There are many reasons why I love going to a small school and being on the trimester system. But there are also times, particularly weeks five through 10 of the 10 week term, where it can become a bit too much. There's not much we as students can do to lessen the work load, but there are things we can do to make the term a bit less stressful and a bit more enjoyable. Here are a few tried and true ways I stay sane during the term.

1. Try Something New Every Week

Yeah, I know the last thing you need is another "something" to add to your already busy schedule during the week. But, just take a second and consider it. Try that new restaurant downtown, go to Zumba class just for kicks and gigs, or ask someone new to hangout. Don't get stuck in your routine this term. College is the time to explore and try new things. So do it.

2. Schedule Relaxation Time

You're busy, I'm busy, professors are busy, everyone's busy! Do yourself and everyone else a favor to schedule time every day, yes every single day, to just relax.Take a power nap (20 minutes), stretch, video chat a friend, sit outside, read a book. Find what relaxes you and do it. FYI, scrolling through Facebook does not count as relaxation.

3. Study Outside

The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer. It's a bummer to be in school during this beautiful time of year. Find ways to make the best of the situation by being outside!

4. Go On Adventures At Midnight With Friends

Take advantage of this time where you and your friends are living within a two minute walk of each other. When you're forty you most likely won't be able to call your best friends up at midnight and say, "Hey wanna go get some ice cream?" You can now though, so do it.

5. Sit next To Someone You Don't Know In Every Class

This idea probably makes some people cringe, but hear me out. The best things often come from going outside of your comfort zone. Make a new friend. You have nothing to lose.

6. Actually Go To Class

Speaking of class, actually go to it. You are paying thousands of dollars per class. Just go. Take advantage of your education. You're lucky to have it.

7. Move

Get up, get out, and walk around. Sitting for hours on end is terrible for your brain and your health. Find time each day to move. You don't have to break a sweat for it to "count."

8. Break Up Large Projects Into Mini Projects

The biggest reason people procrastinate is because they are afraid they'll fail at the large task ahead of them. Don't be that guy. Be smart and break up that 15 page paper into smaller chunks over a longer time frame.

9. Sleep

7-9 Hours a night. Just do it. No ifs, ands, or buts.

10. Slow Down

Don't live your life on hyper speed and auto-pilot. Be intentional about every single day and every single thing you do. It'd be a shame to accomplish everything you've ever wanted, but not actually experience it because you were too busy rushing around.