I am a big Thanksgiving person and I am not ashamed to say it. I love everything from the food, to hanging out with my family for a few days, to the endless amounts of laughter. This year I got an entire week, courtesy of GCU, to hang out with the people I'm closest to and to celebrate one of my favorite days.

The one problem I've always had with Thanksgiving break is getting back into the zone for school for those 2-3 weeks before the winter break begins. Here's my 3 step, fool-proof guide to getting back into the swing of things for those few days before finals week.

1. Make yourself a killer playlist

I love listening to music while I'm studying. I'm the type of person to go from Chance the Rapper, to Chopin, to Kenney Chesney all in the span of 3 songs on a playlist. But I used to spend so much time on looking for the songs I wanted instead of actually studying. Playlists literally have saved my grades. Indecisive about your music? Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and even 8-Tracks all have great study time playlists.

2. Block out time to study

My planner is my lifesaver during finals season. Actually, my planner is my lifesaver during any season. If you've never been big into planners, now is the time. It so handy to keep track of what's going on and when. It also helps when you know you have an 8:25 final and people are trying to make plans the night before. I mean, we're already this far into the year that I hope you know your schedule, but, still. Planners are a person's best friend.

3. Take some time for yourself

Don't get me wrong, I love my family, but put us all in a room together for too long and I start to lose my mind. So you can only imagine that coming from break, I'm a little drained. You should try and be as stress-free as possible going into the last few weeks of the semester. Something as small as 20 minutes a day to decompress can really help. If you have the time, see if you can squeeze in a yoga class or a run! Staying with it mentally means staying with it physically. That time can also be used for a nap. Naps are always a good idea.

These three things are all things people I trust more than anything have told me to do. I try and do all 3 coming off any big break or before a big week of tests, like finals. The biggest thing to remember while rocking out or rolling into bed is that you'll get through this. If the Cubs can win the world series, you can make it through this!!!!!! I believe in you. You totally got this!