School is just chugging along, am I right? I just finished a ten page paper for one class and I’m feeling drained. It was a research paper and has been all I can think about for the past two weeks. It was intense. A lot of research and hours spent in the basement of Strozier. FUN. So now that I’ve finished my paper and have studied for an upcoming test and have completed all other work to be turned in come Monday, I should relax, right? Wrong because there’s still more to do. Do you ever find yourself spinning in circled wondering how your laundry has managed to pile up and overflow and take over your room? That’s how I’ve been feeling about homework lately.

How do you relax? I had a roommate who would clean when stressed. Another friend turns to yoga to relax. I don’t think I remember how to remain calm for long periods of time. Kidding. Kind of.

So here’s what I propose: next time we’re all stressed and out eyes are falling out of our head from studying too long, why don’t we all gather on Landis and yell as loud as we can. Maybe after our voices echo up to the clouds, we’ll feel a moment of peace? Who wants to try? Here are five ways to de-stress: coming to you live from a self-imposed homework cave.

1) Watch a funny show

The Mindy Project. Workaholics. New Girl. The Office. All viable options here. When I feel my head start to ache from absorbing information my go-to distraction is a show I can laugh at.

2)Light some candles

Truth: I was never into candles. I watched too many of those fire safety videos and was convinced everything would end in soot and smoke. A friend recently went on a Target spree and came back with a bevy of candles she offered up and now I have six different candles that smell like some variation of fall leaves or autumn breeze or tropical living, etc. I’ve come to understand the relaxing power of a good candle and while I still advocate for safety precautions in regards to fire hazards, it’s okay to let the calming glass cases of joy work their magic.

3)Dream online shop

Don’t actually buy anything because you’ll feel buyers remorse. It’s always fun to add a bunch of silly items into your virtual shopping cart and think what if? A good way to spend some daydreaming time, happily drifting away from the constant barrage of work-related tasks you need to get to.

4) Read anything

I recently wrote an article on the healing power of books. Well, I wrote about some new books I got and why they rock. You should check it out and pick one to read because a good book makes your mind feel gushy and content and free from the stresses of life.

5) Talk to a friend

Practice your maid of honor speeches with your roommate if you feel like it. Call your grandma. Walk over to your sisters place and have her make you mac n cheese. It doesn’t matter what you do or what you say just focus on thinking about anything other than homework for the time being.

You’re doing the best you can and you always end up getting everything done. Skip the stress when you find the opportunity. You’ll be happy you took some time for yourself. Writing research papers and cramming for tests are important but they tend to create a negative environment that can lead to feeling overwhelmed. Don’t let that be the case next time.