The last few weeks of the semester can be very hectic. Suddenly, you have five papers due in two days and it's seen as completely normal. The weeks can go by in a blur of stress. Here are some tips to make sure you not only survive, but make it out with your sanity intact.
Brace yourself.
Know that finals week is stressful and there is no way to get around that. Do as much work as you can before the week actually starts. Your future self will thank you.
Making sure you take breaks to eat.
It's easy to get caught up in your work and forget you are a functioning human that needs food to survive. In my opinion food breaks are the best breaks. It's best if you actually designate 45 minutes to an hour to actually sit down and eat. Go grab your studying friends and de-stress over food. You will come back with more energy and a better perspective.
Eat healthy. Don't only drink caffeine.
It's so easy to get stuck on a diet of caffeine and junk food. Too much junk food makes you low energy, which is literally the last thing you need when studying. I know junk food seems like an incredible idea in the moment, but the after effects are devastating. Too much coffee will make you nervous, don't drink it all day. There gets to a point will drinking too much coffee does more harm than good. Stick to water if possible.
Actually sleep.
You can't function if you can't sleep. No don't sleep in the library, go home. One of the best things you can do for yourself is actually get eight hours of sleep. You will feel so much more refreshed the next day and it even helps you retain information.
Even when you feel like you have no time to so, you should exercise. Just taking 20 minutes to get your endorphins pumping can make a world of difference on your stress level.
Keep in your routine.
Don't drastically rearrange your life because of finals. Still get up at the same time, even though there is no class. Use the time you would have been in class to study.
Write out a schedule.
Write out a list of realistic things you can accomplish for the day. There are few feelings as great as crossing something off your list. Even though in the grand scheme of things it may not seem like you accomplished much.
Take time for yourself.
Celebrate your accomplishments for the day by doing something you love. The best is when you check something off of your list. Take time out at the end of the day to de-stress by watching your favorite TV show or listening to music. You'd be amazed out how important this time can be.
Know that it isn't the end of the world, your finals are not the end all be all of your life.
The entire world won't blow up if you don't do well on a final. It's one grade, don't let it define your life. It may not even define your grade in the course.
I know you can do it and so does Ryan Gosling. 
