Although AP testing is over and many students have finished a lot of their finals already, this last week of school may be stressful for students. With one final class period for each class, the pressure of finishing on a good note and doing well on those final tests causes stress. Here are just a few tips to reduce this week’s stress.

1- Get a good night’s sleep

    While pulling an all-nighter to cram for a final test may seem like a good idea, it is definitely not. Although you may get that final studying in, the next day you will be exhausted and unable to focus. Those easy questions may be more difficult without proper rest, so get some sleep so you can focus the next day. Eight hours of sleep is recommended by doctors, so make sure you have everything finished and prepared so you can get a full night of rest.

2- Eat a good breakfast

    “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is a common saying we’ve all heard before, and although you may not have believed this, it’s true. Eating a good breakfast provides you with the energy needed to get through the day and stay focused. So while many of you may not eat in the mornings, taking the short time to eat a quick breakfast is super important to having a good day of finals. Whether you have to prepare it the night before or if you have time in the morning to do so, it’s a short amount of time that will make a huge difference in your day.

3- Prepare the night before

    Mornings can be stressful, especially when you have a big test or presentation. Eliminating the stress of packing a bag, choosing an outfit or even making breakfast can make a huge difference in starting your day. Pack your bag the night before, choose your outfit, do whatever it is you have to do in order to make your morning less stressful so you start your day on a good note.

4- Study, but don’t overwork yourself

    Being prepared and knowing the material is the most obvious way to do good on a final test. While last minute studying may be beneficial, don’t work yourself too hard. Don’t do more than you can handle. Everyone knows their own limits, and especially around this time, it’s important to make sure you don’t exceed these limits.

5- Relax

    Whatever it is that helps you relax, do it. Finals week is stressful, so taking the time to unwind can make a huge difference. Take a shower or bath, watch a movie, take a nap, drink some tea or go on a walk. Taking breaks is important, so if you get too stressed this week, take some time to cool down.

     While finals week may take its toll on everyone, these few tips may help lessen that toll and help everyone have a good week of testing.