Helpful Habits to Build Before Finals
Finals season is just around the corner, and if you’re a high school or college student, now is the perfect time to start building habits that will set you up for success.
If you start now, you’ll already have a solid foundation of healthy habits heading into a stressful period.
Here are some actionable habits you can begin today to stay focused, energized, and ready to perform your best.
1. Create a Study Schedule (And Stick to It!)
One of the most effective habits you can develop is time management. Avoid the finals week panic by planning ahead. Break down your syllabus and create a weekly or daily study plan. Prioritize harder subjects and rotate topics to keep things fresh.
Tip: Use a calendar or planner to block out study sessions, and include breaks to prevent burnout.
2. Practice Active Studying
Instead of passively rereading notes, try more engaging techniques that help your brain retain information better:
- Quiz yourself using flashcards
- Teach a concept to a friend or even out loud to yourself.
- Summarize chapters in your own words.
- Use practice exams or old quizzes to test your knowledge.
These techniques help move information from short-term memory to long-term understanding, and are far more effective than cramming the night before the test.
3. Prioritize Sleep
Pulling all-nighters may seem like something everyone does during finals, but they do more harm than good. Your brain consolidates information while you sleep, so trading sleep for study time can actually hurt your performance.
Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night and try to keep a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
4. Make Time for Movement
Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress, boost energy, and improve focus. Even just 20–30 minutes of walking, yoga, or a short workout can make a huge difference in how you feel.
Tip: Use exercise as a built-in break during study sessions. A walk around the block can clear your mind and help you return with more focus.
5. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Finals can be a stressful time, so it’s important to check in with yourself emotionally. Develop habits that help you manage stress and stay grounded:
- Practice mindfulness or meditation for a few minutes a day.
- Keep a journal to track your thoughts and feelings.
- Reach out to a friend, counselor, or therapist if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
6. Fuel Your Body & Brain
What you eat and drink can impact your energy and concentration. Avoid skipping meals, and opt for brain-friendly foods over sugary treats and caffeinated drinks. Prioritize foods like:
- Whole grains: Whole wheat breads, oats, brown rice
- Fruits: Grapes, apples, bananas, berries
- Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, brussels sprouts
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
- Lean proteins: Chicken, turkey, tofu, and tempeh
Don’t forget to drink water! Staying hydrated helps maintain focus and stamina during long study sessions.
7. Reduce Distractions
Identify what tends to pull your attention away (like social media) and set boundaries. Try studying in a designated distraction-free space, turning off unnecessary notifications while studying, or even physically putting your phone in a different room.
Conclusion
Small, consistent changes in your routine can make a big difference in how prepared and confident you feel for exams.
At HLM, we’re here to support you every step of the way with expert tutors in all subjects to prepare and guide you. Call us at (626) 227-1149 or submit a form today to schedule a session.
