As the school year has gone by, I’ve noticed more students slacking off during class time, especially when it comes to their work. But we all know that within the next week, these big tests that are worth upwards of 20% of our grade are going to be put in front of us.

Now, based on my experience, I’m somehow able to retain at least a vague memory of whatever we’ve done in my classes throughout the semester, but not everyone is so lucky, especially those who decide to not pay attention in class.

In reaction to this, I’ve noticed that many students stress excessively, and unnecessarily, about finals. Some students may argue that they don’t really care about their final tests or that they’ll be able to miraculously score a 100% without studying, but I’ve personally never come across someone who is truly like that. The students I meet who claim to be like that end up cramming for their tests the night before, which leads to sleep deprivation and nodding off during the test while ultimately getting a grade that is not to their liking.

This, of course, can be avoided. By doing any of the following techniques, any student can make finals week less stressful and receive more satisfactory grades.

Number one: start studying prior to the night before.

Cramming the night before might be tempting, but it will most definitely cause you sleep deprivation. Instead, try a study technique that works for you. Personally, I enjoy rewriting important information as I read it so that it sticks in my brain, but there are other ways you can memorize information. Next time, try giving yourself rewards while you study. A five minute break after 20 minutes of studying, a treat after you finish a certain section of work or a subject and keeping all electronics away from you during your study session, so that you appreciate it more when you’re done, have all proven to be effective for students who typically have troubles studying.

Number two: get plenty of sleep.

Since you made the good decision of not cramming the night before the test, do not reward yourself by staying up all night watching Netflix. This will not only make you extremely tired the next day during the test, but soaking in your latest episode of The Vampire Diaries or The Walking Dead could potentially replace all that valuable information in your head. Teenagers need an average of eight to 10 hours of sleep each night, and most high school students don’t get nearly that much. Most students that I know get somewhere between three and six hours of sleep, which is not healthy at all.

Number three: keep yourself healthy and happy.

In addition to getting enough sleep, you need to make sure your body is happy with your choices. Eating enough of the right foods can drastically change your mood and how you feel about things, which can be extremely beneficial when you’re extra stressed. In addition to eating the right foods, try to avoid fatty and sugary foods as much as you can. Also, stay away from those pills in your medicine drawer that miraculously help you stay awake while studying. In the long run, they won’t benefit your health like getting a decent amount of sleep will.

There are other ways students can reduce stress, of course, but from personal experience I know that these tend to be the most effective. So keep these in mind, and good luck with finals.