Balancing Studying and Stress During Final Exam Season

By: Olivia Obadiah

As final exams approach, students often find themselves under immense pressure. Whether it’s due to uncertainty about how to study or the anxiety that naturally comes with high-stakes testing, stress levels tend to rise–and when unmanaged, that stress can negatively impact performance. Beyond anxiety, many students also experience burnout, leaving them drained, unmotivated, and unable to concentrate. However, adopting effective study techniques and healthy habits can help combat these challenges and promote academic success.

Why Do Students Experience Burnout and Stress?

Academic burnout–a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress–is an increasing concern during exam season. It often stems from intense academic pressure, fear of failure, and long hours of overworking. According to a recent survey conducted at Don Soffer Aventura High School, nearly 47% of students reported planning to study between 3 to 4 hours each day in preparation for finals, while an additional 21.7% said they study for more than 4 hours daily. While dedication is commendable, excessive studying without balance can have serious consequences: fatigue, reduced motivation, loss of focus, and ultimately, lower academic performance.

Preventing burnout starts with moderation, structure, and self-care. By using purposeful study strategies and setting healthy boundaries, students can preserve both their productivity and their well-being.

Study Techniques

Healthy study habits are essential for staying organized and avoiding the mental toll of last-minute cramming. Many students feel overwhelmed by the volume of assignments and the pressure to master every detail, but structure can ease that tension. One effective strategy is creating a realistic study schedule. Breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable pieces makes the workload feel more approachable and less stressful. Just as important is building in scheduled breaks–rest periods give the brain time to process and retain new information, ultimately boosting focus and performance.

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A popular method is the Pomodoro Technique, which involves studying for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, students take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. This approach keeps study time focused while reducing mental fatigue.

The same student survey revealed that many students rely on past exams and practice problems to study, while others use flashcards, video tutorials, or rewrite their notes. All of these methods can be effective–what matters most is finding the approach that works best for you.

Equally important is goal-setting. Establishing realistic, achievable objectives can significantly boost motivation and provide a clear sense of direction. However, setting goals that are too ambitious can have the opposite effect. Falling short of unrealistic expectations may reinforce feelings of inadequacy and lead to a cycle of discouragement.

Advice from Past Students

Many students experienced intense stress during final exams last year. When asked to rate their stress levels during finals week on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the least stressed and 10 being the most), approximately 86% of students rated their stress level above a 7, and nearly 47% gave it a 10. As part of the same survey, students were invited to share advice for new students preparing for exams–offering insights grounded in their own experiences.

(Obadiah, 2025)

Chloe Demesmin-O’Neill, a diligent student, recommends preparing by taking practice exams. She advises, “Don’t focus on mastery–make sure you have a good understanding of the material. Watch videos if you can, and be sure to do practice tests or problems so you’re not surprised by the difficulty of the exam.”

Several students reflected on their past experiences, admitting they placed unnecessary pressure on themselves during finals. Their advice? Don’t forget to breathe. Ilene Aharonov encourages students to “just relax and do your best,” while Natalie Braet adds,“Hard work always pays off–just make sure not to procrastinate!”

Support at Don Soffer High

Students aren’t in this alone. Don Soffer Aventura High School offers a variety of resources to support students both academically and emotionally. One standout program is SHINE Peer Tutoring, which pairs students with peers who have previously excelled in the same classes. Tutoring is available every Tuesday morning from 8:00 to 8:25 a.m., and covers a wide range of subjects–including AICE International History, AP U.S. History, AP Seminar, AP Biology, and AP Calculus.

Final Reminders

Yes, finals can be stressful–but they’re also a chance to reflect on how much you’ve learned and grown. Start early, take breaks, stay organized, and lean on the support systems around you. With the right mindset and strategies, you’ll be more than ready to take on whatever challenges come your way.