Mindful Studying Tips From a Delaware School Counselor
Danielle Litterelle
Meditation and breathing exercises can’t tackle your to do list, but they can help you calm down and center you to start again.
Here are some wellness tips to help you slow down and do your best as you approach mid-terms or finals.
Start with the right mindset by making a plan and organizing your workspace. Create a study calendar and start with the most difficult tasks first.
Step away from your studying. Be sure to give yourself breaks and incentives. It’s best to take a 10 minute break for every hour that you study.
Release stress with the power of music. Music, 60 seconds per beat, can cause the brain to synchronize with the beat and make you more focused. While studying, listen to light music in the background or grab your headphones. Give it a try with music by Mozart or Bach.
Turn off your phone. It is tempting to check your phone, but keep it out of reach.
Healthy routines make a difference in stress levels. In addition to getting a good night’s sleep (8-10 hours), make sure you eat a good breakfast the morning of the exam too.
If you are feeling tense and unable to relax, here are two great breathing exercises to help you calm your body and ease your mind:
Deep belly breathing
Start by breathing in through your nose. Draw the air into your belly rather than your chest.You can put your hands lightly on your stomach so you can be aware of your belly rising and falling. Breathe out through your mouth at least two-to-three times as long as you inhale. Be sure to relax your neck and shoulders. Repeat.
5-5-5 Breathing
Inhale very slowly through your nose for five seconds: 1-2-3-4-5. Exhale very slowly through your nose or mouth for five seconds: 1-2-3-4-5. Wait for five seconds: 1-2-3-4-5. Repeat the process three more times.
If you are interested in more mindfulness and relaxation techniques, download: Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer.
Thanks to WFS MS/US Counselor Danielle Litterelle for her contributions to this article.
Congratulations to Nora Abd El Kader ’27, Charlie Kurz ’27, Scarlett Murphy ’27, and Nya Parker ’27 for representing WFS at the 2026 Delaware Department of Transportation Bridge Competition held at Polytech High School!
Our 4th graders had a blast taking part in their annual “El Clásico” match as part of their study of Spain! “El Clásico,” which translates to “The Classic,” refers to the legendary rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, one of the most celebrated matchups in all of sports
Congratulations and bravo to our upper school student musicians who showcased their talents and entertained fellow students, faculty, and staff in last week's Chorale Showcase and Pops Concert!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Home & School Engagement, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) Committee’s potluck! It was a wonderful evening filled with delicious dishes from around the world, fun games, and meaningful time together as a community.
Bravo to all of our 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade musicians who performed at our Middle School Spring Instrumental Concert, a part of our Spring Concert Series.
As part of our American History course curriculum, all 10th grade students visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. last week.
It was great to have so many grandparents and special friends join us at the lower school on Friday! They enjoyed partaking in classes, learning more about the school, and simply having fun with their student!
Wilmington Friends School students, who will participate in our QUEST Service Trip to Populonia, Italy, in June to work at an archaeological dig site, visited the Penn Museum in preparation for their trip.
Middle school Chinese teacher Jianglin Shi attended the Chinese Language Teachers Association Conference at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston.
Julia Provo ’28 was featured as a Female Vocal Soloist at a recent closing ceremony at the Potomac Youth Fine Arts 2026, performing “Still Waters (Psalm 23)” by Leanna Crawford while representing Calvary Church in Dover, DE. Julia won the competition with her standout performance.
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