1. REALIZE THAT STRESS IS NORMAL

Sometimes it is really easy for students to forget that stress is something everyone faces. If you're in college and you never feel stressed, something's going wrong. College is designed to create stress in one way or another because we are growing adults trying to figure out the rest of your life. However, there are differences between productive and unproductive stress.

2. GET ORGANIZED

If the stress becomes crippling, think about how to change something in your life that may be the root cause or seek counseling services. Try to start studying as early as possible so you're not overwhelmed by how much you haven't looked at the day of the exam. Start planning for the next few weeks now.

3. REACH OUT TO OTHERS

Don't forget that others around you are also feeling stressed in some way. Reach out & support each other. Make a study guide with a classmate or go out for ice cream with friends. Distractions can be a good thing at times.

4. EAT TO LIVE, BUT DON'T LIVE TO EAT

I know making jokes about stress-eating are common, and a lot of people stress-eat. It is honestly fine because sometimes your body needs a distraction too, not just your mind. However, if you find yourself stress-eating all the time, especially with junk food, you will soon find yourself more tired and sluggish, and that is the last way you want to feel when you are preparing for finals.

5. STAY HYDRATED

The body has its own way of letting you know it cannot carry on forever without some basic needs. Some of the stress during finals comes from the rest of your body just not being as ready as your mind is to get focused. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated.

6. REALIZE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH FINALS BEFORE AND YOU WILL SURVIVE

Okay, so maybe some of you are freshmen. Regardless, you have at least been in academically stressful situations before and persevered - this is why you even made it to college. So, you can do it.