It's officially the final countdown.

Thanksgiving break is over, evidence that Christmas is approaching showed up overnight, and we all have prepared ourselves as the worst of the semester begins. The next week weeks are filled top to bottom with papers, presentations, exams, and an unhealthy amount of caffeine. But, with the right attitude and a solid game plan, you can end this semester stronger than ever.

1. Make A Master To Do List

Take all of your syllabi and write down every thing you have left to do. It might overwhelm you at first, but it helps you really understand what has to be done in order to finish the semester strong. Plus, nothing feels better than checking off your to do list.

2. Plan Your Budget For The Next Month

Many holidays during this time require gift-giving, an additional expense that we don't normally have to budget for. Start making your budget now so you can plan for what you are allotted to spend on these gifts. Plus, starting to plan what you are buying now will relieve some of this stress during finals time.

3. Sleep

I cannot emphasize the importance of sleep enough. Studying for your exam is useless if you're doing it the night before when you are only going to get 2 hours of sleep. Always plan for at least 6 hours, especially if you have a presentation or exam the next day. Trust me, your brain (and grades) will thank you.

4. Use Your Planner

If you have abandoned your planner since September, now is the time to bring it back. Using a hard copy planner or an electronic program like Outlook or Google Planner can help you to stay organized during the final weeks of the semester. Plan homework and study sessions, meal breaks, work, everything. That A is possible if you plan and execute tot get there.

5. Give Yourself Breaks

Be reasonable with yourself; you can't operate 24/7. It's important to carve out time in your day to do something that will take your mind off of everything. Maybe it's an episode of New Girl for every assignment that is completed. Or, going out to dinner with friends after perfecting a major essay that is due. Whatever is your treat to yourself, be willing to give it. But, don't let your breaks take over all of your time.

The end of a semester is many times the most challenging, but also has the potential to yield great rewards. Stick with the hard work and it will pay off. Plus, think of how rewarding your vacation break will be!