As the semester winds down, students everywhere face the challenge of Finals Week. The pressure to perform well, manage deadlines, and absorb weeks worth of material can be overwhelming. Academic stress is one of the top stressors for many students, and finals week only intensifies the pressure.
One 12th grade student stated, “I feel so stressed out I couldn’t sleep for hours.”
Ms. Vargas, academic counselor, stated “students also feel overwhelmed due to procrastination that leads them to being in a crisis.”
There are effective strategies to reduce stress and approach finals with a clear mind and steady focus. Here’s a closer look at why finals are so stressful and what students can do to take care of themselves during this intense period.
Why are finals so stressful?
- Many students feel their future depends on their performance, creating immense pressure to succeed.
- Between papers, projects, and studying, managing time feels impossible.
- Students may set unrealistic expectations, adding to their stress.
- Late night study sessions are common, but poor sleep can worsen anxiety.
These factors combined make finals week especially stressful. Small changes in habits and mindset can make a big difference.
How to destress during finals week
These are some things I learned from my own experience as a high school student and from caring adults at All for Kids, that I find helpful.
1. Plan Ahead
Instead of tackling everything at once, break down your workload. Create a schedule that prioritizes the most challenging tasks first and include regular study breaks. Tools like planners, calendars, tasks or other apps can help keep you organized and on track.
2. Prioritize sleep
While pulling an all nighter might feel productive, it’s counterproductive. Sleep is critical for memory and cognitive function, even during finals.
3. Take mindfulness Breaks
Deep breathing or even listening to calming music can help ground you. Many apps offer guided meditations tailored to students under stress.
4. Reach out for support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to talk to someone, whether it’s a friend, family member, or counselor.Here at Hawkins there are mental health resources offered.
Finals are important but they’re not everything. One grade won’t define your worth or future success. Approaching finals with a balanced mindset, healthy habits, and a focus on self care will reduce stress and also improve performance. Remember you’ve made it through challenges before, and you’ll make it through this one too. Finals week is temporary, but the skill you develop to manage stress will last a lifetime.
