AP Exams might be over, but students still have to deal with SOLs, final projects, and final exams. The end of the year can be a stressful time, so here’s some advice for busy students.
1. Don’t procrastinate
Even though it seems like summer vacation is practically here, don’t use it as an excuse to start slacking off. Don’t wait till the last minute to get that project done or write that paper. Spending enough time on each assignment will help you get better results and grades. Procrastinating on big assignments will just add to your stress levels. Avoiding procrastination will help both your grades and your mental health.
2. Take a break
Don’t forget to take some time for relaxation. Since this time of year is really challenging, rewarding yourself with a short break can be a great way to get rid of stress. Watching an episode of your favorite TV show, going out for a run, or hanging out with friends are just some examples of the different ways to take a break from the monotonous school week.
3. Find a motivation
It feels horrible to do an assignment just for the sake of doing it. To help you get through the rest of the school year, find something that inspires you to do better. Having a reason to do well on your projects and exams can make a big difference in the effort you put in and the results you get. The most obvious source of motivation is thinking about summer vacation when you can enjoy a well-deserved vacation after weeks of hard work.
4. Divide and conquer
Most people don’t have the patience to sit down for 5 hours to study for a final or write an essay. Instead, divide assignments into smaller chunks of work. Taking 15 minutes every day to study for a test is much easier and less mentally exhausting than studying everything in one sitting. The same goes for a project or a paper. Dividing assignments into smaller tasks also helps you avoid procrastination because you can schedule your time in a more efficient manner.
5. Use an agenda or planner
Don’t underestimate the power of using an agenda to keep track of important tasks and due dates. It can be easy to forget about work that needs to get done when everyone is caught up in end of the year related occasions. Remember the little red book everyone received in September? Make it your new best friend.