It’s finals week, a time when it’s easier than ever to lose sight of your goals and be shaded from the light at the end of the tunnel. Surviving finals without having a complete meltdown is possible, believe it or not, and Release is here to help you do it.

1. Schedule your time — Time is of the essence during finals week, and planning out every minute isn’t extreme; it’s necessary. From studying to eating and sleeping, scheduling yourself can actually help keep you on track and even reduce stress. When planning your study schedule, be realistic. Don’t expect to get five chapters of biology done in one hour. Instead, plan to study each subject in small increments, as switching up what you’re doing may help your head from exploding (it’s a scientific fact). Planning breaks for eating, sleeping or even just staring into space is especially important. Everyone needs a little time to wind down, unless having multiple breakdowns is your thing. Sleep can be optional during finals week, but making time for meals will ensure optimal productivity. Just don’t forget to go back to studying.

2. Make a playlist — Studying with music can often be a great tool to help keep anxiety levels down. Music can serve as a distraction from all of the stress you’ll be feeling, but too much of a distraction can be counterproductive. That’s why it’s important to plan your perfect studying playlist. When making your playlist, try to construct a mix with a wide range of musical styles. Instrumentals are good for when you really need to focus, but throwing in a song you loved when you were 12 can provide the emotional boost that you need to get excited about your work. If not, it may at least keep you from crying in the library. Don’t forget to add a hype song to pump you up when you’re falling asleep, a song that can relate to how much you hate the world during finals and maybe the occasional moment of silence to honor the death of your happiness.

3. Find the best study spot — The best place to study is subjective, so take others’ advice lightly when figuring out where to spend the rest of your semester. There are, however, some things you should consider. First, decide whether or not you want to be around people. If being alone for hours drives you crazy, try to choose a spot where you can use break time to interact with others. If people are too distracting, choose a place where it’s unlikely that you’ll know anyone. Next, consider what you’ll be studying with. Studying outside can be great, but if you need to use your laptop, running inside to charge can be a big time-waster. Finally, consider your comfort level. While studying on your bed might work at other times during the semester, the lack of sleep you’ll be getting will probably turn your bed into the place where studying goes to die. Finding the perfect balance between the super uncomfortable corner of Bartle and your friend’s memory foam mattress cover is key.

4. Forget about your friends, sort of — Finals weeks is no time for friends, except for regularly scheduled visits. A perk about finals week is that no one will get offended if you ignore them, except maybe that one friend who doesn’t have finals. But be honest, no one wants to hang out with him anyway. Try to fit friend time into your schedule if possible, because it’s always fun to have someone to complain with. Make sure to respect your friends’ studying schedule too, since everyone is busy this time of year. OMG stress!

5. Embrace the tears — Sometimes, you just have to cry it out, scream it out or maybe even do something just a little bit violent. Don’t be embarrassed if you feel like stress is getting the best of you, because the rest of campus feels it too. While breaking down in tears on the Spine may not be socially acceptable most times of the year, finals week is a time to break all the rules, so take full advantage. If you’re lucky enough to make it through finals without freaking out, make sure to respect those around you who are, and try giving out a hug every once in a while. It helps.