How to Survive the Last Months of School

So close, yet so far! The countdown to summer can be excruciating, with only a few weeks of school left in the academic year. It can seem as if we are clawing our way to the finish line, and without proper self-care, our mental health can take a heavy toll. As we make sure that we are getting our assignments done on time and keeping our grades up, it is easy to succumb to stress and lose motivation. However, enjoying time with friends during breaks or going downtown to grab a quick coffee can have a huge positive impact on your mood. Here’s some ideas and tips to help you unwind and enjoy your last few weeks of school:

Indulge in Self-Care: After school, you should always remember to give yourself time to relax before tackling any homework or studying you need to do. Set a timer and put on a face mask, grab a book, eat some snacks, or even take a nap. Taking time for self-care has many benefits for students as it can help balance stress, avoid burnout, and prioritize mental health.

Countdowns/Bucket Lists: Counting down the days to your birthday or to your favorite holiday can make it feel as if time is going faster. By making countdown calendars to the last day of school, you can feel excited and anticipated for summer! You can do this by using templates on Canva or even hand-making a calendar. Another way to motivate yourself is by making your summer bucket list. This can add excitement to the next few weeks, and it helps you see what activities you would like to explore with the time you have over summer.

Study Sesh: One way to make studying productive and fun is by having studying sessions with your friends. This can make studying enjoyable, and by having your friends around you, everyone is able to feel engaged and help each other out. You could make games on Kahoot or create flashcards on Quizlet to prepare for an upcoming test. You can also have premeditated break times where you play games such as HeadsUp, Minecraft, and Crossy Road. Studying sessions can help you balance your social life with your academic life, because it enables you to spend time with your friends and find the emotional support you need to get through the last days of school.

Applying these tips to your life may help you get through the challenging months ahead. Beyond these suggestions though, asking for help is always the best option when struggling with anything that may be bothering you. Notre Dame has many understanding teachers and counselors that can provide the support and guidance you need. As students, although we try to strive for perfection, we must remember that it is important to make memories with our friends and approach class with a positive mindset. While the last day of school signifies a closed chapter in our lives, it also means a new one is about to begin!