The Gryphon Gazette

By Logan S. ‘27

So, it’s that time of the year again. The quarter is over, grades are out, and everyone is wondering how they can manage the chaos of school and stay on top of their game. Here are nine tips to help keep you sane for the rest of the year. Now don’t expect all of these methods to work, but be open to trying some. You never know what might end up working best. 

1. Make a Study Plan

First things first: grab your planner (or your phone) and list out all your subjects and due dates. Break your study material into smaller chunks. Just like a puzzle, tackling one piece at a time makes your workload way less overwhelming. Schedule your study sessions around other activities and try to stick to them. It helps keep you accountable and more consistent!

2. Prioritize Health

This might sound cliché, but taking care of yourself is crucial. Eat well, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. Trust me, your brain needs rest to function properly. I know many of us teenagers love to believe that we can function off of 4 hours, but you can’t. Late-night cramming might seem tempting, but being well-rested will help you remember way more and actually help you perform better on your exams.

3. Take Breaks

Studying for hours on end isn’t realistic. A well-known study method is the Pomodoro Timer Technique: study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, repeat. After a few rounds, reward yourself with a longer break. Use this time to stretch, grab a snack, or just relax for a moment before resuming your work.

4. Mindfulness

Incorporating some mindfulness practices during breaks can really help with stress. Even just a few minutes of deep breathing or meditation can clear your mind and boost focus. YouTube has countless videos that can guide you through quick sessions, making it easy to fit into a routine. 

5. Staying Organized

A cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind. Keep your study area tidy and organized, and if you don’t already have a designated study place, I would highly recommend doing so. I know it might seem tempting to do your science homework in the comfort of your bed, but I promise it’s not worth it. Having a designated working place can help to differentiate between work time and break time. I would also recommend using a planner and/or digital tools to track deadlines and tasks. Knowing exactly what you need to accomplish can significantly reduce anxiety.

6. Lean on Others

Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or teachers when the pressure builds. Forming study groups can be super helpful. Explaining concepts to each other reinforces your understanding and makes studying significantly more enjoyable. There have been countless times when I have had very little motivation to study for an assessment, but doing some practice with friends has helped me push through. 

7. Identify and Limit Distractions

Identify what distracts you the most while studying. Whether it’s social media, TV, noise, or something else. Try and find ways to minimize those distractions. Consider using apps that block distracting websites during study sessions, or use the Do Not Disturb feature on your iPhone. Creating a focused study environment is key.

8. Staying Positive

Keeping a positive mindset can be tough, but it’s important. Remind yourself of your strengths and past accomplishments, and try your best to not dwell on that bad math grade from last semester. Focusing on what you can do rather than what you’re worried about can boost your confidence.

9. Know When to Step Away

If you start feeling overwhelmed, it is perfectly okay to take a break. Sometimes stepping away for a bit can help you return with a fresh perspective. Do something you enjoy, whether it’s listening to music, going for a walk, or even watching some Netflix. Just doing something other than work can immediately improve your mentality, and often improves the quality and productivity of your study sessions. 

Conclusion

The end of the quarter or semester can be stressful, but with these tips, you can find balance and stay on top of your studies. Remember to prioritize your well-being along with your academics. Approach the end of each quarter with confidence and a strong mentality is crucial to your success. I’m sure you’ve got this!