Take short study breaks

Listen, I understand the grind. Once you're in the zone, it's really hard to get out of it. You want to just go ahead and get it all done to maximize your time to the fullest extent. And there is nothing wrong with that! I totally understand it. BUT, research has actually shown that taking small breaks in between your lengthy study-time can actually help you learn better and recall more information. Just like your muscles during a tough workout, it's good to take small breaks in between to let your brain breathe and have a minute to recover. Treat it kindly and give it some time to rest here and there. It'll help you out in the long run, trust me.

Squeeze in a quick workout 

This probably sounds dreadful, but I promise it's actually extremely helpful. As many people know, working out is actually a huge stress-reliever. It's chemically proven to make you happier and healthier (but in this case, happier)! Any physical activity that gets your blood pumping actually releases chemicals in your brain called endorphins. These, along with another chemical called serotonin, are your fun and happy chemicals. They put you in a better mood and can make those long and gloomy study sessions a little bit more bearable.

Even a quick 30-minute walk before a long day of studying can change your entire attitude for the day! Another little secret: working out also increases dopamine levels in your brain. Dopamine is our addictive "feel-good" chemicals that give us that extra boost of adrenaline and pleasure. (Dopamine is also released when you have sex or eat an amazing cheeseburger, so working out gives you that same high, just without the guilt. You're welcome.)

Take a minute to remember those around you 

Hey, we all understand the stress of school stuff. Trust me! But sometimes we get so engulfed in our own study haze that we forget there are other human beings existing here too. Just remember to always be respectful and kind to those around you, regardless if you are extremely stressed out/ overwhelmed or not. Because odds are, the person you are unknowingly rude to probably doesn't want to take the brunt of your bad day. Don't take out your own issues on those you love, its not fun and makes them sad!

We all go through it, but don't make others go through it with you. Everyone deals with enough of their own school stress, so making yours someone else's problem just because you're overwhelmed isn't super fair to do. Just be aware of how you might be affecting others in the process, that's all. You don't want to accidentally end a friendship over a history exam, not worth it. Just saying!

Treat yo self 

GUUUURLS (or guys), this is so important. You have to rejuvenate your mind and body constantly in order to stay sane. Let yourself relax!!! A nice warm bubble bath, some candles, and gossip girl might just do the trick after a long day in the library. Or any other show that floats your boat (HAHA, get it? because it's a bath joke? OK cool, moving on.) So just in general, anything that helps you relax or let loose, go ahead and treat yourself. You deserve it. Hard work deserves recognition and some encouragement. Get you some ice cream, put on a face mask, and call it a day. Go get your nails done, or go get a massage, or go eat a cheeseburger, or go buy a puppy, or...I don't know!!! Treat yourself and do whatever makes you happy. For me, It would be buying a puppy. But then I would impulsively buy a puppy every time I thought I deserved one so then I'd have like 20 puppies and — yeah. So, OK. Maybe not a puppy.

But whatever, you get the point.

Take care of yourself

*Sarcastic voice in my mind* "Oh, so you mean, like, make sure I'm still breathing? Barely. But yeah, check."

Wow, good one cheesy voice in my head that just made that intro extremely cringey, hilarious! But no. I mean like, eat breakfast for starters. I don't know how the heck some people manage to skip the most important meal of the day, it's honestly rude. Like, don't be that person. Yeah, I'm a little triggered because oatmeal is my favorite food group, and I would lie down my life for it, but I just don't understand how someone can function without breakfast to start the morning. OK, I'm being borderline dramatic, sorry. But at the same time, I'm not. Because breakfast is so important to fuel your body and mind throughout the entire day, y'all!!! (I sound so nerdy, forgive me for caring about your health.) But you have to take care of your body and give it the energy it needs to push you through those long study hours. You can't drive a car with no gas, duh. It's so important!

OK, drinking plenty of water is another big one. Like, who wants to get dehydrated and go blind while reviewing their study guide? Not me. And also, dehydration can feel like death. Not joking.

Another important thing (mainly for me), is snacks. Bring. Those. Snacks. Snacking is my favorite extra-curricular activity, so I'm partially biased and probably have no credibility talking about health as you can tell, but it's crucial to have them in a time of need. You can't study when your stomach is growling at you, just saying. Maybe even consider investing in a snack pack? It'll hold all your snacks and yes, people might make fun of you, but at least while they slowly die of hunger in the library you will be happily eating your trail mix. (OK so, I wouldn't actually get a snack pack because that is a little weird, so just shove some zip-locks in your backpack and call it a day. Get creative.)

Last thing, but honestly the most important, GET YOUR EIGHT HOURS OF SLEEP. Seriously if you don't, you are sabotaging your entire study schedule. Your mind literally resets every single night to prepare for tomorrow, and unless you give it time to process all the information from the previous day and reboot (like a computer), it's not going to retain anything. Your sleep schedule should be at the very top of your priority list (along with snacks), unless you want to be a big cranky bear throughout the day, and no one wants that.

Relax on the coffee

I just felt like I needed to say this to all my caffeine addicts really quick: we love you, but relax on the coffee. Seriously. Coffee is a great thing until it's not. Don't let your coffee habit reach an alarming rate; it would be a shame to overload your body so heavily with caffeine that you can't physically function as a human being anymore. Yes, I'm being slightly dramatic, but still. I would just hate to see it. Switch out the white mocha with a water every once in a while. Your concerned friends and exhausted body will appreciate it. (Yes Liv, Ken, and Emily; I'm talking to y'all.)