Finals week has arrived once again, and most of us are panicking. We have a 20- page paper due in three days, a grade-saving presentation to assemble or a portfolio to organize and revise. We have exams, group-meetings, conferences and projects, plus our every day activities of work, class, eating and sleeping. Our stress levels are intesnse, and we do not know how we are going to get everything done on time.

A certain amount of stress is normal, desirable and necessary for doing well, but too much stress can negatively affect how well we function. Although stress may not have direct negative effects on one’s health, it can lead to things like sleep deprivation and loss of appetite, which makes focusing and performing more difficult. Organization and structured productivity — time management — within the next week are essential for ending your semester successfully.

Make a schedule. Under each day of the week, list all of the things that need to be done on that day. Plan when each task can be completed around other obligations, such as work. Just having a clear list can take away a lot of stress and panic. Make sure you complete everything on its scheduled day; if you let Monday’s tasks wait until Tuesday, you are going to run out of time, lose sleep, do poor work and run the risk of forgetting something. You may have to sacrifice a good portion of your social life to successfully manage finals week, but it is a necessary evil. Stick to your schedule.

Remember to schedule time for your health. Most of us know that sleep is important for doing well, but you also have to make sure that you are getting quality rest. Laying awake for hours is not going to help you relax and rejuvenate for the next day’s tasks. Allot yourself a small amount of time before bed to relax, either with a hot shower, a book or some mellow music. Unwinding will allow for a better night’s sleep and leave you feeling more awake and productive in the morning. Along those same lines, remember to eat regularly. Skipping too many meals will leave your brain muddled and struggling when it is time for your calculus exam.

With a little structure and organization, finals week can run smoothly this semester. A little time management and self-discipline will go a long way in making your last week a productive and successful one.