Yes, the dreadful point of the semester has come: exams are peeking out of the pages of your dusty syllabi and your professors have decided to present you with millions of projects. Midterms. While this is one of the most stressful times of the semester, it’s important to remember that you need to unwind and do something for yourself to de-stress after a long day of cramming, essay writing, and exams.

1. Do something you actually enjoy!

You may be thinking “I barely have time to sleep for two hours, how am I supposed to enjoy anything right now?” Well, even though that may be true, sometimes doing something like watching an episode of "Friends," or working on a scarf you’ve been knitting, is just a way to have your mind go blank for a while. Doing this will make things seem a lot less hectic in the long run.

2. Set aside time to cook for yourself.

Again, I know, there aren’t enough hours in the day! But cooking for yourself not only helps with your hunger, it allows you to focus on something that isn’t school related and provides a way to be productive and unwind. Try cooking with a friend or a significant other, it allows you to take time to just goof off and bond a little, amidst all of the crazy assignments and tests!

3. Take. A. Nap.

Sometimes you just really need one. Even though you may be cramming for an exam that’s at 8 a.m., it may just help to conk out for 30 minutes and re-energize.

4. Call somebody.

Seriously, anybody. Sometimes just talking about your day, and taking the time to talk about someone else’s, can help you put things in perspective. Especially if the person you call is also dealing with midterms. Sometimes commiserating can be of serious benefit and may make you feel a lot better about your current situation!

5. Exercise!

Doing this will make you feel better physically and mentally. By just going for a run or going to the gym, getting out and moving will clear your mind and increase endorphins, thus brightening your mood and making midterms seem more manageable!

6. Reward yourself.

Setting study goals and rewarding yourself will definitely help you relax, merely for the fact that you know you’re being productive. Even if it’s just a piece of dark chocolate after finishing all of the chapters you had to read, do something simple to help yourself relax during all the stress.

7. Spend time with your pets.

Getting to spend time around your pets, or even other peoples’ pets, can be extremely beneficial when stressing out. Being around such positive energy and unconditional love can not only brighten your perspective in terms of your workload, but it can actually physically help you! So hurry up, and cuddle with your furry friends!

8. Bubble baths. All of the bubble baths.

Take a deep breath, draw a hot bath, and throw in some lavender mint bath salts to calm yourself down. Maybe even throw in some rose petals, if you need to feel fancy.

9. Brew yourself some coffee, and light some candles.

Maybe you’re stuck at home and HAVE to get work done. Take a second to light some soothing candles, and make yourself a hot beverage. Just cozying up can help relax you when you're feeling overwhelmed, so throw on your fuzzy socks, a blanket, and a hoodie, and just try to stay calm through it all!