Class, homework, exams, papers, presentations, grades, meetings, clubs, organizations, family and friends — does this sound like the laundry list of your week? You’re not alone. College presents students with a wide spectrum of responsibilities. We might not be 100 percent on our own yet, but the stress faced by undergrads is enough to rival that of the real world.

Having time for yourself is important. Find at least an hour everyday to do what you enjoy, be it watching television, reading or going online. (Andrea Thyrring / Staff Writer)

With your to-do lists longer than your syllabi, it is a wonder if you can schedule in sleep or down time. But this constant go-go-go could be wreaking havoc on your mood, not to mention in other areas of your life such as grades, relationships and health.

According to WebMD, when you are stressed, your body responds as if you were in danger. This triggers the production of hormones that speed up your heart rate, make you breathe faster and may even give you a burst of energy. This response is normal and even useful when you need to react quickly. But if you are stressed too often or for long periods of time, it can have negative effects.

The most common symptoms of stress listed in Prevention magazine include irritability, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, muscular tension, apathy, fatigue, headache and frequent illness. Stress can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, and also be the cause of heart problems, stomach problems and chronic headaches.

The good news is that you can manage stress and reduce the effects it has on your body. To get your stress under control, it helps to first find the source. Do you have a rough midterm coming up? Is there a conflict between you and your roommate(s)? Are you struggling with your major? Writing down your stressors helps you focus on what exactly is going on in your life. Make a list of what is stressing you out, how you reacted and what you did or are doing to deal with that stress.

Now take a look at what you have written down — is there a common theme? Everyone reacts to stress differently. Making a list of your stress and the reactions you have helps to highlight your specific pattern of response.

Once you have a clear picture of your stress, take into consideration some simple methods to help you relax.

Altering your time management is a simple way to cut back on stress. Make a schedule of your day and pencil in time for studying, homework and meetings around your classes. Don’t forget about you-time — give yourself at least an hour a day to relax. When you have your day planned out, it is much easier to handle without worrying about getting everything done.

When you are stressed, take a look at how you cope. Do you go out after a hard test, only to stress about not studying that night? Or do you feel better after taking a long shower and reading in bed? Be honest — this will help you find out what works and what doesn’t.

If you notice that your stress comes from poor communication with friends, family or professors, speak up. Not being able to talk about what is on your mind creates tension and can make your stress worse. Be sure to remain tactful, and make ‘I’ statements (“I feel stressed”) when addressing your concerns. This will allow you to express your feelings in a clear, effective manner, which in turn will facilitate communication.

Most important, know when to ask for help. If you have too much on your plate, it is not a sign of weakness to ask for support on a project or to go to the Tutoring Center for academic assistance. Those who have a strong network of resources they can rely on handle stress better than those who do not.

With mid-terms approaching, don’t forget to take good care of yourself. Getting enough sleep, eating healthily and cutting back on smoking or drinking will help you keep a clear head. Taking up practices like yoga, meditation or regular exercise will give you an outlet for your stress.

Your to-do list may seem never-ending, but with some organization, a bit of support and a few healthier habits, you can keep stress from taking over your life.