The great news is that the semester is wrapping up soon! That also means finals week is just around the corner. Since it’s the last week for seniors, they’ve shared some tips on how to ease stress during exam time. Whether you’re facing exams or projects, here are a few ways to help you cope and chill out during finals.

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1. Time management and creating a study schedule

Your study plan shouldn’t feel like a constant reminder of what you still need to do. Instead, consider how it can actually benefit you. It could lighten the load of trying to remember everything or help you focus on what’s most important.

“Dividing tasks into smaller parts makes it easier to handle them and lessens that overwhelming feeling,” said Mark Garcia (12). “Having a solid plan can also increase your confidence and stop you from cramming at the last minute, which usually just adds to the stress.”

2. Listening to calming music or nature sounds

Sounds can help lower stress by influencing the nervous system and brain function, encouraging a sense of relaxation. Music aligns with brain activity, leading to a more relaxed state. Natural sounds and white noise can drown out distractions, creating a serene atmosphere.

“Listening to music can help calm your heart, lower your blood pressure, and ease anxiety,” said Nigel Kelly (12). “Soothing tunes can set a chill vibe, making it simpler to concentrate or relax during your downtime.”

3. Taking regular study breaks

It’s break time! Treat yourself to a 5-minute break to stand up, stretch, hydrate, or snack. Once you’ve done four rounds, enjoy a longer 30-minute break.

“The brain needs downtime to sort through and remember what you’ve learned,” said Ariana Guebara (12). “Using techniques like the Pomodoro method—where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break—can help avoid mental burnout and boost your productivity.”

4. Mindfulness and deep breathing techniques

Practicing mindfulness and deep breathing helps your body switch from stress to relaxation by soothing the nervous system, slowing down your heart rate, and easing muscle tension.

“Practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques can soothe your nerves and help you manage your feelings,” said Maximus Vargas (12). “Just a few minutes each day can reduce anxiety and boost your concentration.”

5. Sleep and rest

Getting enough sleep helps cut down stress by lowering hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, while boosting your mood, focus, and overall well-being. On the flip side, not getting enough sleep can lead to more stress hormones being released, making you more irritable and less able to handle everyday challenges.

“Getting enough sleep is super important for your memory, focus, and making decisions,” said Ivy Yang (12). “When you don’t sleep well, you can feel more irritable and stressed, so making rest a priority can really boost how well you study.”

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As finals approach, seniors are advised to reduce stress by creating a study schedule, listening to calming music or nature sounds, taking study breaks, practicing mindfulness and deep breathing, and prioritizing sleep. Time management breaks tasks into smaller parts, music influences brain function, natural sounds and white noise reduce distractions, mindfulness manages feelings and anxiety, and sleep is crucial for memory and focus.