Stress is an inevitable part of life. And with midterms coming up, life as a college student gets a lot more stressful. For me, having both a full class schedule and up to six hours of rehearsals five days a week, stress is certainly a huge part of my life. The key is to not let stress run your life, which is easier said than done. Here are some ways I try to de-stress.

1. Listen To Music

When I'm feeling overwhelmed with everything, sometimes I just have to take a couple of minutes to put in my earbuds and hit shuffle on my favorite playlist!

2. Take A Walk

If there's too much going on, I find that removing myself from my room and desk for a half hour is extremely helpful. It's always good to get fresh air and sometimes you just need a bit to eat.

3. Food

Sometimes you just need to eat. I typically find when I'm super busy, eating is the last thing i'm thinking of, but it is extremely important! I always know it's time to eat when I find myself stuck or being completely unproductive.

4. Stay Organized!

I find that when my mind is a mess, it shows in my workspace. So when the point comes where my desk is barely functional as a desk, I know it's time to organize. After I spend the time to organize my workspace, I typically feel a lot better about getting my work done.

5. Watch An Episode Of A Show

The key to this is having self control. I often find myself prone to binge watching TV shows on Netflix, but if I'm stressed about a project or studying, sometimes watching one episode of a show can really help. Think of it as a reward system!

I know that there are many other ways to relieve stress such as exercising and doing yoga, but these are just a few of the ways that work for me. Remember that you're not alone and you can do this!

Good luck with Midterms!