Finals week is upon us, and if you're anything like me, those first five words made your stomach drop and you freak out because you remember how much you have to do this week. 

Finals week is the time of year where it's totally acceptable to want an IV of coffee running through your veins. It's also completely fine to have 1 (or more) mental breakdowns a day. Don't worry, we've got you — here are some foolproof tips and tricks to make finals week suck a little less. 

Have a DIY spa night

You don't have to spend money at an expensive spa to de-stress — One of my favorite self-care rituals is to pick up some cheap face masks from T.J. Maxx or Target, crack open a bottle of wine (or grape juice) and take myself to a place far, far away — preferably a place where finals don’t exist.

Puppy therapy is the best therapy

It's true, we love our dogs, and playing with some adorable pups makes for a great study break. Visit a local dog shelter, not only will you be helping yourself, but you’ll be helping out your community while making some new fur friends. 

#SpoonTip: If you're a Texas Tech student or in the Lubbock area, check out Morris Safe House and Dusty Puddles.

Prep a protein packed breakfast 

jalapeno, bacon, vegetable, meat, cheese
Emma Lally

I'm a firm believer that there aren’t enough hours in the day, especially during finals week. You often hear the phrase, "plan for success", so to help you do that, check out this super easy egg muffin recipe. Make them on Sunday night and pop them in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, you’ll want to microwave the muffins for 1-2 minutes. Now you have a gourmet breakfast you'll be able to enjoy on the go every morning and one less thing you need to worry about.  

Ditch the coffee

This was one of the hardest tips for me to provide, because coffee is my religion — Even my twitter bio reads, “If given enough coffee I could rule the world.” Ain't that the truth. However, tea is a great caffeine alternative to coffee and has great benefits. Teas such as matcha provide 3-4 hours of sustained energy, instead of the sudden crash coffee does — check out why matcha is a healthier alternative to coffee.

Keep up with your planner 

It’s that point in the semester where you probably forgot what a planner even is, but stop right there. Dig it out and grab a pen, we’re doing this. Keeping a schedule when you have a million-and-one things going on can save you from a disaster. Our editorial director, Corey Tate, says that seeing a list of things she has to get done on paper helps her feel less stressed — give it a shot, and give her a shout out when you do. 

Get a massage

How many of you TTU students knew you could get a massage at the Rec? Their prices are comparatively cheaper to other massage therapy centers in Lubbock, check it out here

Finals week doesn't sound too bad now, right? When you find yourself in club library at 3 a.m., take a breath and use a few of these tips. As we kiss this semester goodbye, just remember Fall semester will be here before we know it. Which means football season will be here too. Wreck 'em Tech.