It’s safe to say that the semester is now in full swing for most of us, and we all know what that means: stress. Before midterms eat us alive, now is the best time to get organized and more importantly, stay organized. If, like me, you can’t seem to shake off summer mode and transition into school mode, here are a few ways to get your life on track before the mid-semester mental breakdown takes over.

1. Dedicate a specific day of the week to library hours or schoolwork.

Maintaining a schedule helps to keep you mentally on track. I personally do not have classes on Thursdays, so I dedicate that specific day to catch up on all of the homework I have to do for the following week. My sorority also offers incentive for sisters who complete the most library or study hours, like a free t-shirt, so it motivates me to get work done. Once your body gets used to dedicating a specific time to studying, you become accustomed to sticking to your routine.

2. Make a playlist.

Just how certain songs motivate you to go to the gym, some motivate you to get your life together. Create a playlist of your favorite songs, and play it while you’re studying, writing a paper, or running errands. It will motivate you to keep going, and make you feel like you are getting everything done.

3. Clean your room.

A clean room is a much easier place to focus on your work. Personally, whenever I try to study (especially in a small dorm), and it is messy, I get distracted and start thinking about everything else I have to do instead. If you maintain a clean work environment, it will be easier to focus on what is right in front of you. Have an empty desk, a made bed, and organized drawers.

4. If you can’t focus, go somewhere you can.

Sometimes, studying in the same space you always do can get boring. Go to a nearby Barnes & Noble, a quiet café, or even the study room down the hall. If it is nice out, go outside or to the park. A change of scenery goes a long way, especially when the norm gets boring.

5. Say “no” when you have to.

It is hard to stay in on a Thursday night to do homework when your friends are all getting ready for a night out together. But, willpower is the best power. One night of staying in is going to make you feel a lot better on Sunday night when all of your papers are due Monday morning. Plus, there will be plenty more opportunities to go out and have fun, so just this once will not kill you.

6. Go for a walk.

Sometimes, to clear your head, going for a walk is the perfect remedy. It allows your brain some down time to think, take a break, and recover from a stressful day or situation. If you have a dog, take him for a walk (animals are proven stress relievers) around the block. Get your mind off of your busy schedule for a small period of time, and watch how easy it is to get right back into study-mode.

7. Write everything down.

A planner is a college student’s best friend (well, you get the idea…) Writing things down so you can visually see when assignments are due makes it much easier, because you can get it out of your head and down onto paper. Also, crossing things off of a to-do list feels extremely rewarding. Buy a cheap planner and write down all of your important dates.