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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at PSU chapter.

We are officially at the halfway point of the semester. Between midterms, projects, and papers, most students are feeling the pressure. It can be hard to find ways to relax during this stressful time, and many students end up working themselves to the brink of exhaustion because they don’t feel like they have the time to relax.

Students don’t realize that if they don’t take the time to relax, they will end up burning themselves out, which can lead to them doing worse on their assignments. As someone who has experienced burnout due to not relaxing, I have become a strong advocate of building time into your day specifically to relax. Here are some ways that I unwind after a long day.

Walking on a treadmill

As someone who dislikes running, I find walking on a treadmill a lot easier as a way of exercise. I also find myself to be productive because I am working out, which is a good stress reliever. Exercise is proven to release endorphins that make you happier after you exercise. I highly recommend walking on a treadmill or engaging in some other form of exercise as a stress reliever. 

Reading a book

I am not a big reader, but I have recently gotten back into it. Reading is a great way to escape from reality, especially when you enjoy what you are reading. It is a great stress reliever. I have even started reading before bed instead of going on my phone so that I can fall asleep easier. Getting recommendations for good books from your friends is one way to find what to read. Also, look up “book tok” on TikTok because there are always great recommendations there.

Practicing Yoga

This one is kind of cheesy but doing Yoga is really beneficial when it comes to relieving stress. When I do Yoga or stretch after a long day, I feel calmer, allowing me to relax. I use random guided videos on Youtube and follow along because I am not nearly good enough at Yoga yet to have developed a routine. Even if you aren’t flexible (which I’m definitely not), Yoga is still super relaxing, and it’s something that everyone should try. 

Watching TikToks

Okay, so this is not the healthiest option, but it’s something that I do when I am stressed. Scrolling on my For You Page and laughing at the various TikTok’s that appear make my night highly enjoyable, and it relieves some of my stress. However, with this relaxation method, I have to set a timer for 30 minutes to keep myself from being on there too long. If you are someone with self-control, I admire you and your will for getting off of TikTok at an appropriate time. 

There you have it. These are the ways that I try to relax after a long day. While school should be a priority, mental health is so important, and it’s okay to take a break from school work for the sake of well-being. 

I hope these suggestions are helpful and happy relaxing, collegiettes!  

Reese Bernstein is a senior at Penn State majoring in Psychology with a focus in business. She is from "right outside" of DC in Northern Virginia. Along with writing for Her Campus, Reese is a member of a sorority and occasionally goes to the gym when feeling motivated.