EDITORIAL: As finals approach, Targum editors share how they manage stress to do well

As we approach the end of the semester — and as work begins to pile up — it can sometimes feel overwhelming. In order to remain grounded and as stress-free as possible, The Daily Targum's editors share some ways to go about managing end-of-semester anxiousness and stress related to finals.

Isabella Tyszka, editor-in-chief: "The last few weeks of the semester are equal parts stressful and relieving. On one hand, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but on the other, you're barely functioning trying to get assignments in on time. I get it, it's nearly impossible. Still, sacrificing sleep will never amount to anything good. So, in terms of keeping stress levels down, sleep is your best bet."

Victoria Yeasky, managing editor: "My best tip for getting through the last few weeks of the semester is definitely self-care. If you don't take some time to make sure both your mind and body are in good standing, then getting a good grade on that final exam is going to seem like even more of a challenge. You can always budget at least half an hour just for yourself every day!"

Astha Lakhankar, head news editor: "I think giving yourself grace during finals season is especially important, especially if you tend to be self-critical about your academic performance. If you happen to do not so well on an exam, rather than beat yourself up over it, try to give yourself a mini-reward for just getting through it (like a coffee or a 30-minute hangout with your friend). I know it sounds counterintuitive, but you’ll feel a lot more energized afterward and ready to prepare for the next challenge."

Kithmy Wickramasinghe, associate news editor: "Time management is crucial for getting through the last weeks of the semester, especially with final exams and final papers. Try and get everything done sooner rather than later because while procrastination may feel good in the moment, it can definitely lead to regret later."

Claire Bruno, associate news editor: "When school gets busy during finals season, a big thing that alleviates my stress is putting together a clear list of everything I need to do with a timeframe next to each task of when I need to do them by.

"Having everything in one place where I can see it makes the biggest difference because it takes away the worry that I am forgetting something and also takes the responsibility of having to remember everything I need to do off my plate. After that, making a to-do schedule to follow that includes mental health breaks in between tasks is super important as well to avoid both cramming and getting overwhelmed."

Ricky Suta, opinions editor: "The best way to get through finals season is to take many deep breaths and focus on one task at a time. I also am a believer in rewards: You finish a paper, treat yourself to coffee. You had a strong study session, hang out with friends. These things sustain us and help work against burnout."

Dylan McCoy, head sports editor: "I think the best way to handle the last stretch of the semester is good time management. Giving yourself enough time to both do your work and have social and mental breaks is important, and cramming is not a helpful tool for stress."

Jack Bisaha, associate sports editor: "I think a good way to surviving the last few weeks are sticking to your routines and recognizing your limits. I am very routine-oriented, so when I am locked into my routine at school, schoolwork is easier for me to do as opposed to when I have to do work while on break. Also, we all want to do well on our finals but recognize when you need to take a mental break so you can prevent from burning out."

Vy Nguyen, head copy editor: "If at all possible, it’s especially important at this point in the semester to prioritize sleep. Sleep is not just super important to your health — prioritizing sleep is also an easy way to practice self-care."

Henry Wang, photography editor: "For me, I think an important thing is to protect energy and focus while working or studying. I always try to find an isolated environment, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones, music without lyrics and a bit of caffeine."

Chris Kim, video editor: "For me, the best way to manage stress has been taking breaks. I know not can have their schedule work out this way, but I like to divide up my work, so that I only focus on two subjects max on any given day. I will also work for an hour and then take a little bit of a break. This is what usually helps me to get all my work done without getting too overwhelmed."

Jonny Berkowitz, associate video editor: "I think anytime I go through these very stressful times related to school, I think back to other things that similarly stressed me out — also school related. I think, 'Wow I was insanely stressed over that?' and usually, that calms me down a little considering what we are going through now will become just that. Also, get up and stretch every once in a while."

Meredith MacLean, inside beat editor: "As a chronic procrastinator, I definitely don’t have any tips for managing your time well, but when it comes to stress, remember to be gentle with yourself and allow moments of rest. Taking half an hour (or even more!) to unwind and take a breather won’t will you and might help you refocus."

Rachel Chang, social media editor: "To help manage stress during finals season, I make sure to organize everything I need to have done in my calendar — this way, I can plan accordingly. I also make sure to time manage well so that I can have time to decompress and relax at certain points in the day."

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The Daily Targum's editorials represent the views of the majority of the 154th editorial board. Columns, cartoons and letters do not necessarily reflect the views of the Targum Publishing Company or its staff.