By Emelie Chacon |Staff Writer|

Now that the school year has started, some students may start to feel overwhelmed by the amount of homework, readings and quizzes that are added on to classes.

Here are some tips that can help you manage your stress.

Probably one of the most known ways to deal with stress is to practice any kind of physical activities.

Like sports, recreational activities allow your body to release endorphins which help your body feel more relaxed.

According to Livestrong.com, physical activities can also diminish stress symptoms by decreasing the tension in your muscles, relaxing blood vessels, reducing heart rates and blood pressure.

“When I’m stressed out, going for a walk or bicycling helps me feel a lot better,” said student Benoit Daoust.

It is easy to apply these methods by taking one of the many classes that will get your endorphins pumping at the Student Recreation and Fitness Center.

As you may know, massages are also a good way to feel relaxed.

The Body Shoppe, located upstairs in the lobby of the Santos Manual Student Union, offers massages for only $1 per minute and is currently having a promotion until Nov. 1 of $3 off a 15 minute, or longer, for a chair massage.

If exercising or massages are not helping your stress, then maybe what you need is someone to talk to and let all the pressure and overwhelming feeling be something of the past.

The Student Health and Counseling Center on campus offer psychological services that you can benefit by making an appointment at (909) 537-5040 or just by visiting them between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. during week days.

There are many strategies you can take to help manage your stress. If physical activities, massages or talking to someone is not really helping you can try avoiding stressful situations, setting goals, priorities, being positive and sleeping more.

It can be hard to find time to sleep when in college, but it is really important because a lack of sleep may irritate your anxiety problem.

You can also practice some relaxation techniques when you feel too much pressure like meditation and breathing exercises, which can help clear your mind.

Finally, knowing the source of your stress can help you to have a better idea on what strategy will be the best to deal with it.

And remember, everyone copes differently with stress. So if listening to music, playing Scrabble or drinking a good cup of tea is your thing and makes you feel good and relaxed, then continue doing it. It is really important to take a moment to stay focused.