First of all, it’s OK if you occasionally fly off the handle; we’ve all been there. You haven’t truly experienced college until you’ve broken down in tears at three in the morning while surrounded by the mountainous pile of work you’ve been putting off for the past month.These breakdowns happen to the best of us, but too many of them can leave you physically and emotionally drained. The trick is to recognize the signs when you feel one coming on, and then take the necessary measures to prevent it. Different tips may work for different people, but here’s a list of things I run through whenever I feel my sanity slipping (which, let’s be honest, is every other week).

Tip No. 1: Organize anything and everything. You’ll honestly be surprised by how much better this makes you feel. Once you’ve tidied up the smaller things in your life, such as a desk or a closet, it’ll become easier to tackle the bigger issues.

Tip No. 2: Schedule the time to do your work. Juggling five or more classes can be highly overwhelming, and most college kids have a job or an internship on top of that. The intense workload can seem daunting, but writing out a study schedule helps immensely.

Tip No. 3: Schedule time to relax. I know this may seem silly, but it’s very easy to get sucked into that school bubble. Some days you’re running around like crazy, and you’re wondering if you even have the time to eat, let alone to relax. Plan ahead and avoid this pitfall at all costs, trust me. You deserve a small break every single day, even if it is just for ten minutes or so.

Tip No. 4: Call or message your best friend whenever you need to vent. My best friend and I text each other about every injustice that comes our way, small or large. It’s almost always better to vent and get it off your chest, rather than carry it around with you all day.

Tip No. 5: And when all else fails, treat yourself to a bottle of wine. This one requires no explanation.

Good luck, and may the curve be ever in your favor.