With exams and finals right around the corner, teenagers are more susceptible to stress during this time. Especially toward the end of the school year, students can’t wait for summer to be here already. When taking major tests it is important to know healthy ways to deal with or relieve stress.

“When feeling stressed out from studying, I like to take a step back to calm down and regain my thoughts,” stated Ava Salem when asked how she deals with her stress.

Here are more ways to lessen your stress:

• Breaks: Take regular breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout. Take a quick walk, stretch, or do some breathing exercises to relax your mind and body.
• Positive self-talk: Avoid negative self-talk and focus on positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths, and past successes, and believe in your abilities.
• Eat well: Avoid junk food and eat a balanced diet. Include foods that are rich in vitamins, fiber, and protein along with staying hydrated by drinking enough water.
• Exercise: Regular exercise can be an effective way of reducing stress. It releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which can help to improve your mood and reduce anxiety.
• Meditation: Practice mindfulness meditation to help calm your mind and manage your stress. This method involves focusing on the present moment and observing your thoughts without judgment.
• Sleep well: Get enough sleep to rest and restore your energy levels. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and digital screens before bedtime.

In summary, take care of your physical and mental health during exam periods by taking breaks, eating well, exercising regularly, meditating, and getting enough sleep.

Remember that studying for exams takes time, patience, and persistence.

• Create a study schedule: Make a study schedule, allocating enough time for each subject based on their difficulty level. Use a planner or a digital calendar to keep track of the study sessions.
• Practice active learning: Instead of passively reading through notes, engage in active learning by taking notes, summarizing material in your own words, discussing topics with classmates, or studying in a group.
• Use mnemonic devices: Use mnemonic devices (e.g., acronyms, rhymes, or associations) to help remember important information.
• Take breaks: Taking short, regular breaks during study sessions helps to maintain focus and avoid mental fatigue.
• Review past exams: Review past exam papers to identify common trends, or types of questions that may appear in the current exam.
• Utilize resources: Take advantage of resources such as textbooks, online materials, lecture notes, and study guides to supplement your learning.
• Seek help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from teachers, professors, or classmates when you are struggling with a concept or topic.
• Stay motivated: Stay motivated by setting achievable goals, rewarding yourself when you accomplish them, and reminding yourself of the benefits of studying and getting good grades.

Incorporating these study tips into your routine with consistent effort can improve your exam performance and achieve your academic goals.

Junior, Mal McCallum likes to make studying a little more enjoyable, “I usually have upbeat music playing, and sip on some water to keep me awake.”

Studying for exams does not always have to be boring and stressful. There are many ways to make studying for exams more enjoyable.

• Use games in your studies: Turn studying into a game by creating quizzes, flashcards, or using online learning apps that offer interactive quizzes and challenges.
• Study with friends: Studying with friends can make the experience fun and less overwhelming. You can quiz each other, discuss topics, and share learning resources.
• Use visuals: Visual aids such as diagrams, illustrations, and videos can make studying more interesting and engaging.
• Listen to music: Listening to classical or instrumental music while studying can help reduce stress and increase focus.
• Change study settings: Switching up the study environment can provide a fresh perspective and make studying more enjoyable. Try studying in a park, coffee shop, or even a different room in your house.
• Have a reward system: Set up a reward system for yourself after achieving certain study goals. Treat yourself to your favorite food, activity or hobby, or anything that motivates you.
• Incorporate physical activity: Exercise can improve brain function and reduce stress, so consider incorporating physical activity into your study routine, such as taking a walk while listening to an audio book.

By making studying for exams more interactive and enjoyable, you can feel more motivated and energized to tackle your studies. Finding a balance between fun and effective study methods is critical to success in exams.