For many, this past week marked the official beginning of the winter semester stress. After the first few relatively easy weeks, Grand Valley State University students have just started to take their first big exams, write their papers and work on group projects. While a little bit of stress can be a good thing—it’s an excellent motivator, for example—too much can be seriously detrimental to one’s health. With that in mind, here are a few of the ways that I like to battle school-related stress:

In my experience, the best way to relieve stress is to exercise. Any type of workout should do the trick. I personally like to box when I have a lot on my mind. Nothing relieves stress like listening to some “Eye of the Tiger” and throwing hard punches at a heavy bag. Yoga is also great if you prefer a more calming approach, while bike riding and jogging are excellent if you want to get outside, which, incidentally, is also inherently stress-relieving. Last week, for example, I decided to take advantage of the slightly warmer weather by playing disc golf. Despite the mud and the still somewhat cold temperatures, I felt significantly less stressed out after having been outside.

Watching a show that you enjoy is also a good way to wind down at the end of a long, stressful day. Personally, when I need to take my mind off of school and homework for a while, I like to watch half-hour comedy shows like “New Girl,” “Parks and Recreation” and “The Office.” While I don’t recommend overdoing it with Netflix binging, I do enjoy having the service for when I need to decompress.

Believe it or not, coloring is another great way to relieve stress. With coloring, you can simultaneously indulge your inner child and artist while temporarily clearing your mind of your to-do list. I particularly like coloring because, while I have virtually no artistic ability, even I can manage to stay within the lines. Also, there are now coloring books designed specifically for adults which come with intricate designs and patterns, making the activity perfect for stressed-out college students.

Another way to relieve stress is to stay actively connected with friends. One of my first instincts when I’m feeling stressed out is to curl up under a fuzzy blanket and watch movies, but, while that sometimes works, it can also make me feel more tired. As much as I may not feel like going out and visiting friends, I’ve found that that is one of the best ways to relieve stress. It’s important to spend time with the people you care about and be able to talk out issues with them, bounce around ideas and get advice when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Finally, getting enough sleep is vital for keeping stress at bay. Establishing a nighttime ritual can help you prep for a relaxing, sleep-filled night if your brain is feeling wired and you’re having trouble winding down. This routine could include a sudsy bubble bath, light yoga, meditation, herbal tea, breathing exercises, etc.

As tests, papers and midterms roll around the corner, make sure to find a stress management strategy that works for you.