It’s midterm season, which means it’s the time of year when students camp out in the library, burying their heads in textbooks and study notes.

The whole process can be extremely tiring and it’s easy to become stressed out; but don’t worry, we’ve complied a survival guide to help you cope!

1. Eat Healthy

Diet plays a huge part in how you feel. If you ever feel tempted to eat comfort food, like pizza or poutine, try and find a healthier option. There are plenty of tasty alternatives to an unhealthy snack. For example, try replacing potato chips with veggies and hummus.

2. Sleep

As tempting as it may be to pull an all-nighter in preparation for tomorrow’s test, you will remember much more if you get the rest your body needs. Plan your schedule so that you have enough time to study and sleep. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

3. Pace yourself and take breaks

Like sleep, breaks are very important when it comes to information retention. Pace yourself and you will feel much better! Everyone needs a break at some point, even Obama.

4. Get a massage

Most people would happily get a massage at anytime, but when you’re stressed your muscles tense up, so this midterm season is the perfect time to get one. A massage will help loosen you up and clear your mind. Plus, massages are covered under IGNITE’s insurance plan!

5. Talk to your friends

It’s easy to take your midterm stress out on your friends by ignoring them. Don’t think of them as a distraction, instead talk to them about how you feel. They can help reassure you. If you don’t feel like talking to your friends about your stress, then consider talking an online counselor on the Students Life Line. Sometimes you just need to let it all out.

6. Talk to your teacher

Your teachers are there to help you, so use them. Ask them for some extra help if you don’t understand the course content. Find out what you can do in order to better prepare yourself for the midterm. It will show them that you’re eager to learn and make you feel better.

7. Dance

Dance like nobody is watching. It’s a great way to let off steam.

8. (Dark) Chocolate

Telling you to eat chocolate may seem like it contradicts our first tip, but dark chocolate can have many health benefits that come in handy during midterm season. Online journals have stated that the consumption of dark chocolate can improve your brain’s function, so eat up!

If you are still feeling stressed then please take advantage of our Student Life Line. Not only are there counselors available to you, but there are many other tools that you might find useful!

So, there you have it. Midterm season doesn’t have to be stressful. Make sure you share these tips with your friends so you can all make it out of the woods together!