“The finals are coming, the finals are coming!” Isn’t that what Paul Revere said? I’m not sure if that was the exact terminology back then, but it was something similar.

Finals are on the horizon and you should probably start studying.

If you’re like me, you’re in denial and will need to pull an all-nighter. Here are the tips you’ll need.

First, get up and get grooving. Dancing and stretching is an excellent way to keep alert, just don’t do it so often that it becomes a distraction.

We all need a five-minute break every hour when studying, so do it then. It’ll help jump-start your inner genius.

Avoid caffeine, if possible. It seems like it would be a good idea, but caffeine offers a temporary solution to your fatigue and you will crash. Replace it for a couple glasses of ice-cold water.

The cold water keeps you awake and you’ll need to make frequent bathroom breaks, keeping you awake.

If you’re going to snack while you study (and who doesn’t?) avoid the carb-heavy and sugary foods. Overdoing the carbs makes you feel sleepy and lethargic, instead focus on foods that are protein-rich such as sandwiches and dairy products. Apples also help keep your blood sugar stable so you’re able to stay awake longer.

On the snacking note, make sure it stays at the snacking level. If you eat too much you’ll feel bloated and tired.

Try not to yawn. You yawn because you are taking in less oxygen and your breathing is steady and slow.

That’s bad when you’re trying to stay awake. Try laughing instead, it gets your body involved and releases endorphins, which make you happy. Watch a funny video when you’re starting to nod off.

Along the same lines, make sure you think positive thoughts, such as: “I love watching the sunrise,” “Getting a good grade will do so much for me,” or “I am almost done.”

Lastly, do not, I repeat, do not, study in any form of a cushiony chair. Sit on a hard wooden chair at a table or you’ll be very tempted to doze off.

Sit up straight as this will make your body more alert, or better yet pace or stand while you read.

Try moving your study area every hour or so to avoid becoming too comfortable in one spot.

The finals are coming people, so you can either start studying now or keep this article close to you in May so you’re sure to ace every test.