Finals week. It's approaching and fast. It's hard to get back in the swing of things after break, and after assignment after assignment and preparing for finals, it's easy to feel stressed out. But never fear. You can prevail. You can knock your finals out of the park and stay sane at the same time (I know, it almost seems impossible, but it's not.)

Here are a couple tips to keep yourself sane during finals week:

1. Make a study schedule.

It sounds silly, but it's super easy and super effective. I have a binder for everyday use with a schedule for every half hour of every day printed out. I'll admit that I don't keep up with it all the time and I don't follow it half hour to half hour, but seeing that I was supposed to be doing my homework at 4 and it's now 5:30, makes me remember that I haven't done it yet and still need to do. This way, you're not so stressed out from cramming time in.

2. Stay hydrated! Drink lots of water and try not to get sick!

If there's anything you can do to prevent yourself from getting sick during finals week, do it. You're gonna want to only have to focus on your exams, and it can get pretty taxing if you have to take care of yourself a bit more than usual during your exams. Staying hydrated is so important and it's the least you can do to keep yourself healthy. The weather is changing so don't let yourself get caught in it!

3. Find a study area and keep studying there.

I like to study in my dorm usually, but sometimes quiet isn't always guaranteed and I find that the temptation to sleep instead is pretty strong, and when you have a futon and a bed, it's pretty easy to give in. The library is perfect if you study on the quiet floor, and library desks aren't the most comfortable to sleep on so there you go! A change of atmosphere can always help too.

4. Sleep.

You have to sleep. I know it gets crazy and you have so much to do and you need to do well on your exams. But sleep is important because if you're sleep deprived, you can't perform well, and that's important. Keeping yourself sane and mentally prepared is important for success. It's okay to stay up late, but you need to sleep and get plenty of it.

5. Take a break and keep your friends involved.

Keeping friends involved and taking breaks for your own time is so important. Your friends are stressed too and they just want to help you get through also. If you have friends in the same class with them, set up study groups too. A good rule to have is to take twenty-minute breaks between subjects. Pace yourself. Just like sleep, it's a crucial step in keeping your sanity.

6. Realize that these exams are important but do not define you or shape the rest of your life.

Ultimately, yes. It's important to get a good grade. But as long as you have tried your best, you've succeeded at that. Keep your head up and know sometimes there are hard classes and bumps in the road. But you are smart, and you can do it!

7. GO ACE IT!

Go kill it! Go ace that exam. You've worked hard. You can do it. I believe in you and know you'll knock it out of the park.

8. Treat yoself

Last but not least, treat yoself!! Treat yourself for a job well done and for the huge amount of effort you've given these exams. You deserve it. Whether it be a gold star or a large bowl of ice cream (my preference), you deserve it!