Assignment Meltdown (and how to survive it)

We've all felt the horrible moment - that assignment date that seemed oh so far away is rocketing towards you and there's nothing you can do...  but is there?  Here's some survival tips to make the pain a little easier.

1. Remember to eat - I find that having something to munch on during stressful times really helps.  Larger meals give you more reflection time if you have writer's block and small snacks during the writing process will give you a needed energy boost.  I started with packets of Snaps then realised that I needed something more sustainable so now it's nuts and occasionally mini sausage rolls.
2. Don't drink too many energy drinks - Yes it's nice when you're up but when your buzz crashes you'll feel worse than you started.
3. Plan breaks - I find that having something to motivate me helps me get through an assignment, even if it's just going home and watching Made In Chelsea or lunch at my favourite cafe.  
4. Writing Sprint! - If you're struggling to construct proper sentences, open a new document and just write down everything in your head on the subject, even if it's in bullet points or disjointed sentences.  Then you can go back and pick and choose points that you know you know to make nice sentences.
5. Remember the feeling of a finished assignment. - Handing in my final work last year was amazing, and it felt like the weight that had been on my shoulders for the last 2 months had been lifted.  remember that feeling and let it motivate you into writing.
6. Be social - Being alone with your essay can be tough so why not speak to your peers and get their opinions on the subject?  You're having some well needed social time AND you might see a different view or subject for your own essay that you hadn't thought of. 
7. Sleep - if you don't sleep your performance will plummet.  Simple.  Try and get at least 7 hours a night to make sure your brain doesn't get totally frazzled.  If you can't sleep, try and wind down with low lighting, your favourite movie and a ban on all computer screens.
8. Search Youtube - Sometimes there may be some really interesting videos about the subject your are writing about and it may be enjoyable than reading an irrelevant journal article.
9. Stay organised - keep all of your notes in the same folder and bookmark all of the websites you use to make referencing easier!  
10. Celebrate! - When you have finally finished make sure you have a celebration, even if it's a huge bar of Dairy Milk Caramel - you deserved it!