With final exams right around the corner, it isn’t uncommon to start stressing out. Here are some tips to help you make it through the next week.

1) Don’t procrastinate.

While pulling an all-nighter can be tempting, studying in advance will make it easier to retain information and help to lower stress levels. “When it comes to school, one of the things that causes a lot of anxiety is a lack of preparation,” counselor Kevin Halfmann said. “If you’re not prepared to do well, you have a good reason to be concerned.”

2) Study smart.

Start off by making sure you know when your tests are, and then create a study plan. If your teacher didn’t provide a study guide, create your own. Complete it one time using your notes, and then again from memory. Only focus on studying your areas of weakness.

“A lot of people waste a lot of time studying things they already know,” Halfmann said. “If we can focus on the part we don’t understand, then that’s what we want to be doing. Going through the study guide without your notes can give you a lot of confidence. You know what you know then, and that can be the most productive way to study.”

3) Stay healthy.

A lack of sleep, lack of good nutrition and lack of exercise can negatively affect test performances. “They’re kind of the most obvious things in the world, but those things really do matter with your stress level,” Halfmann said.

4) Come prepared with the right materials.

Aside from bringing basic materials such as sharpened pencils, it’s alright to bring gum or mints to help keep yourself alert. However, avoid trying to stay awake with a lot of sugar or caffeine, especially with power drinks such as Red Bull and 5 Hour Energy. “You’ll be really hyper for a little bit, and then you’ll crash,” Halfmann said. “Your brain doesn’t work as well. You’re better off eating a good balanced breakfast.”

5) Stay focused during the test.

When finally taking the exam, concentrate on the information you know and only think positive thoughts. “If you’re spending a lot of time thinking of something besides the test, like how dumb you are or how awful you’re doing, those are counterproductive thoughts,” Halfmann said. “They waste time and they raise your anxiety level, which makes it harder to think clearly. Trying to stay confident is a good thing.”

Do you get stressed for finals and how do you cope?

“The week leading up to it [I get stressed]. I eat bowls of brown sugar while watching Dance Moms. It makes me forget about the finals — it’s a nice break.” -sophomore Alyssa Yarbrough

“Very much so because I want to do well, but I always forget what I learned. I write down my subjects and time to study each day. When I organize my thoughts it helps me not to get so uptight.” -junior Jaeky Spencer

“Slightly, if I don’t have a very good grade in a class. I get into study groups with my friends because I cope better if I can talk through it with my friends.” -sophomore Nick Foulon