It's that time of year again, midterms. Whether you just had them or they are next week they can be an awfully stressful time for students. I should not limit a student's stressful period to just midterms because often times I am stressed out and it's nowhere near midterm season. Cumulative tests, multiple tests in the same week, multiple tests on the same day, group presentations and papers and English papers due during test weeks all have me saying, I'm stressing. While I want to pull my hair out and complain that my brain hurts or that there are not enough hours and the day I need to check in with my mental stability, which at that point isn't doing too hot. I'm usually a frazzled mess and don't think straight. So, I have come up with a list of activities to take your mind off of studying and give it a much-needed break, your notes will still be there when you're done having fun.

1. Running

Get those endorphins pumping! Although you might find yourself mentally exhausted, going for a quick jog can perk you up and is an excuse to get away from the study guides and the library.

2. Yoga

Another exercise option! It's a theme - exercise is good for the brain (and your body). Generally, yoga has a more soothing atmosphere than running, but there is the intense pump up yoga classes out there and they are fantastic (I highly recommend it). But, the beauty of yoga is balance. Taking class can help you meditate on yourself and not about calculus. Check in with yourself and your week even if it's going bad, which it probably feels like it is.

3. Games

Play some Wii Sports, Cards Against Humanity, Hungry Hungry Hippos, whatever gets you going. Games are a great way to let your competitive side take over and immerse yourself in the fun. Plus, you get to hang out with some pals since most games require other players (unless you are going at it with Just Dance or solitaire).

4. Sweets

I don't know about you, but when I'm stressing, I need some treats. I often times catch myself dreaming about inhaling seven brownies or a plate of chocolate chip cookies. Let's be honest, sweets make us happy and put us in a better mood. So why not indulge in the sugary delightfulness that are sweet treats?

5. Music

Sometimes listening to music takes the edge off of the severity of what I have to do, or so it feels at least. Writing a paper while listening to music? So much more relaxing. Or maybe just lay on your floor and let the music flow through you. If it leads you to some tears, that's okay too. Mental breakdowns are real.

6. Socialize

Studying alone and often can make you feel left out of what's going on in the real world, and that is not a feeling you necessarily always want to have. Set aside some time to step away from the desk or the computer and mingle with your peeps! Talk about the weather, new places to try out or catch up on the latest gossip. Even if it's just a quick Sonic run, that's better than nothing!

7. Napping

Rest, relax, and rejuvenate your mind. Your brain is working on overtime so you need to make time to sleep. It's a known fact that our brains function better when we are well rested, so give yourself that. Also, there really is nothing better than a nice afternoon nap to reset the mind.

Maybe you have some other ideas that you like to do and that's cool, too. In the end, just make sure you take a few minutes here and there to make sure you've eaten recently; because let's be honest, that's the best part about the day.