Dealing with school, family, work, relationships and other responsibilities can really take its toll on a student. So how exactly do students deal with the everyday situations they face?

"We go shopping and maybe clubbing later that night," said Brenda Villanueva, a sophomore English major.

Villanueva is currently attending school full-time and working part-time at Justice, a clothing store for young girls. Villanueva said that even though she has plenty of homework that stresses her out, she always makes time for her friends.

"Dancing the night away always does the trick for me," said Villanueva.

The turn the economy has taken hasn't made it easier for students. Just ask Gilbert Ortiz, a sophomore Business major. Ortiz used to attend school part-time and work part-time at a downtown bar. Then Ortiz's mother was laid off, so Ortiz was forced to find a full-time job while still juggling school.

"It's tiring, but I have to help the family stay afloat, and I still need my education to get farther ahead," said Ortiz, as he took a long yawn. "I play baseball or basketball with the guys. It helps me unwind. I play till I'm beat, then I go home and take a shower and prepare for the next day ahead."

Laura Deleon, a freshman Elementary Education major who just returned to school after being in the workforce for many years, finds it equally as hard. Deleon not only attends school, but she also tutors students at a nearby elementary school and volunteers at the San Antonio Public Library.

"There is so much to be done and not enough hours in the day!" said Deleon. So what does Deleon do to relieve stress? She bakes. Everything from pies to cakes to cookies, she said with a grin.

According to www.collegeandfinance.com, the Top 5 student stress relievers are:

• Working out: You don't have to have a gym membership to stay healthy and fit. Use Palo Alto's gym facilities or do something as simple as walking your dog.
• Sleeping: In between school, work, and partying, students tend to go to bed late and rise early, causing them to not be able to focus clearly throughout the day. Eight hours of sleep is important.
• Listening to music: Listening to your favorite tunes can relax you. Whether you listen to them in the car or in between classes, listening to music is bound to help you de-stress.
• Eating right: Proper nutrition will not only lead to a healthy lifestyle, it also can help you focus on your day-to-day duties. Students should eat nutritious foods without skipping a meal.
• Managing time and money: Students should take the right steps to manage their time as well as their finances. Today's technology offers time management tools. As for finances, students should carefully budget their income and expenses.

It may seem like you're the only person in the world who has a tight schedule. Just remember that it is necessary to give yourself time to unwind and relax.