Most college students are already buried in papers, projects and exams at this point in the semester. With the final two weeks of the semester looming ahead, things can start to get very overwhelming. The due dates for most of the important assignments for your classes are coming up and you’ve found yourself procrastinating until the very last minute. This does not only cause a lot of stress for students but can also turn out some poorly executed work. Here are some of my tips for navigating finals week and having things run as smoothly as possible!

1. Sleep

I know what you’re thinking: how can sleep help me pass my exams and write my essays? Trust me, not getting enough sleep is not only bad for your physical health but for your mental health as well. When you get an average amount of sleep each day, your concentration and performance will be much better. So don’t deprive yourself of that rest!

2. Eat Well

Eating healthy will be beneficial for your body and mind as well. College students have a hard time eating properly. With work and school and other activities, sometimes eating out is the easiest option. However, eating a healthy meal is always an option too. A nutritious diet should be part of your life everyday but when stressful times come upon you, getting the right balance of nutrients will help you stay alert. Eating your fruits and veggies will help you ace that final!

3. Plan

Planning ahead is so important! When it comes to completing final essays and studying for exams, making a reasonable and realistic plan is very important. Finals week can seem to pile on an impossible workload but planning a study schedule ahead of time can really prevent a lot of stress. Get a planner and write in your schedule and you’ll see how much more smoothly things will go!

4. Relax

As crazy and hectic as finals week may be, finding even an hour to do something relaxing each day will make all the difference. Routine in your life will always create a comfortable balance. Especially during finals week, routine will keep you sane. Whether you relax by doing exercise, meditating, or going out with friends, balancing hard work with relaxation will take your mind off the stress and help you approach studying with more ease once you get back to it.

5. Take Breaks

This one probably goes hand in hand with relaxation, however, it is a bit different once you are in deep studying mode. Although your exam might be worth 50% of your grade and you’re freaking out and lock yourself in a room to study for three days straight, that is not the best thing for you. I understand the feeling of having your entire grade ride on one assignment and it can definitely stress you out but studying for hours at end will tire anyone out. Studying with no breaks will make it harder for you to retain everything, so make a study schedule to include some break time. Eat a snack, watch a movie, or catch up on an episode of your favorite show. Taking breaks will make all the difference!

6. Study!

I know this seems obvious but when you make your study schedule, use it to actually study! How many times have you taken some time out of your day to study for a test and gotten distracted online or binged watch a show on Netflix? When the time comes to buckle down and do the work, don’t let the Internet or your phone keep you from preparing you for what is to come. So take a deep breath, put your phone away and crack open that book you haven’t looked through all semester!