With finals week approaching, students are finding themselves asking “How will I ever get through this week?” From freshman’s first finals to advanced placement finals for upperclassmen, the stress levels seem unbearable all around. The truth is, there are tips and tricks to make it through finals week in a healthy way.

One of the most crucial parts of preparing for finals is material organization. The worst thing a student can do is scramble for their papers, previous tests and study guides the night before taking the final. Some students find it helpful to make a finals binder in advance so all needed materials are in the same place when the student is ready to use them. Thinking I could make it through second semester finals freshman year without a finals binder, I did significantly worse overall on my exams; it was the last time I made that mistake.

For most students studying for finals, the feeling of overwhelming stress and having no idea where to start is a shared one. I find it helpful to write out a study plan that says what and when each subject will be studied serves as another major benefit to having an organized and successful finals week. Once a student has a plan, all that’s left to do is execute it.

Due to the number of distractions, a student’s bedroom is the worst place to study, according to the New York Times. Rather, it is important to find a comfortable study environment where it is almost impossible to get side tracked. For example, I go to coffee shops for the perfect, quiet study space. Wherever it may be, find a place where it is easy to stay focused on the task at hand, free of any significant interruption.

Often times, students believe the false claim that buckling down and studying for eight hours straight prior to taking a final is the best way to go about the test. However, whether students procrastinate or not, it is crucial to take frequent breaks. My method is to study for one hour, take a 20 minute break and repeat. Study breaks help maintain top study performance and can actually increase focus, reduce stress and help students better retain information they learn, according to Oxford Learning.

Lastly, before taking a final, it is important to eat a healthy breakfast. While I’m not too big on eating in the early morning, I will at least have something as simple as a protein bar before taking a final. Breakfast prepares students to work toward good grades in academic environments, according to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. To be alert and focused, students need proper nutrition, according to Livestrong. Livestrong recommends healthy options such as breakfast tacos, fiber-rich fruits and yogurt parfaits rather than sugar-filled cereal or a donut.

When it comes to finals, there’s an enormous amount of information to study in a short period of time. The main things to remember are to stay organized, study in a distraction-free environment, take breaks, be healthy and breathe.