Welcome to finals! Arguably one of the most stressful weeks of the year, finals week is notorious for knocking out even the strongest of students. Don't let it get to you! We must unite as students to make it through these dark times. With that said, here's how I manage to get through finals week relatively unscathed.

(Okay, well, maybe a little scathed.)

1. Self-Care!

It's frightening how easily one can go from a put-together academic to a glorified zombie in the face of finals. It happens all too often. You're studying and studying, and before you know it, dinner is over! Or, in your quest for knowledge, you run out of time to even shower. What's the best way to combat this? Self-care! You obviously don't have to look your best during finals week, but at least make sure you take care of your basic needs before all else! One way I like to do this is by setting timers to remind myself to take a study break.

2. Strategize

You know your best studying strategy better than anyone else by now. Whether you study best in hour intervals or 10 minute intervals, make a plan and stick to it! Once you make a plan, it's easier for you to actually follow through than just winging it. Also, for procrastinators like me, it can help to study with a group. You don't have to be studying the same thing or even speak to each other. As long as you guys study at the same time in the same place, you'll hold each other accountable so you all actually study instead of putting it off again and again.

3. Sleep

Many students fall victim to the I-got-less-sleep-than-you competition. Don't let yourself get caught up in this. While it is admirable to spend a lot of time studying, losing too much sleep over it isn't beneficial at all. Sleep is so, so important to even be able to function. If you don't get enough sleep, you risk letting all of the hours you spent taking notes and studying go to waste by taking your finals on a groggy brain. A good 6 hours is a decent amount, but even more would be ideal.

Those are the three S's of finals! Self-care, study strategy, and sleep. And don't forget, once it's all over... snacks, the bonus S! Reward yourself for all of the hard work you've completed in the past week. You've earned it! The reward doesn't have to be snacks. Sometimes a face mask is nice, or you can treat yourself to something else you like. The point is, you deserve to relax!

Finals week is a long, tough road, but I'm confident that you can make it through! Study hard and I'll see you on the other side!