Stress is a normal part of college for most people. We all have a billion things going on, and not nearly enough time to complete them. Between juggling a busy social life, studying for classes (hopefully), and trying to work to earn money to pay for your social life and college, things get hectic. There are whole advertising campaigns based around helping college students and other adults relax. You don’t have to go to the beach to slow down a little, though. With midterms coming up, here are some tips on how to kick back and de-stress so you can actually focus on studying, instead of panicking.

Everybody knows this one, but my go to stress relief is just making a cup of tea and settling in with a good book and my cat. It’s nice to lose yourself for a few hours in whatever you choose to read. Battling dragons, corporate espionage, crime solving, or sappy romances all sound more appealing than slogging through another page of math problems. Sometimes I’ll even read scientific or philosophy and psychology books, because learning doesn’t always have to be frustrating and hard. Equating reading with stress and boredom is one of the worst things school has ever taught students, because it’s almost better than mindlessly watching Netflix.

Speaking of streaming your favorite shows, that’s also another option. Find a snack somewhere and settle in with the new season you haven’t seen yet, or the one you’ve watched a hundred times. Alternatively, if tv isn’t your thing (I know it’s not mine), you can finish that video game you’ve been working on all semester. Some people could definitely argue that games are pretty stressful, but I’ve never been more satisfied than when I finally clear everything and can stop feeling that impulse in the back of my mind to complete the game.

Another thing I’ve always found helpful is to create some kind of art. Painting, sculpting, carving, playing music, even writing; these are all great choices to let off some steam. You don’t need to crank up rock music and sling paint everywhere, anymore than you need to sit quietly and with focused intent on what you’re doing. Just doodle or sketch or write a couple lines down somewhere. Creativity doesn’t need to be set in a time and place. Just do whatever artsy thing you like and have some fun with it. Just try to refrain from blasting the Imperial March on your tuba at 3 am. That could create some angry roommates and neighbors.

Probably the best, and most universal, way to relax is to just hang out with friends. You can even do it while studying for your crushing exams. Make homework anxiety a fun party trick. Even the most introverted people, myself included, can find some comfort and an uplifting atmosphere with a couple pals hanging around. Sometimes just doing nothing with your favorite people is the best way to shake off all your worry and reset your brain.

Everybody needs a break, and everyone has a different way to de-stress. I’ve made some suggestions, but you know what works for you. Feel free to try some out, or let me know if you’ve got an idea that you think is absolutely foolproof. Just like every other college student, I’m willing to try anything to get my mind off the smothering weight of hours of homework and exams, and really, just college in general.