That time of the year is upon us again—and no, it’s not just Halloween. Midterm week is over, but so is fall break. Grueling exam after grueling exam is something us college students have become accustomed to, or in the case of first-year students, will become accustomed to. The school year never gets easier, and sometimes the stress can be too much to bear alone. During these times, it’s important to utilize healthy coping strategies to help carry us through the end of the semester.

First and foremost, your mental and physical health are important. This might seem obvious, but sometimes the rockslide of coursework, club events, daily living and professional responsibilities can act as roadblocks to staying healthy. The truth is, maintaining good health should be your number one priority as poor mental and physical health can, in fact, lead to worse outcomes in your school, personal and professional life. Mental health problems can negatively affect students’ energy levels, concentration in class and mental ability—all of which can hinder academic performance. If you’re too stressed or worried, all of your focus will be diverted from your academic responsibilities and toward the stressors in your life. Stress caused from classes can create a vicious cycle.

When you’re too stressed and everything seems too overwhelming, just take some time to slow down. Take a long breath in, hold it for a few seconds and slowly breathe out. Repeat this breathing technique a few times. Be sure to breathe from your stomach and not your chest; this technique is called diaphragmatic breathing, and helps you feel more relaxed. Additionally, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Too little will make you feel tired and groggy, thus making it harder to concentrate throughout the day. And, of course, make sure you’re eating enough food and drinking plenty of water. Staying energized is vital for us college students who have many different obligations with classes, student organizations, post-graduation plans and our social circles. And the food you eat doesn’t need to conform to modern diet trends endorsed by social media influencers—trends which can actually lead to worsened physical health and poor body image. You know what’s best for your body—just make sure what you’re eating is filling and energizing enough.

Keeping in touch with a supportive group of people is also vital. Whether you seek support from your family, friends or even a professional counselor, having people to talk to can make your life a little bit easier. If you’re experiencing negative emotions and need a shoulder to lean on, seek out those you can trust. Don’t be afraid to reach out—having someone to talk to might be just what you need. Occasionally, though, social circles can be another source of stress. You might encounter conflicts within friend groups, for example. In that case, pay attention to when—and with whom—you feel the happiest. If there are a few people you can count on, then stick close to them. The people you surround yourself with should make you feel supported and welcomed. You don’t need any more stress in your life.

Lastly, since the spookiest time of the year is rising out of its grave, have some fun. If you’re the type of person who enjoys scary movies, put on your favorite ’80s slasher film or one of Jordan Peele’s strange horror movies and just relax. Maybe make some popcorn or eat some Halloween candy. Go all out on your costume this year and dress up as your favorite movie or TV show character. In between trudging through your responsibilities, give yourself the opportunity to relax for at least a little bit. College doesn’t have to be all about work; sometimes, it’s okay to turn it into a fun experience.

We’ve made it through half of the semester already. In time, we’ll be at the finish line—but in order to finish the race, it’s important that we take care of ourselves. As we start classes again, keep these pieces of advice in mind. We’re all stronger than we think, and we can all make it to the end.