I lead a crazy life.

It’s not an exaggeration.

I have to map out my entire life in my planner to even function.

I take 15 credit hours (including Communication Law, journalism’s famed hardest class), hold a pretty much full-time job with The Daily Eastern News and somehow manage to squeeze in a social life.

I’ve figured out that finding an outlet is the key to balancing a busy life.

People have all sorts of outlets for when they’re stressed, angry or sad.

They may talk to friends or family or go work out.

I, however, spend my Thursday nights raging to ridiculously loud, live music.

That’s my outlet, but every person is different.

Being stressed about school, especially right now around midterms, can lead to a buildup of tension, which could be released in an unhealthy manner.

I probably have a breakdown or two a semester, but I think I’m a relatively calm and collected person, considering how much I balance in my life.

I know from experience how important it is to take time for yourself and do something that really makes you feel stress-free.

During the week, you can catch me scampering around campus in between classes, reporter’s notebook in hand.

I’m probably off to an interview, hopefully dressed in a relatively professional manner.

I spend countless hours a week in front of a computer, editing stories and writing my own until my eyes swim.

Through all of this, you’ll notice my headphones, which are constantly practically glued to my ears.

My music obsession gets me through my insanely busy life.

It helps me remember to breathe when everything around me piles up to a level of stress I feel like I’m not capable of handling.

It’s all I can do not to constantly dance to the electronic/dubstep/house music that is usually coursing through my eardrums throughout the day.

Music brightens my mood in a way almost nothing else can.

When the week is finally over, I can finally cut loose a little.

On Thursday nights after classes and my work at the paper is finished for the day, I can be found at DubClub at Friends & Company, bopping my head and pumping my fist to electronic music into the early morning hours.

There’s nothing better than winding down after a crazy week, and that’s my favorite way to do it.

So as the stress of midterms pile up and you feel like you’re about ready to rip all your hair out in angst, think about what your outlet is.

You will need one, whether it’s something you consciously do or not.

Take some time to listen to music or go run a mile.

Watch a little bit of your favorite movie or call up a friend you haven’t talked to in a long time.

Though helpful, don’t get too caught up in whatever activity you’re doing.

Remember to get back to the task at hand and to manage your time wisely.

Afterwards, I’ll guarantee you’ll have a brighter outlook on life and help you realize that whatever situation you’re in, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Robyn Dexter is a junior journalism major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].