It’s that time of the year, when once-oblivious students shed their usual carefree saunter through campus, and instead adopt a more high-strung, Red Bull-fueled scamper from one study group to Hayden Library to class and then to yet another study group.

The malady of end-of-the-school-year syndrome has affected us all, and for many, this panic-attack-inducing state is the pivotal point of the semester, the make-it-or-break-it season in which either the summation of our efforts in our classes finally sees fruition, or we simply realize it may help to formulate a comprehensive procrastination reform plan next year.

Regardless, because it’s that time when everyone is a little … tense, here’s a strategy guide for weathering out the rest of the year without totally losing sanity:

• Sometimes, under instances of extreme duress, just trick yourself into thinking that things aren’t so bad by putting yourself in somebody elses’ shoes, preferably a pair that is probably in a lot worse shape.

For instance, it is probably a lot worse to be captured by Somalian pirates and held at gunpoint for five days in a cramped lifeboat, than starting your term paper a day before it’s due. Of course, nobody is going to write a movie script based off your crunch time skills, but that’s not the point.

• Feeling lost in that class you just started attending for this last two-week stretch? Don’t worry, empirical observation shows that the reason it’s hard to find a seat in a once-sparse lecture hall is because everyone else just started going, too. You are not alone, so make a new friend!

• Try to fit some space in your frenzied schedule for a little downtime with the latest fitness craze, doga, a fusion of playtime with your favorite pup and … yoga. You and your furry pal can both find inner bliss with moves like “dog tree pose,” which simultaneously helps your posture and counts as attention toward your dog, who may be feeling neglected during these stressful times. If this sounds appealing to you, I’m sure there is a studio somewhere in Scottsdale …

• Are research projects, homework and the prospect of finals putting you on edge? As of today, there are only 18 days left until the last day of classes. By then, either you won’t get your projects finished and will have to start studying for finals in an attempt to salvage what was lost, or you will get everything finished an hour before the last class.

Or, you are just that good and finished everything a month ago. For those who didn’t, sometimes it’s just nice to have a concrete number to look at for motivational purposes.

• There is always a silver lining. Sure, maybe you failed statistics, but you’ll be a pro at it come next semester, and if you have the same professor, you already know how grueling it’ll be beforehand, so you can plan everything next time around accordingly.

• If all else fails, just let it go, and chill. It’s almost summer, which means it will soon be 120 degrees outside and then you’ll have lost the opportunity, unless “home” is far away and in that case, you’re almost there.

You got your taxes filed, which is at least one important thing over and done with, which means it is possible to find time for tasks that aren’t fun. Including that research project.

Reach Alana at alana.arbuthnot@asu.edu.