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

With college finally in full swing with deadlines, quizzes, and exams, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Utilize these five quick ways to de-stress.

1. Do Breathing Exercises

Although it might sound silly, simply doing breathing exercises can relax you in less than five minutes. It requires no movement or deep thinking, just deep breaths and a few minutes of your time. For more guidance, breathe along to the GIF below.

2. Stretch

Stretching not only loosens the muscles but it also releases any built up tension due to the change in blood flow. In addition, stretching can potentially lead to a boost in energy, leaving you ready to tackle any tasks you may have.

3. Doodle

You don’t have to be an artist to doodle. Simply drawing shapes or just letting the pen move on the paper in any which way allows you to take your mind off of strenuous tasks while being creative in the process.

4. Water Plants

Watering plants can be a fun way to reduce stress because it allows you to focus on a simple task at hand. Fun idea: play music as you water plants because it not only makes the task more enjoyable but plants tend to grow more when music is played.

5. Whip Up A Quick Snack

Eating can give you an extra boost in energy and can take your mind off of all the demands of college. Nothing is better than a full stomach!

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