It is that time of year. Finals time. The good news: finals means the end of the year is here. The end of the year means summer nights and no more morning classes. The bad news: papers, tests, over-caffeinating and lack of sleep. The list could go on, but the end result of all those things is an unhealthy amount of stress. Stress is something that can severely alter your mood, thinking and overall health. Even though you will never be able to completely avoid the stress of finals week, here are a few things you can do to make the whole experience a little less horrible.

1. Clean

Yes, I said clean. I understand that is probably the last thing on your list of things to-do, but it is one of the things that will clear your head the most. When you have all your laundry done and your desk tidied up, you somehow feel more accomplished and ready to take on anything, and by anything, I mean finals.

2. Make a To-Do List

Speaking of things on your to-do list, make one. It may be a bit overwhelming at first when you realize how long your list actually is, but it will help gather your thoughts and assignments. Even if you do not start everything on your to-do list right away, you are able to see what assignments need to get done first and go from there.

3. Make a Playlist

Music tends to solve all sorts of problems, and stress over finals is one of them. Make a playlist of all the songs that make you happy, relax you or are just fun. Have yourself a nice little jam session and you will be feeling ready to take on finals in no time.

4. De-activate for A While

Sometimes we are so plugged into our phones and computers that we do not take the time to relax. Put your phone away and go for a walk. Shut your laptop and eat a snack. By taking some time away from all the technology around you, your brain can have a nice mini-vacation.

5. Get Off Campus

Whether that means walking to an ice cream shop uptown or driving to the nearest bookstore, getting off campus will help clear your brain. Being surrounded by everything you could be doing clogs your brain with stress. It is healthy to take breaks, and you should. Getting off campus for an hour or two will help, because when you return you will be able to refocus and get that work done.

Stress is going to be ever-present, but you can always combat it with these tips. Do not let your stress rule you this semester. You got this!