It’s that time of year again -- the downhill spiral that occurs after midterms. The end of the semester is in sight, which is exciting, but it’s also that time when every professor wants everything. It’s also that time of the semester when every single ounce of motivation seems to fly out the window, leaving you procrastinating, stressed, and Googling unconventional ways you could make a living after you drop out of school.

While there is no true cure to the stress, anxiety, and lack of motivation which often occurs during the second half of the semester (you know, except for actually doing your work and keeping yourself from stressing), there are some ways to (hopefully) alleviate that stress.

Make a checklist.

This one may seem counter-productive (because why would you want to look at everything you have to do?) but it is actually incredibly therapeutic and helpful, first because you have an organized visual of everything you have to do, and second because checking things off is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world.

Take a break.

Self-explanatory, I know. This might not seem like the answer to procrastination, but it could be. When you procrastinate, the assignment and stress is still hanging over your head. Try giving yourself a break and allowing yourself to not think about the impending doom you’re facing.

Try guided meditation.

If you’re weirded out by this one, don’t be. Guided meditation is a bit different from the more spiritual and religious meditation that you may be thinking of. There are classes that offer guided meditation, but it’s just as easy to do at home on your own. There are soundtracks online for guided meditation with soothing background noises and a recording of a guided meditation instructor, but you can also simply use your own music. You just lay on your back (preferably with your feet and legs elevated), close your eyes, and focus on the guided meditation (or music). If you can get past the initial awkwardness of the situation, guided meditation can be endlessly helpful in relieving anxiety.

Create something.

Bake cupcakes, cook a meal, make a collage. Choose a small project that you can tackle within an hour or so and do it. Not only will it be relaxing to do something you enjoy, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment by completing a task. You could also do laundry or clean your room, but honestly… cupcakes are more fun in the end.

Exercise.

Exercising is a well-known fighter against stress. There are chemical reasons behind the way that exercise can alleviate stress, but on a more basic level, it just takes your mind off of things for a little bit. Go for a walk, do a rotation at the gym, or go to a fun fitness class. Not only will you feel accomplished at the end of it, but it also means you can eat more of the cupcakes you made earlier.

Breathe.

Just breathe. It will all be okay. This is the one I have the hardest time with, but I am slowly learning to breathe. Everything will get finished. Don’t let yourself get too worked up over a paper or exam or assignment because in the entire scheme of life, it isn’t the biggest thing you will ever tackle. And chances are you will finish it and you will excel.