At this point in the school year, everyone is starting to feel worn out. After the crazy week that was midterms, the next handful of weeks leading up to spring break are going to feel like an eternity. As SATs and research papers and AP tests and yes, even finals, approach faster than we realize, students will understandably begin to worry over it all.

Stress is a natural response to different events that happen in our lives. It heightens your ability to work under pressure, if it is working correctly. The response known as “fight or flight” is actually stress receptors reacting to a challenge, and then going back to normal. The problem arises when the stress receptors do not return to normal, and the stress levels stay elevated. This causes you to feel worn-out and can actually do harm to your immune system. This negative stress can arise from dreading that poem analysis essay or worrying about getting a good score on your SATs.

There are countless ways to reduce stress, but some are more fun than others. We have created a list of just a few ways to use creative outlets to de-stress as you make your way through the rest of this school year:

Drawing

You don’t have to be in AP Art to draw. Even doodling or sketching whatever pops into your head can be relaxing.

Dancing

Blast your favorite song and dance like no one is watching. Not only will you burn some calories, but you will burn away your stress.

Baking or Cooking

Burn your stress away as you try to (not) burn some cookies! Focusing on perfecting a recipe is a perfect way to take your mind off of whatever is stressing you out.

Sewing

Although this one may take some practice, the carefulness needed to sew will require all of your attention. You will be concentrating so much on your fabric that you won’t remember that math test tomorrow.

Reading a Book

What better way to forget about your problems than to read about someone else’s?! Getting enthralled in a book will leave you thinking about the main character and story instead of your stress.

Exercising

Work up a sweat and work out your stress! Studies have shown that cardiovascular activity can reduce stress levels by reducing fatigue and boosting endorphins, otherwise known as “the happy hormone.”

Taking a Walk

What better way to relax than taking a stroll in fresh air? Sitting around only makes you dwell on your stress more, so go outside and take a walk. Take your dog or a friend with you, or just go by yourself. The fresh air will force you to clear your mind.

Writing

Put your feelings on paper! Even if you rip it up, getting everything you are worrying about written down and out of your head can be very therapeutic.

Painting

You don’t have to be the next Picasso to express your feelings through paint. Whether it is a landscape, portrait, or abstract, you can reduce your stress by getting it out on canvas.

These are just a handful of ways to de-stress using your creative side. Stress happens to everyone, but it’s how you deal with it that is most important.