This has been the longest, most draining semester of my life. Looming finals have ignited excitement for its end but also a variety of negative emotions, such as anxiety, angst and overwhelming stress. Here are a few study tips and self-help mantras that might come in handy over the next week. 

 First, remember to get enough sleep. Cramming is nothing to brag about, and a lack of sleep will make you irritable, distracted and unpleasant. Try to manage your time to avoid all-nighters. 

 Secondly, maintain a healthy eating schedule. Try not to let school assignments prevent you from properly nourishing yourself. 

 Most importantly, take breaks while studying, and try not to focus on one assignment for too long. If you find yourself feeling brain dead, start working on something that requires less effort and thinking. I also find that when I get up to do another activity, I return to my computer with fresh thoughts and clarity.

Also, do not push yourself. If you need a break, take it. If you feel distracted, walk away for a moment. The worst thing you can do is attempt to push yourself too far. 

 School is not the most important thing in the world, so do your best, but don’t beat yourself up about it. When I am feeling run-down, I like to tell myself, “I am capable of successfully completing this task.” When I encourage myself with “I am” statements, I have more control over the situation and find a grounding balance. 

 Kristen Butler writes on her website The Power of Positivity, “‘I am’ is one of the most powerful statements we can make. Whatever follows ‘I am’ starts the creation of it. Yes, it’s true – ‘I am’ is a 100% pure statement of creation.”

 Remind  yourself that you can get through the rest of this semester. We have come this far. Do not allow finals and fatigue to ruin your momentum (or GPA).