Thanksgiving has come and gone. The turkey was good, the mashed potatoes were better, and the family time was everything you wanted and more -- except for that one fight that happened at the table while eating. The week off was not nearly enough time to see everyone you wanted to see. The week off was not nearly enough time to spend with your parents. The week off was not nearly enough time to prepare you for the three weeks ahead: finals week.

If you're like me, you really took the word break literally. Thanksgiving break was for stuffing your face and spending time with loved ones -- not learning those three chapters of Chemistry for the exam you have a week later. Sadly, break has come to an end, and reality is hitting hard. All I can think is, How in the world am I going to make it through these next 17 days? Even if you stayed on top of your work (kudos to you), finals scare the living hell out of you. I have good news, though: You will make it. Here are some recommendations on how to make this process a little easier:

1. Prioritize: Seriously, get to it. If you haven't used that planner you got at the beginning of the year -- now's the time! Write in your planner all your homework, project, and test dates so you can stay on top. Then, write in specific times that you will study for certain exams. The last thing you want to do is get behind. You have about about two weeks to get on top of everything, organization is key to coming out a winner. I promise you that Netflix series will be there the second you finish your exam.

2. Make time for yourself. If you prioritize, you should have at least 30 minutes to an hour a week (or a few times a week) to relax. This is so important, you cannot let yourself go during finals week. Go to the gym, make a coffee date with a friend, watch an episode of your show on Netflix, or go to town and ice skate. Do something! Your brain will thank you (and me) later and it will make the next few days of hell go by more quickly.

3. Eat healthy. Keeping your body and immune system in tip-top shape is key to making this out alive. As easy as it is to indulge in greasy fast food, make sure your eating well to keep your body functioning correctly. Skip the tenders, go for the grilled chicken. Instead of ice cream, choose greek yogurt with chocolate chips. Add greens on the side and limit your carb intake. But definitely reward yourself every once in a while with some Ben and Jerry's -- that's also important.

4. Sleep. Without sleep, your body will slowly start to disintegrate. Sleep is your source of energy through finals week. Sometimes there's no way around an all-nighter, but make time the next day to nap. Without sleep, your brain cannot preform its best -- and we all know that this is the brain's time to shine.

5. Just do your best. It's no secret that the pressure is on. This is your last chance to either pull your grade up or watch it drop right before your eyes. Whether you're a science major or a communications major, at the end of the day college is more than tests and exams. Study hard and work your tail off -- but nobody expects or needs you to be perfect. If they do, find new people. Make it through the next through few weeks, do your best, and go see your mom.

Finals week is the worst. Stay on top of your game and work hard. Utilize the people in your class to make study groups and reserve your study rooms now. Put a countdown where you can see it and tell yourself that you only have to make it through those last few days and you'll be fine. Eat well, dress nicely for you exam, and make sure you don't forget your Scantron. Best of luck and may the curve be ever in your favor.