At such a crucial time of the semester, it is important to take care of your mental health as midterms approach. Here are some tips to help keep you happy and relaxed even as stress levels rise.

1. Take a break. Marathon studying is never a good idea. It wears down your concentration and alertness more easily than if you were to take a break every hour or so. Get up from your study space, take a small walk and think about something totally unrelated to what you are studying.

2. Befriend animals. Spending a few minutes with an animal can help you relax and relieve anxiety. Head down to a local animal shelter like Austin Pets Alive and spend some time there. You will leave feeling calmer and more ready to tackle your obligations.

3. Take a bath. If you feel like you have really hit a giant brick wall while studying, step away from it all and hop in the shower. Use products with lavender to help calm you down. You will return to your work more focused and hopefully with some new inspiration. It will help relieve pressure you might be feeling and get you ready to deal with tomorrow’s stress.

4. Embrace yoga. If you are anticipating a busy day, do some light stretching and yoga before going to sleep. It will help relieve pressure you might be feeling.

5. Snack well. Although eating candy and chips while studying sounds delicious, the sodium and sugar will leave you bloated and crashing. Instead, opt for healthy and tasty snacks that will give you energy and nutrients at the same time, such as a banana with almond butter.

6. Try not to complain. Though it may be easy to post a Facebook status about how you are only on page one of your 15-page paper, it will not make it easier to keep focused on writing. Step away from social media and find productive distractions—like holding a stress ball or listening to classical music—that will add to your productivity instead of taking away from it.