Thanksgiving break is around the corner and it has come to the point in the semester when students start longing for winter break. There’s only one thing between you and that Turkey dinner: midterms. I shudder even typing the word out. However, midterms can be less scary and just another part of school if you just use these few simple tips.

1. Breathe.

Midterms are meant to check students’ progress mid-semester. Yes, teachers do use it to help calculate grades, but I promise it isn’t that big of a deal. Stressing and getting anxious is not going to help anything. It’s important not to stress (I know, easier said than done) and to try and relax. It’s just another test. Try to set aside time for stuff that relaxes you like watching an episode of your favorite tv show on Netflix (I recommend Bob’s Burgers).

2. Take study breaks.

I know that more likely than not studying is going to be left to the weekend beforehand. That’s fine because the studying will still get done. However, it is important to take breaks when you’re binge-studying. Take a break every few hours. Go get food from the dining hall, go for a run, or go outside. A change in environment can help clear the mind. Also, information will be better absorbed if breaks are taken rather than if the information is crammed.

3. Have lots of healthy snacks and water on hand.

Staying hydrated and full will help maintain focus. Having high protein snacks like nuts and seeds help keep your mind off of an empty belly and on your study materials. Besides, not only will it help keep the focus on studying, but it’ll make you feel good. You’ll feel better motivated and possibly get work done quicker.

4. Use your resources!

Professors give review guides and have office hours and email addresses for a reason; they aren’t just to look good on a syllabus. Use the review guide as an outline for studying. Go through your notes and find the information for each topic on the outline. If there’s any information your notes are missing or that you need clarification on, email your professor and ask to meet during his/her office hours. This way, you will feel well prepared and ready for the midterm.

5. Dress comfortably and eat well the day of the test.

Wear comfortable clothing. You don’t want to spend the duration of the test adjusting clothing or rubbing your aching feet because you trekked across campus in stilettos. My philosophy for test taking is that if I feel good, I’ll do good. This also comes into play when getting ready that morning. Have a high-protein and high-carb dinner the night before and breakfast the morning of. It’ll be so much easier to focus on the test when your belly is full and you’re tummy’s grumbling isn’t distracting you.

6. Slay the exam.

Overall, midterms are not as scary as they are made out to be. They’re important tests that definitely shape grades, but if you prepare and take care of yourself, the process is a piece of cake. (And then you can eat an entire cake when the week is over; you’ll deserve it.)

Best of luck friends!