Five Simple Ways to Handle End-of-School-Year Stress

As the school year winds down, the pressure can start to pile up — final projects, exams, deadlines, and the looming transition into summer break (or the next big chapter). It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to let the stress take over. Here are five simple ways to help manage that end-of-year-stress:

1. Make a Game Plan Break down big tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. Use a planner or digital calendar to map out when assignments are due, study times, and self-care breaks. Seeing it all laid out can help you feel more in control.

2. Don’t Skip Sleep It’s tempting to pull all-nighters, but sleep is your brain’s best friend—especially during exams. Try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule and aim for 7–9 hours a night. Your focus and memory will thank you.

3. Move Your Body You don’t need a full workout to reap the benefits—just a short walk, a stretch session, or dancing to your favorite song can boost your mood and reduce stress hormones.

4. Take Brain Breaks. Studying for hours on end can lead to burnout. Use techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes of work, 5-minute breaks) to keep your mind fresh. Use break time to hydrate, breathe, or check in with a friend.

5. Talk It Out. Stress thrives in silence. Whether it’s a friend, family member, teacher, or counselor—talking about how you’re feeling can lift a huge weight off your shoulders.

You’re not alone.

Remember: it’s okay to feel stressed. What matters is how you take care of yourself through it. Finish strong—and don’t forget to breathe. You’ve got this.

Joy Manyiri, MEd.Licensed Professional Counselor