Geometry SOL Tuesday, chemistry exam Thursday, English final research paper due Monday and U.S. government final next Wednesday; this is only a small sample of a Pre-IB sophomore students’ busy schedules.

“When I have a lot of work to do, I usually act mean and crabby to my friends, I feel bad about it afterwards but at the time I just get so nervous and worried,” sophomore Carla Suarez said.

With fewer than three weeks of school left, a flood of assignments inundates many students. Students must maintain concentration, memory and organization in order to continue to be successful in the classroom.

“When I have a big test the next day, I totally blank because I’m so worried about how I’m going to do,” sophomore Yanira Guerra.

When students lose concentration, they are less likely to memorize information that is needed on exams and be able to fully participate with colleagues. Being forgetful means not being able to recall necessary details or information that would answer important exam questions. Forgetfulness is probably the worst symptom an overworked student can have because it leads to being unorganized, and when a student becomes disorganized, he/she is not able to manage his/her schedule.

“When I review for a test in class, I remember everything I need to know but the five minutes before the test, I get so nervous and I struggle to remember. This happens regularly during the major quarter exams,” sophomore Silvia Gabriela Jordan Enrriquez.

A normal level of stress is expected and welcomed by students who have regular exams and a lot of activities to manage because it makes one continue to perform tasks and obligations. But when a student becomes too stressed, his/her school performance is reduced.

The best way to beat student stress is to periodically take a break. Sometimes, it pays to be away from it all even if it’s just for a few minutes. Also, a 15-minute walk and a good night’s sleep would do the trick.

“I know that if I just relax the night before the final, I do better because I’m not as freaked out about it,” sophomore Andrea Lopez said.

Eating a balanced diet,exercising and avoiding junk food each morning will also keep stress at a minimum. Exercising after school will release endorphins, which are natural stimulants that can help a student tackle any late-night reviews.

“I think that doing track really helps me because when I run I relieve alot of stress,” sophomore Jennifer Galicia said.

Participating in extra-curricular activities, such as sign language courses or volunteer clubs, also relieves stress. But with a full schedule, learning time-management is key. Setting priorities and keeping a daily planner is helpful.

Learning to say ‘no’ is also a method of relieving stress; many students are stressed from trying to please everyone all the time. Ultimately, take charge of your stress by finding out its causes.