I always eat breakfast, even if it’s small.
Fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, or a quick drink from Starbucks or Dunkin gives me energy that actually lasts. I think I perform way better during exams when I don’t skip breakfast.
3) I study in short, focused bursts.
I use about 30-40 minutes of studying, give myself a 5-minute break, which makes the work feel manageable and keeps me from mentally burning out.
4) I write a simple study plan.
I list my classes and what I need to review for each one. Seeing it on paper makes everything feel less chaotic and helps me stay organized.
5) I distance myself from my phone.
I either silence it or put it across the room. It’s crazy how much more I get done when my phone isn’t lighting up every five seconds.
Finals used to feel like a giant wall blocking my path to winter break. But now, I see them differently. They’re still stressful – I won’t lie – but they don’t control me the way they used to. I’ve learned that the best way to face them is with calmness and confidence in the effort I’ve put in all semester.
As we head into exams, I hope my tips can take a little pressure off someone else. We’re all going through the same thing, and none of us is alone in it. Good luck to everyone at St. Edward High School! We’ve got this – one calm breath and one small step at a time.
