It’s October. The first semester is only half way over, but you are absolutely done. You’re stressed, you’re tired, you’re homesick maybe even physically sick, you’re just so done. The tension around campus is palpable, everyone’s nerves are fried. There are no more free passes when it comes to pissing people off.
I’ve felt this vibe from many people these past few weeks so here’s how to give yourself a much needed mid-term moral boost as told by your favorite TV characters.
1. Give yourself a pep talk
Even when you’re struggling mentally and you feel that there’s nothing that can be done to improve your mood, science has shown that telling yourself positive things will improve your mood. In my experience, telling myself “I can do this” is very effective. If you are just so drained that there is no way you can give yourself a pep talk, look one up online.
2. Smile
Smiling seems insignificant when it comes to midterm stress but studies have shown that just the simple act of smiling can boost your mood. Smiling is also contagious so you can brighten someone else’s day as well as your own day.
3. Loosen up
Not everyone can adult all the time. Take some time to relax and loosen up, do something that you did when you were little. The popularity of adult coloring books is on the rise for their ability to relieve stress through creativity.
4. Exercise
In between studying, take a break and get some exercise. It doesn’t have to be super intense workout, a light jog or a couple minutes of jumping jacks is sufficient. Exercise produces endorphins in your brain which act as natural painkillers which relieve stress and help you sleep. 
5. Cry
No, seriously. You know you’ve felt like crying so go ahead, just do it. Having a good cry session both relieves stress by removing toxins from your body. So cry it out or better yet, get your friends together and have a group cry session. You will feel better when it’s over. 
6. Dance it out
Need I explain? Just get up, dance and kiss that stress goodbye.
7. Take a nap
Have you ever heard someone say “I have so much stuff to do but I think that I’m just going to take a nap?” Believe it or not, most times taking a nap is the best thing that you can do for yourself. When you wake up, you’ll be relaxed and rejuvenated and ready to continue studying. I never took naps before college, but they have become a necessity to maintaining physical and mental health. Don’t forget to set an alarm. Sleeping through your midterms is not good for your stress level. 
8. Hug it out
Find the nearest human being embrace them. It may be awkward at first, but then you'll both feel better and possibly even make a new friend. Hugs make the world go round.
9. Breathe
Thanks to the amazingly complex structure that is the human brain, we don't have to think about breathing. However, built up stress can be easily relieved through a simple deep breathing session. Breathe in through your nose and out through you mouth slowly several times.
10. Treat yourself
If you’re like me, you like to limit your sweet treat intake especially late at night but it’s ok to splurge every now and then. Besides, everyone knows that “stressed” spelled backward is “desserts”.
I hope these tips help you not lose your mind during midterms and help you endure the rest of the semester. You got this, believe in yourself. College is hard and mid-terms are stressful, but your mental and physical health are what really matters. Study, relax, repeat.
