With the end of the school semester fast approaching, sometimes it can be hard to feel motivated and keep working until the end. Despite this, there are always ways to keep going.

The first way is to schedule everything out. Before going to bed or right when you get up in the morning, make a list of things you want to accomplish and need to do. Writing everything down lets your brain see everything that needs to get done and then plan the day out.

A big part of to-do lists and self-set deadlines is to not let yourself worry too much. It’s okay to miss your self-set deadline and to reset or adjust it. For example, if you’re working on a paper and you can’t seem to get one page done per day like you wanted to, then start with half a page until you can write a whole page.

Another important tip is to schedule time for yourself. Set aside a half an hour per day or one rest day per week where you can just sit and relax. Overworking yourself can lead to extreme stress and breakdowns. Find time to treat yourself, whether it’s to a nice bath, a new episode of your favorite show or a food you’ve really been craving.

If you’re having trouble understanding material or studying, don’t be afraid to reach out. Schedule a time to work through your coursework with your professor, and ask if they can go more in-depth than they did in class. Sometimes one-on-one sessions can help you reach a breakthrough.

There’s also tutoring in the Academic Success Center in Watson Library where tutors will work with you to help you understand the material. More information and the form to request a tutoring session is available at nsula.edu/academic-success-center

Finally, the most important thing you can do is take care of yourself. If you’re feeling stressed or depressed, talk to someone. Your teachers and friends are there to listen and help you in your day-to-day life. If a deadline is stressing you out, talk to your professor and see if you can get an extension or work something out. The Counseling and Career Services office is also open to anyone who needs it, and they accept walk-ins.

The end of the semester can be a tricky time for everyone, but following these tips can help ease some of the stress this time of year can bring. There are always ways to help yourself; if you see someone struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out and help them as well.