With finals week fast approaching, it is easy to feel overwhelmed with projects, exams, papers, and the other deadlines steadily approaching. If you're like me, you are starting to feel the pressure of the culmination of the semester. While it is important to do well on all of the final aspects of the semester, it is also important to remember to take care of yourself during this stressful time. Here are a few tips to help reduce stress during finals week.

1. Time management!

Before we head into finals week, make sure you take the time to double check the scheduled time for your exams. Jot these times down in your calendar, or utilize that nifty app on your phone! Keeping track of your exam times can help you figure out time to study.

2. Exercise

Exercise reduces stress, so it can be beneficial to put down the books and hit the treadmill.

3. Get enough sleep

If you're anything like me, you tend to procrastinate until the last possible moment. When deadlines are quickly approaching, it is tempting to pull an all nighter or two, but remember to get enough sleep before and during finals week so you can perform well on exams.

4. Play with some puppies!

See if your school brings in therapy dogs during finals week, and play with some puppies!

5. Talk it out

We all know finals are stressful, so don't be afraid to reach out to the people around you. This is a great time to reach out to your RA/MA, Residence Hall Director, or even the Counseling Center. These people are here to help you, and they are there to listen.

6. PRIORITIZE!

At the beginning of the week, make note of what you need to accomplish. As you complete exams and other tasks throughout the week, cross it out on your list. This helps you prioritize, and you'll see your accomplishments!

7. Eat Smart

When you're stressing over finals, it's easy to forgot about making healthy eating choices. Make sure you're providing yourself with proper nourishment. Trying eating a bowl of fruit, instead of grabbing a bag of chips.

8. Group study

We're all in this together, right? Try getting a study group together with people from your classes. It can help to bounce your questions off of your fellow classmates, and you can keep each other motivated.

9. Take a break

It's great to power through and accomplish a bunch tasks, but make sure you also take time to relax. A 15-20 minute break can help you end up being more productive.

10. Reduce distractions

When you're ready to get down to business, put your phone on do not disturb or silence it. Reducing distractions will help you be more productive in the long run.

11. Reward yourself

Finals week can be rough. Don't forget to reward yourself after you successfully complete your exams and projects. It's nice to have something to look forward too after finals.