Exams are coming and we are not prepared. All we want to keep saying is “I’m screwed” until our problems disappear forever.

But repeating negative thoughts to yourself can’t be healthy, and it certainly can’t make you any less screwed. So we propose that instead of saying “I’m screwed”, you should do these things instead.

#1 Take A Deep Breath

Breathe really, really deeply for like two minutes. (In and out, of course. Don’t, like, hold your breath.) Do you feel a lot less heavy-headed now? A lot more capable of handling things? Good.

#2 Say “I’m Actually OK”

Because, tbh, you probably are. Yeah, you might fail an exam but you have food to eat, water to drink, friends to hang out with and (presumably) a few bucks in your bank account. You’ve got a hell of a lot going for you. Life isn’t supposed to be 100 emoji all the time. If that fails, follow step number three.

#3 Have A Drink

Drinking alcohol is pretty much like telling the world “I’m screwed” but it’s way more fun. Bring along some friends and share stories! Make memories! Laugh! Cry! Regret the alcohol the next morning!

#4 Actually Open A Textbook

If you open a textbook – even if it’s only to learn one tiny fact – you’re a tiny bit less screwed than you were before. Baby steps!

#5 Talk To A Friend

And we don’t mean tell a friend you’re screwed instead of saying it to yourself. We mean talk to them about what’s happening in a (at least somewhat) level headed manner. They’ll probably offer lots of really useful advice and help you laugh through it. What are friends good for if not laughing at your failures with you?

#6 Start Plotting Your Next Move

OK, so you’ve got yourself into a situation that is absolutely irredeemable. You haven’t studied at all and the exam is, uh, in two hours. Cool!

Yes, you’re screwed. But again, you’re not going to achieve anything from saying it. Start figuring out how you can get yourself out of it. Will the subject be offered in summer school? If not, can you take a subject in summer school to make up for the fact you have to take it again? Is the reason you didn’t study because you low key hated the subject? Better yet, you hate your degree and want to try something else?

There’s always a solution or learning to come out of stuff like this. Come up with a plan now so you won’t feel so hopeless later on.

#7 Listen To A Very Happy Song

#8 Write A To-Do List

If you feel screwed, it’s probably because you’re totally overwhelmed. Write everything down that needs to be done and start ticking them off one by one.

We hope this helps. Whenever you’re in doubt: do step three again.

(Lead image: Friends/NBC)