While it may seem that school has just started, midterm exams are quickly approaching. With exams typically comes stress. You may feel that there is nothing that you can do about this stress other than continuing to study, but this is not true. How stressed you get and how often this happens are two things that you can have a great influence over. Here are six tips to help you make it through midterm exams with minimal stress:

1. Take a walk – Stressful situations increase the levels of stress hormones in your body. Physical exercise can  metabolize the excessive stress hormones and restore your mind and body to a more relaxed state. If you are feeling stressed, try to add some sort of physical activity to your daily routine. 

2. Sleep! – Not having enough sleep is a significant cause of stress. Try to unwind and relax at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Try taking a warm bath or reading a book (not a textbook!) to give your brain time to calm down.  

3. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine – Try to avoid or at least reduce and consumption of nicotine and any beverages containing caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and will increase stress levels rather than reducing them. Alcohol is a depressant in large quantities and a stimulant in smaller quantities. Using alcohol to alleviate stress is, ultimately, not helpful. 

4. Join a study group – Having a good group to work and collaborate with can significantly increase your success on exams. You will be able to help yourself learn while also helping others succeed.

5. Manage your time – When dealing with a lengthy ‘To Do’ list, learn to prioritize tasks and do the most important tasks first. Plan which tasks must be done immediately, in the next day, in the next week, or when time allows. Having a plan of action can help to greatly reduce stress. Try to create a study schedule and stick to it. Pick blocks of time where you will not be disturbed and give your brain plenty of time to absorb the information. A Redbull-fueled night before cram session will not do it for you!

6. Learn to say ‘no’ – A common cause of stress is having too much to do with too little time. Even in this situation, people will still agree to take on more responsibilities. Friends and family may ask you to do things when you are busy trying to prepare for exams. It’s an easy time to say, “I have major exams coming up and need to prepare. Maybe we can plan on doing something after they’re over.” Remain firm in your answer, even if they insist.