Finals week is finally here — ‘tis the season for stress eating and crying over your textbook. Right now is the time when you’re expected to culminate all your efforts from the past quarter and finish off your courses strong. Easier said than done, right? The pressure can be overwhelming, but know that there are creative, productive methods available to channel your stress and keep from combusting.

Last year, my roommate and I started our own finals week tradition. After the first day of finals, we stand on the beach and scream out to the sea. We shout our strengths, our frustrations, what we’re thankful for, and to “never give up” till our voices are hoarse. We may look absolutely mad, but we all need a few moments of cathartic insanity. It’s all about finding what works for you.

With all the final exams, essays, and lab practicals jam-packed into this week, pulling yourself out of that tense headspace and focusing on the moment is crucial to preserving your sanity. You can try to funnel all your nervous tension into energy for studying, but for those of us who can’t do that, go ahead and take a break. Set aside time to take care of and comfort yourself. Make like ‘Lil Chano from 79th and break out a coloring book.

I want to be clear that I am not advocating for procrastinating. I am simply encouraging everyone caught up in the hectic nature of finals week to take a few minutes, breathe, and rejuvenate themselves. Even doing something simple like loading your laundry can help clear your head and ground yourself. There are many ways to take breaks while still being healthy and productive, and you should not think of it as procrastination since you are still taking care of tasks that need to be done. Whatever you choose, you definitely should not feel guilty about taking a break if you need one.

Every single awful allnighter mantra out there? I've heard them all: "Sleep is for the weak," "Pain is temporary, GPA is forever", etc. No. Just, no. Yes, academics are important and will impact your future, but your health and well-being are just as important, if not more. After all, if you don't have your health, what does it matter how high your GPA is? Work hard and keep doing the most, but don't sacrifice yourself to do it. You are worth it.