When you’re starting college, it can seem like the entire world opens up to a bright place. But as college continues, the pressures only get heavier. Classes grow more intense, and more of your friends get jobs and internships. Maybe you get a few of your own too.

At some point, you’ll be a senior, and then it’ll all be worth it. Senior year is supposed to be a magical, emotional time where you reminisce with friends and celebrate your future. Those things can be true, but in reality, senior year is no joke. There’s so much work to get done combined with emotions that can make you feel like you’re losing your mind.

That’s why other seniors who have come before you have figured out some tips to make life easier. You don’t have to lose your sanity as a senior — take it one day at a time.

1. Remember why you’re there

It’s easy to lose your focus in the moments where you’re most stressed. Feeling overwhelmed can make the future look scary, but it’s not. Try to remember why you started college in the first place and where your degree is going to take you.

Refocusing on your dreams will help motivate you to go back and tackle that project that’s weighing you down. Remember that your stress isn’t forever, and it’ll be so worth it in the end.

2. Double check your time management

Maybe you’re on the edge of your seat because you formed bad time management skills over the last few years. It’s okay to change things up at the end of the game. Check to see if you can improve your time management skills by tweaking anything you currently do.

Try to readjust deadlines or multi-task less. Sometimes when you’re doing too much all at once, it’s better to take things a little slower. See what you can do with your schedule, and you might get all the help you need just by trying.

3. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself

When the thought of spending one more minute in the library working on final projects makes you want to scream, it’s time to treat yourself. Not in the way where you have to spend a lot of money, but in a way that will take care of your mental health.

You can take good care of yourself and your mind by doing something you enjoy or spending time with friends. Little breaks you use to make yourself happier will help you focus better on what you eventually need to get back to doing.

4. Try to exercise

Work this tip in when you try to readjust your schedule. It's hard to find time to exercise, but it can improve your memory and brain development when you take time out of your day to do it. Besides that, it’ll feel good to let out your stress on a treadmill or in a weightlifting class. That post-workout sense of accomplishment is something you can ride out even through an all-night study session.

5. Talk with your friends

Chances are, your friends are feeling the same way. Even if they’re not seniors, they still know how it feels to be overwhelmed by schoolwork and life in general. Call up a friend or hang out somewhere and vent to them. Most likely, they’ll appreciate the chance to step away from their commitments for a minute too. They’ll be there to support you and maybe even help treat yourself afterward. Can anyone say group ice cream date?

6. Always have a Plan B

Let’s say that the worst case scenario happens. You fail that class and you don’t graduate on time, or you have to drop out because you can’t afford to start the semester over. Life goes on!

Having a plan B ready will give you a tiny sense of security because you’ll always know what to do. Work a job or take time to travel. Intern somewhere completely new or volunteer somewhere that thrills you. School will always be there if you need to go back, and there will always be options for your future if you can’t complete it.

7. Get ready for the big day

Try some of these tips for more control over what’s going on. The rest will be a breeze, such as checking things off a to-do list. Before you know it, you’ll be walking across the stage and receiving your diploma. It’ll be a big day you’ll want to remember forever, but mostly because you’ll know exactly how much hard work and dedication got you there. And after that, you can take your newfound stress management skills with you wherever life leads you next.