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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.

The Benefits of Using a School Planner

Enhanced Organization: Planners provide a centralized space to jot down assignments, tests, deadlines, and meetings. By having all your academic information in one place, you can see at a glance what needs to be done, which helps prevent tasks from being overlooked or forgotten.

Improved Time Management: With a planner, you can allocate your time effectively. It allows you to break down study sessions, prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, and plan ahead for upcoming projects. This proactive approach helps ensure that you’re always prepared, reducing stress during peak times like the weeks of midterms and finals.

Boosted Productivity: A planner can help you establish a routine by setting aside specific times for studying and completing homework. This structured approach to time management can significantly increase productivity, as you can focus on one task at a time without worrying about what comes next.

Track Goals and Progress: Beyond daily task management, a planner is a fantastic tool for setting long-term educational goals. Whether it’s improving in a particular subject, preparing for standardized tests, or completing a significant research project, a planner lets you set milestones and track your progress towards these goals.

Tips for Effectively Using a School Planner

Make It a Daily Habit: For your planner to be effective, it needs to be a part of your daily routine. Spend a few minutes each morning and evening reviewing and updating your planner. This will help you internalize your schedule and priorities for the day, and adjust any plans promptly if circumstances change.

Be Detailed and Specific: When entering information in your planner, be as detailed as possible. Instead of writing “study for math,” specify what you will study, such as “complete algebra worksheet pages 10-15.” This specificity makes it clear what you will be working on and helps you maximize your time instead of spending precious minutes trying to figure out where to start.

Use Color Coding: Some students find that color coding can make planners easier to read, especially at a quick glance. For example, use blue for homework, red for tests and exams, green for personal appointments, and so on. This method makes it easier to visually sort and prioritize your tasks.

Review and Adjust Weekly: At the end of each week, review what you’ve accomplished and what hasn’t been completed. This reflection will help you understand your productivity patterns and identify areas for improvement. Adjust your planning strategy accordingly to optimize the upcoming weeks.

Integrate with Digital Tools: While a physical planner is great for writing down tasks, integrating it with digital tools like calendar apps can enhance its effectiveness. Digital reminders can help you stay on track with your planner’s agenda, ensuring you never miss a deadline.

Takeaway

A school planner is more than just a tool for jotting down homework—it’s a comprehensive system for managing your academic life. By effectively utilizing a planner, students can enhance their organization, manage their time more efficiently, and boost their overall academic performance. With these tips in mind, a planner can become an indispensable tool for academic success.