If you ask any recent or pending college graduate, he or she will tell you that college is or has been one of the most stressful periods in their life. From ten page research papers to final exams, college is wrought with demands that can make the most level-headed person lose it. If you’re looking for ways to relax, we’ve got a few tips for you; here are five great things that you can do.

Have Fun

It’s very easy to get so caught up in your school work that you forget to have fun. While you may not be able to put off writing your thesis, you can make it a bit more enjoyable. Instead of working by yourself, gather a group of classmates and head to someone’s dorm room or apartment. Set an egg timer for 30 minutes and, when the bell goes off, get up, jump around, hug it out or just spend five minutes goofing off. Repeat the cycle for a couple of hours and then order pizza.

Start a New Hobby

There’s undoubtedly something that you’ve always wanted to learn how to do. Whether it’s playing the guitar or knitting a scarf, find someone that can teach you a new skill. The act of learning something that you actually want to learn will take some of the stress out of your day. Once you’ve learned your new hobby, you’ll have something to turn to when you need 15 or 20 minutes to think about something other than philosophy.

Be Quiet

Part of being stressed out is the inability to turn your brain off. You can get so caught up in school work that you think of nothing else. Make a promise to yourself to spend at least 30 minutes each day thinking about absolutely nothing. This is a skill that takes practice; you may need to start with a minute and build up from there. Once you learn how to quiet your mind, you’ll be able to relax completely and, as a bonus, you’ll be better able to complete your work.

Sleep Right

Of course you know how to sleep; you do it every night. But are you sleeping correctly? Your brain and body will benefit from a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed at the same time every night, and set your alarm for the same time each morning. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. You may have to adjust your schedule slightly to get your sleep schedule regulated but it will be well worth it.

Go for a Run

You don’t necessarily have to sprint for miles, but you do need to lace up your shoes and get some exercise. 20 to 30 minutes of heart-pumping exercise each day will do wonders for your stress level. Whether you walk, job, bike or swim, do whatever it takes to get moving. Even playing a few innings of baseball on your Wii will help.

No matter what you do, don’t get stressed out about being stressed out. It’s completely normal to be anxious about your assignments and stressed out about deadlines. How you deal with your stress will make the difference in whether you deal with it or suffer with it for the next two to four years of your life.

Ivan Nichols writes articles for education blogs. Interested in health care and health management? Several schools offer degrees in health administration, including University of Cincinnati or the University of Washington.