The time is ticking and as we trek closer to the end of the school year, it can become easy to stress and panic over the draining time. Between end of the year tests, graduation, dances, and final projects, students are often in a limbo between excitement and anxiety. Here are some tips for students, and possibly teachers, to keep your heads above the water.

1. Keep up with schoolwork

I made the mistake of putting my schoolwork off multiple times my freshman year, and trust me, it was not for the better. Do your work in class, or to the best of your abilities. You are going to need the extra time at home after days of reviews and exams.

2. Maintain a good sleep schedule

Try to go to bed at a reasonable time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no stranger to last minute homework sessions. Also, I often fall victim to the endless scrolling on social media. My biggest tip is to have a nightly routine and stick with it. As you go through the process of getting ready for bed, your mind will realize it’s time to sleep and you will probably feel more tired and less willing to stay up long enough to consume endless amounts of media. 

3. Make time for yourself

It’s easy to feel drained after a long day at school, try to take a step back from academics for an hour or two at home and give yourself a moment to breathe. Try to limit screen time. Find a hobby that involves creativity or hands on work. This will help your brain to focus on something else. Fix your favorite snack, listen to music, anything you think will help you relax, try it. You are going to need a relaxed mindset when school starts to get a bit hectic. 

4. Communicate

I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay in active communication with your teachers and peers. If you are having trouble understanding an assignment, it’s better to ask about it. If you try to go home and work it out yourself, you will most likely fall into a hole of stress. Your teachers want to help you, so take advantage of that. Also be sure to talk to your friends. They need your support as much as you need theirs. You don’t want to end the year wishing you made more friends or talked to people more. Seniors, this is your last year seeing these people everyday. Make sure you make the most of it. 

5. Have fun

Even with exams and projects, there are still so many things to look forward to. Our admin has done a fantastic job of planning rewards for students this year. I am certainly looking forward to those brain breaks. Upperclassmen are getting ready for dances, the cast of the school musical is working hard to prepare a fantastic show for us to enjoy, and seniors are gearing up for their graduations and Baccalaureate. Enjoy the last months of the year, and let yourself have as much fun as possible.