If you're like me, you break the school year down into many little increments. From summer break to Labor Day? Only two weeks.

From Fall break to Thanksgiving? Only six weeks. From the day I'm writing this until my first day of winter break? 45 days. Only half of which are normal school days.

With the semester beginning to wind down and finals looming in the near future, stress is growing and motivation to get anything school related done is shrinking.

Here are some tips to getting through the pre-holiday season slump:

1. Get your homework done early

Would you rather be writing that essay required to pass that one class now or over Thanksgiving break? Once December hits I know I'd rather be drinking mochas and sleeping than finishing all of my work for a class.

2. Get out of bed

I can't stand getting out of my bed, let alone my dorm room knowing that it's freezing outside. But turning into a hermit is not the way to go. Make time to get outside and spend time with your friends. It might be cold, but fall is the last chance to see pretty scenery before the dead trees of winter take over.

3. Decorate!

Let the holiday spirit carry you over this semester's finish line. Wake up in the morning to the smell pumpkin spice in November and peppermint in December. Spread out your Christmas blankets and harvest decorations. Play holiday tunes and sing! Like Buddy says, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

4. Take care of yourself

Do I really want to get food? Not if it means going outside. Do I really want to take a shower? Not if it means standing in the cold waiting for the water to heat up. While it's hard, push through the cold and get the essential stuff done. It'll help you stay calm.

5. Chill

A lot of people get really crabby in cold. Seasonal depression is also kicking up for many. It's certainly a rough time. School is stressful, the holidays can be stressful, the cold is stressful. Be nice to everyone you see. Bad days are cured with good interactions.

In 45 days I'll be sitting at home sipping hot chocolate and cuddling my dog in front of a fireplace. We all just have to push through these last few weeks. Stay warm and stay kind.