Keep calm and eat a balanced breakfast

Finals week is nearly upon us. Dead Week is already here, although at the University of Northern Iowa, there is no such thing as a Dead Week (a week where, at some schools, there is a moratorium on large assignments being due, extracurricular meetings being held and other sanctions). Perhaps this week could be called Undead Week, as UNI students often become zombies when their biological needs lose out to their academic pursuits.

Whether you're worried about being permanently behind in a class, staying up late with writer's block or simply trying to juggle it all, the NI staff offers some suggestions:

"I'm never going to pass this class!" Maybe, maybe not, but you're probably not doomed. Buckle down to study and don't make excuses. If you're missing notes, swallow your pride and ask a classmate. Talk to your professor for help or for other options.

"I'll never be able to write a 10-page paper!" Yes you can. We're no strangers to writer's block here at the NI. Sometimes it helps to just talk over your ideas and bounce them off someone else. Write an outline. Take (short, timed) breaks. Above all else, relax and stay positive. Anxiety is like quicksand when it comes to productivity. The more you struggle, the faster you sink.

"Blah! I've got so much going on!" You will get through this. Make a study schedule where you allot time for each class, and stick to it. Use your phone's calendar function to keep you abreast of paper deadlines or final exam times if need be. Google Calendar has a marvelous feature where you can set up event reminders and have Google text or email you (several times, even) before a particular event.

"I don't have any finals this week!" Get out. Just get out. But seriously, congratulations, and would you mind packing our suitcases for us while we study? Please?

No matter what your finals week situation is, take care of yourself. Get as much sleep as you realistically can. Take study breaks with friends before they leave for break. Keep the junk food consumption to a minimum, and don't overdo it with the caffeine either. Use your common sense and remember life is too short to get freaked out about finals. Good luck!