As the calendar flips to December, many students experience a perfect storm of stress: the pressure of final exams looming just around the corner, the demands of holiday preparations, and the end-of-year fatigue that seems to settle in. It's a time that can feel like a balancing act between performing well academically and enjoying the season. But how can you manage the mounting anxiety during this busy time of year without losing sight of the bigger picture? What if there was a way to take a step back, reset your focus, and reduce some of that anxiety—not just for this December, but for future challenges as well?
Understanding the sources of anxiety
The truth is much of the anxiety we feel during December comes from the overwhelming demands of finals combined with the pressure of the holidays. You might feel like you need to be everywhere at once—preparing for exams, wrapping up assignments, shopping for gifts, attending family gatherings—and somehow doing it all perfectly.
On top of that, many students face the expectation of doing well on exams as a way of validating their efforts over the semester. This can lead to a lot of stress as you try to "cram" information into your brain and prepare as much as possible. But here’s the truth: studying doesn’t have to be a last-minute scramble.
Focus on what you DON’T understand.
I’ve been in the same position where anxiety about my exams seemed to grow with each passing day. But what I discovered, through trial and error, was that my stress levels began to decrease when I stopped focusing on the material I already understood well and started zeroing in on the concepts I hadn’t quite grasped yet.
In my case, I used to spend way too much time reviewing things I felt confident in, thinking that if I just kept going over it, I’d somehow be more prepared. However, this didn’t help me in the long run. It wasn’t until I shifted my focus to areas that were harder for me that I began to feel more in control.
This change in strategy allowed me to prioritize learning over just memorizing, and my confidence naturally grew as I began to understand those challenging concepts. Not only did I feel more prepared, but the anxiety that once seemed so overwhelming started to fade.
This same approach can work for you—stop spinning your wheels on what you already know and focus on the areas that really need your attention. It will make a world of difference in your confidence.
It’s NOT only about the exams!
Of course, finals are not the only source of stress in December. The holidays can also bring their own share of anxiety, whether it’s family expectations, financial pressures, or the need to be “on” during every social event. This mix of academic and social stress can feel like a heavy burden. But here’s the key: take it one thing at a time.
You don’t need to be perfect at everything. In fact, trying to juggle too many things at once can lead to burnout. Instead of trying to keep up with every single holiday tradition or social obligation, consider what really matters to you and set limits and realistic goals. Practice self-compassion.
Use resources to strengthen your confidence
The good news is that you don’t have to go through this alone. If you’re struggling with anxiety or feeling overwhelmed by your finals or other aspects of life, there are resources available that can make a huge difference. Here are some of the resources on campus:
- Queen’s Student Academic Success Services (SASS) offers time management and anti-procrastination support, and can help you build your confidence and reduce that feeling of being “in over your head.”
- Queen’s Student Wellness Services (SWS) offers a variety of mental health support options, including one-on-one appointments with licensed professionals, psychoeducational workshops, and therapy groups.
By taking advantage of these resources, you’ll be able to better manage both your academic stress and your well-being. It’s about finding the balance between pushing yourself and knowing when to ask for help.
A continuous journey of learning
Learning isn’t just about cramming for exams or completing assignments in a single week. It’s an ongoing journey, a process of discovery and growth that stretches far beyond the walls of the classroom. This December, take a moment to pause and remember that studying isn’t meant to be a sprint, but rather a marathon.
Take advantage of the opportunities to improve, whether through better study strategies, utilizing support systems, or simply finding time to recharge. The goal is to improve your overall approach to learning—not just to survive December, but to thrive in the long run. When you shift your focus from short-term results to long-term growth, the possibilities are truly endless.
The winter term and beyond
As you wrap up this semester, don’t forget that the journey of learning doesn’t stop after finals. You’ve put in the effort—now it’s time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how you can improve for next time. Maybe you realized that your study habits didn’t quite work, or that procrastination caused unnecessary stress. Whatever it may be, use this knowledge to better prepare for the winter term.
Remember that grades are not the ultimate definition of your worth. Sure, they matter, but they don’t define who you are or what you’re capable of. Your potential extends far beyond any exam or assignment. Use this time to focus on the process of learning—not just the outcome—and embrace the fact that each challenge is an opportunity to grow.
So, this December, take a deep breath, focus on what you can control, and keep in mind that no matter what happens with your finals or the holidays, you’ve got the potential to make the winter term even better. We’ve got this!
Maria