It's that time of year again. Our spring semesters are coming to a close and the finals are around the corner. It also means that stress levels are at an all-time high. With all the papers, tests and dropping/raising of GPAs, there is every reason to be stressed!

But there are ways to keep up and get ahead of things. So things will be ok! Here are the tips and tricks that I have figured out in my three years of college (so far!).

1. Get plenty of sleep

Tired is not a feeling that you're going to want during your finals. We know when our finals are coming and it is good to be aware of how much sleep you are getting. Yes, those nights of staying up until 2, 3, 4 or even 5 A.M. may be inevitable. But make sure that you are doing everything in your power to get sleep because a rested mind is a smarter mind!

2. Avoid caffeine

The less caffeine that is running through your system the better. I am just as understanding as the next that one or two cups of coffee a day is what gets me going. But, when your stress levels are high, drinking coffee or any form of caffeine is only going to elevate that stress. Stress is adrenaline running through your blood and caffeine adds adrenaline to it as well. 1 + 1 = 2. Adrenaline from stress + adrenaline from caffeine = SUPER stressed. This article is a study that was done and shows some more on the effects of caffeine and stress.

3. Put time aside for you

Studying and writing papers is a lot to process. It may seem as though there is no end in sight, but there is. Spending 100% of your time in school is not good for you. Make sure to set some time aside for you. It doesn't matter if it is watching YouTube videos, taking a nap or having a bowl of ice cream. Do what makes you happy and try to not think about what you're not doing.

4. Laugh

Our brains continue to work and work when finals come around. When I find myself stressed out beyond belief, I watch Family Guy or Bob's Burgers. These two things do not require me to think, at all. I can sit back and just laugh at the goofy, nonsense comedy that both of these shows have. They are practically my guilty pleasure. Having something that can make you laugh is great. Laughter releases endorphins that can help ease physical pain and combat stress hormones. The more you laugh, the better.

5. Be prepared

The earlier you can get started the better. This is definitely easier said than done. But, with organizational tools such as planners, whiteboard calendars, and sticky notes, you can do it. At the beginning of the semester, get together all of your syllabi and write down the dates of important projects (big and small) and make sure you're checking it every day.

There is that point of the semester where we feel as though we don't know what is going on. If that point comes later in the semester, make sure that you are going to your professors or tutors and getting help when it is needed. No one wants to get to that final exam or start writing that paper and not know what is going on.

6. Socialize

The perks of being in college are that most of your friends are in the same situation as you are. Get together and have study sessions with your friends and with other students. Humans are social creatures and closing ourselves out from everything and everyone is not healthy. Make sure to continue to get out and engage with people. If that means you're usual hang out spot changes from the bar to the library, then that is the new spot!

7. Go hug an animal

If animals aren't your thing, you can skip to #8. If they are your thing and you love them (like I do!), keep reading!

In the town that my college is in is a humane society along with another animal rescue place. Around this time of year, I will just go and sit in the cat room, walk a dog or two and have my heart fill with joy. I am lucky enough to have two of my own fur babies now, but if you are not so lucky, find the nearest humane society and go get some furry love! Animals can be great stress relievers. Your body knows this. When interacting with an animal, your body starts releasing more oxytocin (stress-reducing hormone) and making less of cortisol (stress hormone).

8. Meditation

Meditation is simply breathing and being aware of yourself, your body and your mind. Making connections between those three things can be helpful. Look up some quick and easy meditation techniques. Start with taking a minute to do deep breathing and focusing on the breathing as well. This will be a great start to calming yourself down!

9. Listen to music

Music is such a great way to calm the mind. Similar to laughter, it requires very little if any thought. It can be a way to relate to someone going through a similar situation. It can sooth your nerves just by the sounds it is making. When I am studying, I tend to listen to piano music because of it's softness and easiness to listen to.

10. Remember...

You are a student for a reason. You are working towards a degree or finishing for that degree! Stay focused and it will come to an end soon. Finals suck, for sure! But they are for a reason. Show those professors that you worked hard and you know what you are talking about. That degree will feel so much better than these couple of weeks of stress! So just keep pushing and study on!