As we all know, classes are now in full swing and the stress is starting to build. Assignments, tests, and other commitments can be a lot to handle and can be overwhelming at times. In the midst of the craziness, it is important to remember how to relax and keep yourself from going crazy; here are some ideas to do so!

---

1. Get Up and Move Around

Sitting in the library or at a desk for extended periods of time can get old fast, and your body gets tired of being sedentary all the time. To clear your brain, relieve stress, and get your mind to be the most productive, try to get some physical activity in. You can go to the gym, take a group fitness class, or even just take a walk outside.

2. Meditate

Meditation is also a really great way to relax during a stressful day. Just taking 10 or 15 minuets to just sit and be can redirect your focus and put you back in the right place. It can be hard to let go since your mind naturally is always wandering, but the key is to just let the thoughts come and then dismiss them.

3. Find Time to Do Something You Enjoy

It can be hard to justify doing things that you like to do when you have three tests to study for, but if you can, just for a little while, that can really ease your mind in high stress times. Whether it is grabbing coffee with a friend, going for a run, or watching an episode of your favorite TV show, giving yourself little breaks do wonders.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep often seems impossible when you have a lot on your plate, but getting no sleep makes being productive extremely difficult. You will feel so much better and get a lot more work done if you give your body enough time to rest at night. If you do have a late night of studying, don’t hesitate to take a nap the next day after your test!

5. Reward Yourself

College is hard and you work hard to do well. Like I have said and you all know, things get stressful and we don’t usually take the time to give ourselves credit for powering through the tough weeks. After you finish all your tasks and the tests are over, take a break. Your body and mind need it and you deserve it. Whatever you want your reward to be, make it a reality. If you want to go get ice cream, do it.