Last week I posted an article about the mid-semester slump, and if you are one the many students experiencing the slump, then you are probably stressing out. Stressing over school work is a normal and healthy response to college. At this time in the semester, it seems like everyone is busy and freaking out over exams, essays, labs and assignments. While doing well in your classes is apriority while going to college, it is important to not forget about self-care. When all your focus is on finishing your six different essays all due the same day, it is easy to forget about the importance of self-care and treasuring yourself. So here are eight steps to practicing better self-care.

1. Morning or Night Pages

Free writing your thoughts, dreams, stressors, aspirations or anything you want can be very relaxing. I like keeping a composition notebook next to my bed and just free write for fifteen minutes in the morning or night. Letting your thoughts out on paper can help you decompress and help your mental health.

2. Get more sleep.

When you're up until 2 a.m. studying in the library, sleep is not a top priority. If you're up all night during the week, and getting up early for classes, then on the weekend take a night to yourself and go to bed early.

3. Meditate during the week.

When someone first suggested I try meditating I honestly thought they were crazy. However, I learned about nifty, and free, meditation apps. Before I go to bed, I play one of my meditation apps, and take an extra ten minutes to reflect on my life and clear my head. There are plenty of apps for different kinds of people, such as guided meditation, Tibetan singing bowls, visualization meditation and much more!

4. Listen to music.

If meditating is not your forte, or if you want more than meditation, put on a favorite album and just sit and listen for ten or fifteen minutes. Allow your headphones to block out any distractions and just consume the music. My personal recommendation is Zayn's new album, "Mind of Mine." Subtle R&B mixed with pop makes "Mind of Mine" the perfect chill out music.

5. Eat happily.

Many times when people are stressed they either over eat or under eat. Overeating often results in consuming a lot of empty carbs, like chips or candy. Undereating means you will not receive proper nutrients your body and brain need to function optimally. Allow yourself to take 40 minutes to sit down for a proper meal you will actually enjoy. Eat healthfully, but give yourself dessert. Eating healthfully and happily also includes hydrating, so keep a water bottle or Nalgene on you at all times.

6. Exercise your body and mind.

When you're stressed out over all your work, take 30 minutes to run or jog outside and clear your head. If you're stuck in the library, and you don't want to, or can't take the time, to leave, then take 10 to 30 minutes to walk around and find new places in the library.

7. Recite positive affirmations.

If you're feeding your body healthy food then you should also feed your mind healthy thoughts. Keep a list of positive affirmations, so you can remind yourself how great you are! I recommend putting a list on or near your mirror, so you can look at them every morning while getting ready. Positive affirmations will help you be confident and power through your work.

8. Ask for help.

Reach out to your friends for support and help. Is one of your teammates really good at math? Ask them to sit with you for 15 minutes to help you understand advanced algebra. Can one of your friends edit a paper exceedingly well? Ask her to look over your work. Even if you don't ask for a specific favor from your friends, you can still find support from just spending time together. Study group sessions are a great way to spend time together, but still get work done.

Keep going! I believe in you no matter how much work or stress you're going through.