It’s that time of year again. The holiday season is approaching with Auburn University’s Thanksgiving break beginning this Saturday, loads of homework and the dreaded final exams. Just how do students balance school work and the temptation of just relaxing this holiday? The answer is a balance or hard work and rewarding yourself. It’s not easy, but if you plan ahead, stay organized and don’t get stressed out, you can excel in your studies and get the well deserved break you’ve been longing for.

Elizabeth Reynolds, a senior at Auburn University majoring in public relations, knows just how busy this time of year is. She said, “I always feel like a couple weeks right before Thanksgiving teachers try to cram a lot in there because they know the breaks coming up.” The last two weeks for her has been stressful as it has for many college students. With multiple exams, group projects, papers and meetings with professors, Reynolds has been extremely busy the past few weeks. So busy, she spent most of her weekend in the library instead of cutting loose at the Auburn vs. Georgia football game this past Saturday.

Reynolds also plans on doing a lot of her school work and studying towards the beginning of the break. “I know I’m going to try and get a lot done early on,” she said. By finishing her work early Reynolds will have time over the holiday to spend relaxing with friends and family. Starting early is also a good idea because as a student we are currently in a routine of doing things. If you push a little bit harder during the beginning of the break you are more likely to do well and stay on track. Besides, hanging out with friends and family and being able to focus on anything but school will be a reward for the remainder of the break.

Procrastinating is never a good thing, but many students will fall victim to the holiday. The smell of good food, great movies and visiting with the family are a few temptations. For many students, like Reynolds, graduation is coming in May and that’s a major motivator.

School resumes after Thanksgiving break on Dec. 1 and the last day of class is Dec. 8. After that students fear the hardest week of the entire semester, final exams. It’s important to stay well organized. Reynolds uses a planner and writes out what she has to do each day. It’s easy to forget everything, but with a calendar to refer to you can stay on track. Taking breaks is also a very important aspect. Studying or working too hard can frustrate you or even wear you down. Reynolds is planning on taking a little trip the weekend before school starts back. She says it’s her time to relax and get her mind right before finals.

However if you can’t afford a trip there are plenty of other remedies to relax and reduce stress. Take three deep breaths when you feel stressed out; this can clear you mind and give your body a nice little break. Also allow yourself and hour a day to do whatever it is you want. Working out is a great for the body and mind. Just remember hard work pays off and after finals comes Christmas break. That’s a break everyone can look forward to.