The month of October is ticking away, and that means midterms are creeping around the corner at Saint Louis University.

Many students will experience a great deal of stress as they study (or put off studying) for these academic halfway markers. Before they hole up in some secluded corner, plug their skulls with iPod headphones and start devouring those textbooks, however, it’s important to plan to relieve that stress in a constructive way.

Sure, there are destructive ways to blow off stress-24-hour binge drinking, peeing on the Billiken statue and illegal golf-cart joy rides come to mind. But, as many middle school study skills classes advise, you’ll study best if you study in small chunks of time, with frequent breaks.

So take a few 10-minute breaks from all-night cramming and try some of these suggestions. You’re guaranteed to relax and have a little fun as you prep for impending doom.

1. Walking – Complex movement is one of the best ways to beat stress. Make a couple of rounds about campus in well-lit areas, or circle the track at Robert R. Hermann stadium. If nothing else, you’ll burn off all of the carbohydrates you’ve eaten to calm your nervous stomach.

2. Laughing– All the rage in India, “Laughter Yoga” clubs are a lively alternative to the treadmill and to studying. Here’s the drill: Grab a few friends and head outdoors. Stand in a group. One by one, laugh in one loud burst. Make faces. Before you get through the group, everyone will be rolling around in glee, and studying won’t seem half as taxing.

3. Silence – Sometimes all you need in the middle of a hectic week is a little silence. Park it in a pew at St. Francis Xavier College Church for a few moments during the day and watch the light glitter through its stunning, stained-glass windows.

4. The Boob Tube – Nothing like “Saved by the Bell” reruns for mental satisfaction. Turn it on and veg out for an episode or three.

5. Coffee – The Bean, Coffee Cartel, Café Ventana, The Grind . so many glorious coffee shops to sate your need for a pick-me-up, so little time to frequent them.

6. Apples – Seriously. Some say this doctor-repellant is just as effective as caffeine in keeping you awake during long, cold nights of learning. It certainly is healthier than your iced venti non-fat double-shot caramel macchiato with whip.

7. Exercise – Get to the Simon Recreation Center and work up a sweat. Endorphins will carry you through the week.