It’s the final push. The long stretch. Once your finals are over, you can finally take a deep breath and enjoy a much needed winter break. However, it’s going to take blood, sweat and tears to get there, so you’re going to need some healthy coping mechanisms to get through this trying time.

Snacks

You’ll need some brain food during your late night study sessions, and experts recommend healthy snacks to give you energy. However, your tired soul will need Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Lots of it. Calories do not exist during finals week. Stock up.

Take breaks

It’s a good idea to take a ten minute break every so often to avoid eye strain and overtiring. During these breaks, you have full permission to cry uncontrollably and question why you ever decided to go to college. Existential dread is inevitable during finals week, so you might as well make time for it.

Meditate

Many swear by meditation nowadays, and it’s said to have powerful mental benefits. Sit cross legged on the floor, close your eyes and try to turn that panicked hyperventilation into deep, slow breaths.

Implement a reward system

Sometimes, the illusion of productivity is enough to keep you going. For every hour you study, reward yourself with a snack or a break. Or every half hour. Or fifteen minutes. Or five minutes. Hey, progress is progress.

Beg the universe for a miracle

When all else fails, it can’t hurt. Right?