Well it’s here.

Dead week is over and finals are upon us.

It’s too easy to let this time get the best of you, whether it’s the late nights, abnormal sleeping patterns, stress … the list goes on. Your body is a machine and needs all of its parts to work together in order to be successful. During this time of testing, it is important to make sure you maintain your health — both mentally and physically. If this is something you have a tendency to struggle with take this advice from the experts, as well as those who have been there before.

1. Put sleep first.

I know what you’re thinking: “Yeah, right…” But seriously, when you’re sleep deprived everything else tends to go downhill. Ask yourself: will staying up until 2 a.m. really give you that much of an advantage on your test the next day? Going through the day groggy due to lack of sleep will not allow you to perform to your full potential on the exam. We need six to eight hours of sleep. “Lack of sleep increases stress physically, emotionally and mentally,” Jude Kehoe, a meditation instructor at the University of Oregon Health Center, said in an email. “Research has shown that students who go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning do better academically. Your brain needs time to organize, sort and store information (among other things) from the day before.”

2. Eat balanced meals.

As cliché as it is, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s that little kick  your body needs in the morning to get the wheels turning. Most days it is hard to set aside time to sit down and have breakfast, so have your protein bars on deck. In an article on campusexplorer.com, registered dietician Kristi King suggests students avoid caffeinated foods and beverages containing high amounts of sugar, as well as greasy or fried foods.

3. Exercise.

This may seem like the last thing on your to-do list for the week, but it is crucial for successful academic performance. Even something as little as a walk across the bridge to Autzen Stadium will work to your benefit. Kelci Lucier of usnews.com makes a good point: “You’re in college to learn how to live an educated, examined life, so start simply and realize how important physical health is to your academic success.”

4. Make a list.

During such a hectic time it is easy for things to get lost in the shuffle. Whether it’s an online homework assignment or writing a paper — anything can slip through the cracks. Another tip is to prioritize your tasks, which will make completing them a lot easier. Breaking larger projects down to a series of goals will also help (and make you feel like you’re getting more done).

5. Set aside time to do a non-school related activity.

Whether you’re listening to music, playing video games or surfing the Internet, taking some time for yourself to relax and do something you love will help take your mind off exams. The University of Oregon counseling center website suggests that you take a walk outside, read a book, watch a movie or even take a bubble bath.

The University of Oregon is filled with resources and people that want to help make your life easier during stressful times. The University Counseling and Testing Center has a great webpage to help students and faculty members cope with stress. You can also make appointments to meet with a counselor if needed.