The time of year has finally rolled around again when stressed-out students pull out books and papers from the depths of their backpacks to begin studying for finals. However, studying can be difficult in a loud environment and when a person has no organization. Below are some tips to help the studying process go smoother and be less stressful.

Tip #1: Start early

Getting a head start on studying will help relieve stress as finals inch closer. Cramming leaves people overwhelmed at the last minute, causing them to do poorly on tests. Start studying with ample time to gather your study materials and learn the proper information.

Tip #2: Create your own study guide

Making your own study guide can help you learn in a way that is easiest for you. Sometimes teachers give you a study guide, but learning with flashcards may be more your style. Taking the information from the teachers and studying the way that works best for you will help you succeed on your finals.

Tip #3: Stay well-rested

Sleepy studying doesn’t help you retain the information you’re reading because your brain is only focused on sleep. Getting enough sleep will help you stay focused and energized during the long periods of studying.

Tip #4: Take breaks

Your brain needs time to recharge so whether it is walking around, getting food, or taking a quick power nap, make sure to take short breaks. Be sure not to take too long of a break, though, or you will end up too distracted to continue studying.

Tip #5: Eat healthy meals

Food fuels the brain and body so eating good meals and snacks will help the studying process seem less tiring. Also, eating a good breakfast before your finals will help your brain function correctly on test day.

Tip #6: Create a schedule

Prioritizing your time will help ease your load each night leading up to finals. Studying one subject a night will help you focus on just one topic at a time instead of trying to learn multiple topics at a time. Sticking to a schedule will help you maintain a balance of which subjects to learn and when.

Tip #7: Study with others

If group studying is your preferred style of studying, then this would be a perfect way to understand the information. Bouncing ideas off of others and teaching the subject will help you have a better understanding of what you are doing. If you are able to teach it, you should be able to ace it on the test.

Tip #8: Quiz yourself

Depending on what you get right and wrong, you’ll be able to determine what you need to brush up on. Focus more on what you get wrong instead of what you get right, so you can strengthen your knowledge in more unfamiliar areas.

Tip #9: Find a quiet place to study

Going to your local library or a coffee shop can help you study in a quiet environment without distractions. If you have siblings at home that are constantly noisy, it will be hard to concentrate on the task at hand. Getting out of the house will allow for a change of environment and quieter, more peaceful atmosphere.

Tip #10: Make a study playlist

Sometimes, listening to music can make studying go faster and more entertaining. Creating a playlist can allow you to focus more on studying than picking out songs.