Well, kids, it's that time in the semester again where we find our mental stability deteriorating and our lives crashing in front of our eyes. Yes, that's right-- it's finals. It's time for all-nighters. It's time for cramming 10 minutes before the exam because we need to remember every last detail of the lecture notes. It's time for calculating the lowest possible grade you can make and still pass the class. Yes, yes, unfortunately, the time is upon us.

But we can do something to combat this inevitable period of misery. We can do something to lessen the pain. Sadly, I'm not going to tell you that finals can be a period of time of no stress and pure happiness because that is simply far-fetched and highly unlikely. But I can tell you a way to survive.

Sure, that sounds a tad extreme, but any of you who have been through this awful time of year can understand the toll finals can take on your personal well-being. So yes, I'm going to tell you how to survive.

With that being said, I have compiled a short list of survival tips for final exams and a way to keep yourself sane and healthy while enduring the immense stress. Some of these are obvious and go without saying, but seriously, just follow these strictly if you cherish your sanity and wellness.

1. Get your rest,

OK, sure, everyone compromises on their sleep during finals. But some people are skipping out on so much sleep that they are only getting two hours of sleep over a 48-hour period. Let me tell you now, it's only going to harm you in the long run.

You're staying up 24-plus hours on end, cramming in any and all the facts you can, not realizing that your brain can only hold on to so much when it is sleep deprived. Numerous studies, such as this one, show that sleep aids retention. So, stop depriving yourself. You're not going to even remember most of what you're studying when you're half asleep. Get some rest.

Also, if this scenario doesn't strike terror in you, I don't know what will: you could oversleep your final. Yeah, I screamed a little, too. So make sure you're getting adequate sleep!

2. Eat healthy.

I can't stress this enough. I know it's so cliche, but it makes a huge impact. Because we are so busy studying, we find ourselves skipping meals. This, in turn, causes us to feel noticeably more tired and unwell. Make sure you're eating foods like blueberries, oats, and yogurt. All of these foods are proven to be some of the top smart foods for college students, according to nutrition information. Certain foods prep your brain for the difficult tests and projects you're going to have in the following weeks. And I know that pizza looks good. But the way it's going to make you feel later when you're studying isn't that good. Try something else.

3. Have time alone and time with your friends.

First, you need your alone time to unwind and de-stress. You need to be able to take a step back from everything and just be by yourself. Take this time to take a nice, hot shower or watch your favorite show on Netflix. I promise, you need to take this time away for your mental health. Sometimes, being around everyone and everything is just plain overwhelming. Alone time will allow you to collect all your thoughts and approach the next day with a more refreshed perspective and a calm mind.

Next, you need time with your friends to chill out and laugh. Laughter will do wonders, especially when you're waking up every day hating your life and all the work you have to do. Also, having fun in the midst of all the stress is necessary (Not too much fun, though. You still need to study). So catch a movie with friends, just chill, just have a little fun to help you get by (cue "With A Little Help From My Friends" by the Beatles).

4. Fight back!

This sounds a little aggressive. Let me explain. What I mean is that so often we allow our exams and projects to conquer us. We are left feeling beaten and insecure. It does a number on our self-esteem and self-image.

Solution? Fight back. You've studied. You've worked hard. Go in with utmost confidence in knowing you've done your best and done all you can to prepare. With this mindset, nothing can go wrong. You can only come out feeling like you've realized your potential and accomplished all that is possible. Also, an increased feeling of confidence can reflect on your performance on these assignments and tests.

5. Realize it's all going to be just fine.

This, by far, is the most crucial step to survival. Stop panicking. Your entire future does not depend on this one grade. Sometimes, we come short to our expectations. Sometimes we fail. We are here to learn. Sometimes, we won't get the grade we worked for or the grade we feel we deserve. But failing or doing badly does not mean our whole life is over. It does not mean we are not going to get hired in five years from now. It does not mean we have lost it all.

So, take a step back and breathe. You can only do so much. Everything is going to work out just fine. You will always, always be successful if you put in your best effort.

So, there you have it. The survival guide. Sure, it's all pretty self-explanatory, but too often we allow our entire life to be thrown off by finals, and this only precipitates negative consequences. And hey, you're reading this to survive, right? That's the bare minimum I can offer.

But on a serious note, don't let finals kill you. Don't let it grab everything you know and turn your world upside down. You have the power to make small adjustments every day to make sure you're staying sane through this crazy part of the year.

With that being said, good luck with finals and may the odds be ever in your favor.