In the midst of second semester, it's easy to get overwhelmed and stressed. These are just a few things that you can do when you need a break from your studies.

1. Workout

While this may not be everyone's go-to activity for stress relief, but it's actually a great way to boost the endorphins in your body. It's also healthy, so you won't get extra stressed about being unproductive when you're trying to relax.

2. Order a pizza

So this is the total opposite of the previous point, but I am a big fan of it regardless. Some nights when I'm just too stressed and overwhelmed from the week I just want to order a gluten-free spinach pizza from Domino's and eat it while I watch YouTube videos... which brings me to point #3.

3. Watch YouTube videos

YouTube is one of my absolute favorite ways to relax. I'm actually not a big fan of Netflix or Hulu because when I'm stressed, the last thing I want to do is worry about some TV character's problems on top of mine. YouTube is great because you can watch travel videos, daily vlogs, and different tutorials that won't stress you out. My favorite YouTubers are KathleenLights and Zoella.

4. Use a bullet journal

Bullet journals are perfect because they involve two things that provide stress relief: list making and doodling. It's the perfect combination. You can get organized while also getting to color. There's a reason adult coloring books are popular. Bullet journals are even better though because you get to design it yourself.

5. Get something small off of your to-do list

Getting something super simple knocked off your to-do list will instantly take a weight off your shoulders that didn't even need to be there, to begin with.

6. Have a movie night in with a friend or two

For a lot of college students, drinking and partying is a natural reaction to stress. However, I've noticed that while it may temporarily remove stress at the moment, it will usually only make me more stressed later on when I'm exhausted from a night out and still behind on my to-do list. Staying in and watching a movie with friends is a better way for me to relax and be social at the same time because it won't leave me sleep deprived and over stimulated.

7. Paint your nails

My mom always tells me that if your nails are painted you'll do better on tests. Plus, the actual process of painting your nails is pretty therapeutic.

8. Do your makeup

Much like painting your nails, doing your makeup is simply relaxing. I love doing my makeup in the morning because it's my me time. Sometimes, if I'm stressed out in the middle of the day I'll take my makeup off and redo it just for fun so I can take my mind off of things. That's probably a waste of money though.

9. Read a book just for fun

Maybe it's just because I'm an English major, but I love to read. I especially love audiobooks because I can close my eyes and lay in bed and read at the same time... this is definitely one of my go-to stress relief methods.

10. Take a bath

Unfortunately, my bathtub has got to be at least 500 years old because it's way too disgusting to actually fathom sitting down in, but if you have a nice bathtub like the one pictured above, this is a great way to relax. Whenever I go home to my family's house I like to take advantage of our nice bath when I get stressed (or too cold), but unfortunately, the ancient house I live in does not have the best bathtub, so I could never actually relax in it.

11. Go to bed early

Who doesn't love an early bedtime? If you can swing it, you should turn the lights out as early as possible because you'll feel so much more relaxed after a good night's sleep!

There are plenty of other ways to relax, but these are just a few ways I unwind when I'm feeling overwhelmed and stressed.