You guys know the drill. It’s finals week, and everyone is going insane cramming for papers, finals, and presentations. The library is super crowded and everywhere you go, you can tell everyone is stressing out. In the midst of all the chaos, it is often easy to forget to take care of yourself, and to remember to take it easy. Finals week does not need to be the hell week that we all make it seem to be. Here are a couple tips to having a stress-free finals week.

1. Make sure to start studying in advance.

I know, I know, you’ve heard this before. But it really makes a difference. Studying a week in advance allows the information to stick in your mind and it will be easier for you to recall it when asked on a test. Cramming for it and pulling an all-nighter not only increases stress, but also is inefficient.

2. Study with friends.

Not only will you motivate each other, but also knowing that you aren’t the only one who feels overwhelmed will calm you down. Not to mention talking about what is stressing you out can be a real therapy.

3. Do not skip meals.

You may not believe me, but eating does make a difference. No matter how busy you are, make sure to take time to eat (and eat healthy)!

4. Drink water.

Staying hydrated is extremely important; this tip is important not only for finals week, but it’s a life tip in general!

5. Work out.

Working out does not have to mean running a mile every day. A simple 20-minute yoga lesson in the morning is enough to keep your brain healthy and alert. It takes motivation, but you will feel like a million bucks. It also increases your productivity.

6. Sleep early.

I know this is a foreign concept for most college students, but getting eight hours of sleep honestly makes a difference. You’ll feel refreshed waking up at 8 a.m. instead of groggy and gross. Believe me, it does happen!

7. Practice self-care.

Paint your nails, meditate, take a nice long shower -- do whatever you have to do to take care of yourself. These may seem like silly, obvious tips, but you’d be surprised by how many people neglect to take care of themselves during times of stress. It’ll make you feel better -- try it.

8. Realize that you have done the best you can.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and as if you haven’t done all that you could to get that A. Remember that A’s aren’t everything (you’ve definitely heard that one before), and that sometimes it’s important to close the textbook, shut your computer, and trust that you know all that you need to.