Well, my lovelies, here we are. It’s almost finals week. If you’re anything like me, you have a number of papers coming due, tests to study for, and lots of chocolate and coffee to consume. In the midst of all that, here’s a list of things to remember during finals.

1. You’re allowed to cry.

This I’m sure you knew. But for those you who are like me, it’s nice to hear I’m allowed a breakdown when I forget what English is and thus cannot write my paper.

2. Food

Oh, is this time for unhealthy eating. Not only is it the holidays, but it’s the most stressful time of the semester. So yes, indulge in that late night coffee and/or chocolate bar to finish that paper, but also remember to go food shopping and to eat healthy. It will make you feel better, and it will do you no good if you make yourself sick just before all your exams.

3. Sleep is good.

I know what you’re thinking: No time! Believe me, I feel ya on that. But if you don’t sleep, you won’t be able to write your paper or remember those formulas for your exam. So get a good night’s sleep. Please.

4. Time Management

Mom has probably been up your butt about this since you were 13, but it’s still a good point. School comes first, so if you can’t work your normal hours at your job, or can’t dedicate a lot of time to your SO, that’s okay. You and your education must come first, or you wont have anything to give them. They will understand, and if they don’t, maybe you should talk with them. But please, do not feel terrible for focusing your exams. We’re all in the same boat, love.

5. It’s okay to be anal about your grades.

It is okay to be proud of your grades and to be obsessed with keeping them where you like them. They are yours and you earned them. Finals is the last hurrah, and you want to make sure you do well. So it’s totally acceptable if you (like me) are crazy about keeping you GPA up.

6. It will be okay.

This is not a promise that you’ll pass all your classes, or get that stelar grade on the final you want to much. This is a promise that you will be okay. Everything will work itself out. Even if you don’t get this one grade, there will still be employers who will want to hire you. Your future employers aren’t going to care so much what you GPA was. They’re going to care that you work hard and you know what you’re doing. Yes, you should strive for excellence, to get the highest grade you possibly can, but also remember to breathe. Things will work themselves out.

Good luck, my friends. And may the curves be ever in your favor.