It has arrived. Like the way the first spring morning arrives telling us that the sun is out and ready to play. The end of the semester is here, teasing us with the thoughts of the sunshine on our skin, tropical beach trips and fun road trips that we have planned for the next few months. The end of the semester hits us hard with finals, final projects, final papers, final everything. Final grades are depending on us; we are probably holding our breath when we check the finals grade report. We stress all month long in April, probably earning a gray hair or two. You become anti-social and find it socially acceptable to spend the night in the library. The number of hours of sleep you normally get turn into “I am lucky if I ever get an hour of sleep tonight.” Professors seem to become a little more relaxed letting class out early due to the fact the they have caught the semester blues themselves, but will quickly reject the idea of extra credit. We all know what this feels like; some of you are probably already guilty of doing all of these things already. With these five easy tricks to help you, you will for sure beat out the end of the semester blues for this semester.

1. Don't pull an all-nighter.

Don’t pull all nighters, even though you feel as though you need to study, study and study some more. A cram session the night before is never a good idea. Plan so that you can study days before, which way it is easier to obtain and you won’t be looking like every other zombie student the day of the final.

2. As hard as it is, stay hydrated and eat healthy.

Eat healthier food and stay hydrated. Being under stress can make it easy to forget the nourishment your body needs. Always be sure to pack a snack and always have water with you during your study sessions, it is great for your skin, health and body altogether.

3. Call your mom.

Call your mom because moms always seem to know the right things to say whenever it is needed. That is something I will always believe.

4. Treat yo self.

Treat yo’ self! Promise to give yourself a nice present for all the stress and hard work you just had to go through. Go get a pedi and mani, go buy those pair of shoes you have been dreaming about or just plan a great night out with friends once your finals are over.

5. Relax. Seriously, just relax.

Don’t panic! As long as you tried your best, and performed the best that you could. That is all the really matters, you gave it all that you got and now it's time to enjoy the few months off.

Finals, the last month of the semester to make sure your grades don’t fall, choosing classes for the next semester while probably having a mental breakdown or, two. It is all overwhelming. Everyone who has gone through it can agree that it is one thing you will not miss about college, but in the end, it’s something we must do and after all of the blood, sweat and tears it is totally worth it.

Always,

A Fellow College Student