NIU: an institution of esteemed learning and scholarly pursuits where students with large minds work tirelessly towrad the larger goal of receiving a degree.

This is the classic view of American higher education, and for many students that may be a reality.

But even though academics should be a priority at this and any university, an attitude similar to the one above can only lead to one thing: stress.

We have all had experience with the side effects of stress and, according to Larissa Barber, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, it can lead to more than just sweaty palms and irregular sleep patterns.

“[When stressed,] we often have stronger emotional reactions than we usually would, which makes it harder to cope with new demands placed upon us,” Barber said. “Arguing with a friend or professor or overreacting to a petty situation are all signs that stress may be a part of your life.”

That is not even the worst part: Your health may be at risk, too.

Melinda Smith, Robert Segal and Jeanne Segal cowrote an article on Helpguide.org saying that “chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body.” According to their work, stress raises blood pressure, increases risk of having a heart attack or stroke and can even speed up aging.

The stressors of school and work can start to take over your life, and without activities to help you de-stress, you might even see your grades take a hit.

In fact, a blog posted Nov. 23, 2007, on GoCollege.com cites “Educational Burnout” as the second-highest cause of college dropout rates. Translation: stress.

There is no question that you just have to take a break sometimes. Take a break from the homework, assignments, professors and yes, even the peers.

But how?

Of course, everyone thinks of exercise.

“Working out releases endorphins,” said Chrissy Tluczek, assistant director of open recreation at NIU. “It makes you feel better and it clears your head.”

According to the Student Recreation website, niu.edu/campusrec/, there are a number of programs at NIU to keep you physically fit. These programs include group fitness classes, personal training, intramural sports and open recreation.

According to Tluczek, “…once you take that first step, [physical activity is] a great reducer of stress.”

But exercise is not the only way to de-stress. As long as you find an activity that helps you relax and detach, it’s good enough.

It could be as simple as having dinner with a friend or going out on a Saturday night.

Now, I am not saying to go out and party every day, committing illegal activity and re-enacting scenes from “National Lampoon’s Animal House.” I’m simply saying that school in not just about school.

Yup, that’s right. I’m saying take a break from studying for a while and have fun, go to the gym and work out, hang out with some friends or play a video game.

For those who stay in on Saturday nights to do homework, I commend you, but consider cutting loose and having fun. Your success might just depend on it.