Your very doom is soon approaching—your very success, rather—and now might be the best time to reexamine your study habits. It will be finals week in just two days, so why don’t we make these last few days count? Here’s a few exam tips that might be worth your consideration.

It has been scientifically proven that 20 to 50 minute intervals of intense study, with breaks of 10 or so minutes in between, is much more beneficial than a sustained, continuous effort which strains the mind and reduces comprehension and retention. During these breaks, make sure to stay hydrated and well fed. Flex your eyes by focusing on objects in the distance, to reduce strain. Get fresh air, stretch and walk for a bit.

Do cardiovascular exercise. Not only has it been proven to improve memory and retention (in both the short and long term), but it is a great way to get some vitamin D and fresh air, both excellent for general health.

Change up your study routine. This means moving spots (try the library, try empty classrooms, try study rooms—anything to get you out of your own bedroom), properly managing your time and minimizing distractions. This is the sort of advice we hear all the time, but rarely listen to. It’s worth making these sorts of changes, however, you won’t know the benefits until you try them.

If practice tests are available, give them your all. Similarly, if they aren’t available, come up with questions in groups to test your fellow classmates. This is absolutely one of the best ways to test for knowledge, and most importantly, the capability to use that knowledge in an exam setting. This is, after all, what you need to prepare for most.

Research actually suggests that it’s worth writing and copying, with pen and paper, your study notes. The action of writing and reading the material, slowly, is proven to help your brain absorb the information. This sounds of course like a horribly miserable use of your time, but such is life, and such is studying for finals. You won’t be miserable for much longer.

And, lastly, it’s worth it to treat yourself. Whether that means eating a favorite food or having a favorite drink, it’s important to recognize that this is a special time, and you deserve special treatment as you attempt to navigate the troubled waters of final exams. Once you do make it through finals week, you’ll appreciate whatever preparation you put into doing well, as the grades come in and as summer begins. Good luck!