Whether you're in middle school, high school, or college, finals are a time of stress and death. It's kind of a terrible cycle of not eating or sleeping well, stressing out, getting sick, stressing out more, then repeat. I have a whole list of complaints against finals and the ideas behind them, but it's fine. I'll save that rant for another time. The truth of the matter is: you've made it. After many grueling months, you are almost at the longest break of the school year. That, in and of itself, is an accomplishment. No one is perfect, so let's be honest, we've taken more than our share of L's this year. Here is my declassified list that'll tell you just a few ways to not die this finals season.

1. Sharpen the saw

In order to live in the dorm I do, I have to take a leadership class. We recently learned that one of the habits of a successful leader is being able to stop every once in a while, just to recharge. If you simply can't bring yourself to stop your work all together then use the time doing less stressful things you still have to do as study breaks. Take a relaxing shower with your favorite jams, eat a delicious meal, organize your planner while watching a youtube video, etc. It just doesn't help you or your mental state if you work to the point that you're running yourself into the ground.

2. "Sleep and Eat" are your priorities

While I understand that good grades and studying are important, you're not doing yourself any favors by working yourself to death. A 15-minute power nap won't take that much away from your study time, but it will work wonders on your brain. Same thing with eating. Stopping for a snack break and solid meals will help you avoid illness and retain sanity.

3. Vitamins are your best friend

For six years I got sick around finals, and the first year I didn't was when I took vitamin C religiously. At this point, I'm taking my vitamin C with orange juice because, even if it's a placebo, you really have nothing to lose.

4. Don't be afraid of your teachers

Crazy to think about as it may be, teachers are actually there for us. In the weeks leading up to finals, be sure to attend office hours and decide about a month in advance if you want to ask for extra credit because, if you wait, the teacher 9/10 won't want to help you as much. If there's something you don't know. JUST. ASK. Worst case scenario, they say no. That's all.

5. Just take a deep breath

This is not the end all, be all. If there is one class, one semester that you don't do particularly well on, it's not like it will derail your entire future. Sometimes there are just things that you can't control, and that isn't your fault. Some days, you just have to take a deep breath, step back, and accept that not everything will go your way. I know it's easier said than done but you can do it. Eat some candy and do some yoga.

God Speed.

May the force be with you.

You got this.