As finals week approaches, one of the most stressful times of the year for a high school student, many are preparing for their most significant exams of the school year. Students dedicate much of their time studying for finals, cramming in as much information in their heads as they can. Although this isn’t a list of studying tips, here are a few simple steps to help students reach their full potential for the finals season.
The first recommendation is to eat a full breakfast. About 75% of high school students in the U.S. do not eat breakfast before school. Eating breakfast is highly beneficial because it provides the body energy and helps wake up the mind. Many teachers encourage eating a solid breakfast before finals, but hearing it from our own SRV classmates truly empowers the idea more. A study from Henry Ford Health informs that starting the day with breakfast makes all the difference in comparison to skipping it.
Secondly, Mia Navone, sophomore class president at SRVHS, said that a good way to reach one’s full potential is to ‘lock in’ and read the textbooks because they are accessible, helpful, and have lots of information. Taking the time to read them carefully can provide a strong foundation for understanding key concepts.
Another word of advice is to get as much sleep as necessary. While this may be another thing students hear often from teachers, it’s advice they’re likely overlooking. Energy drinks are not a replacement for sleep. Rather than actually providing energy, they block a brain chemical called adenosine, a chemical which promotes sleep and calming of the nerves. Going to bed an hour earlier for a few nights can make a big impact, leaving students feeling awake and refreshed for finals.
Leadership student at SRVHS, Grace Miles, suggests reviewing notes, making flashcards, and studying them daily. She explains that these strategies help with memorization and makes students feel more prepared.
The last key tip is to stay hydrated throughout the day to help focus and maintain energy. Students can stay hydrated by bringing a large water bottle to class and refilling it as needed. Studies show that hydration improves concentration, which can help students perform better for finals. Energy drinks and sodas do not count as substitutes for water because they don’t give the proper benefits that water does.
Overall, finals can be stressful, but only if students let them be. What really matters is that students put in their best effort. By implementing the tips provided, students can approach the finals with confidence. Happy finals SRV!
Works Cited:
CBS Interactive. (n.d.). 3 in 4 high schoolers not eating breakfast daily, CDC survey finds. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/high-schoolers-breakfast-cdc-survey/#:~:text=75%25%20of%20teens%20surveyed%20in,climbing%20from%2040.7%25%20in%202019.
Skipping breakfast? the truth about the “most important meal of the day.” Henry Ford Health – Detroit, MI. (n.d.). https://www.henryford.com/blog/2021/07/skipping-breakfast
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, June 17). Tired or wired?. National Institutes of Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2020/10/tired-or-wired#:~:text=Caffeine%20blocks%20adenosine%20from%20working,body%20adapts%2C%E2%80%9D%20Ferre%20says.
