They’re the most wonderful times of the year…when actors and dancers are seen running across campus for rehearsal, and musicians and singers are seen drinking hot tea faster than you can say “5, 6, 7, 8!” There’s the undeniable smell of hairspray in the air, local drugstores run out of eyeliner and makeup remover, and the groan of too much homework is accompanied by groans of “Who’s got Advil?” If you’re lucky, you live on a campus or in a community where’s always an upcoming show, concert, or performance, with lots of creative vibes and new ideas bouncing around. You’re used to the posters upon posters plastered all over the place. Facebook events spike in numbers, and statuses, tweets, and Instagram posts are taken over by promotional photos and video clips. As a performer, it’s all incredibly overwhelming and wildly difficult to stay sane, but not all hope is lost. Read on for some tips to stay healthy, happy, and enjoy the wonderful magic that is show week:

1) Drink fluids!

This one goes down in the books for one of the most overused pieces of advice, but for good reason. Hydrating your body with water, drinking orange juice for the vitamin C, and having a hot “cuppa” (tea, that is) to relax are all super important during high-stress times. Carry a big, reusable water bottle and refill at least two or three times a day – getting your eight glasses worth will pay off in the long run!

2) Eat well.

Another commonly known tip, fueling your body right during a show week will allow you to maximize your energy levels and help you power through the most crucial moments. If you’re building your plate, half should be veggies or fruit, one-quarter should be protein, and the other one-quarter carbohydrates (particularly whole-grains).

3) Sleep.

Remember that whole eight hours of sleep thing? Try to follow it. Not only will it help restore your active body, but it will help boost your immune system and improve your mood. If you can, get more than eight hours – just listen to what your body needs and try to follow as best as possible!

4) Restore.

Take time for yourself – especially in the crunch time leading up to the end of the semester, this can be one of the hardest tips to follow. Make time to meditate, practice some yoga, or go for a long walk; if that’s not your style, hit a good workout at the gym to give yourself an endorphin boost. Or, if that’s still not your thing, curl up with a good book, indulge in some Netflix, or, if you’re so fortunate, play a game of fetch with Fido or give the cat an extra few minutes of ear-scratching. The possibilities are endless, just do YOU.

5) Envision yourself crushing it.

Whether you’re singing in a concert, dancing on stage, or acting in the final show of the semester, remember to take a second and mentally envision yourself nailing that high note, landing that triple pirouette, or hammering home that monologue. Power pose in your costume or performance outfit in the mirror before you go on. Take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves. You’ve worked so hard for so long for this. Now take your spotlight and enjoy it!