With midterms happening and many of them around the corner, here are some relaxation tips to remind yourself of!

1. Sleep

Staying up until 4 a.m. may be tempting, but when you have an 8 a.m. class, it is not the wisest idea to stay up that late. Short-changing yourself on sleep is the opposite of relaxation. It can instead increase your stress level. Instead, go to sleep at a set time everynight try to fit in at least six hours every night. Well rested=less stress.

2. Eat well

A steady diet of pizza and junk food may seem appealing since it is the least expensive and most often on hand, but it can decrease energy levels in your body, leading to a lower threshold for stress. Instead, try a well-balanced diet of fruits and grains. In the long run, the healthier diet will keep you more energized and less suseptible to stress.

3. Exercise

Moving may be the last thing you feel like doing when you are stressed, but as little as 30 minutes of physical activity a day can reduce stress levels. As for what kind of excersise? Try something you enjoy or may enjoy doing.

4. Get emotional support

Adjusting to college can be difficult, and venting your frustrations to a trusted friend can go a long way in fighting stress. Choose a family member or friend or anyone you trust to confide in.

5. Try not to overload yourself

Between classes, extracurriculars and maybe even a job, it is easy for people to take on more then they can handle. Do not be afraid to drop a class if you have taken too many and remember you can always say no.

6. Don't give up on your passions

You may have a beyond busy schedule with work and and all of the above. Try to find sometime each week to go and do what you love. An activity you enjoy doing will relieve stress and take your mind off of stressful ideas and things.