It's very much a love-hate relationship. The end of classes and the exciting long winter break are so close, but the stress and pressure of finals are even closer.

Now that you've celebrated the last day of classes, it's time to get down to business, but remember that brain-breaks are a must. Take advantage of these fun stress relief activities to ease your finals week blues.

Rush to Roesch

Roesch Library offers some of the best study breaks. Back by popular demand, free 5-10 minute massages will be provided by professional massage therapists Sunday to Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first floor. Don't fear missing your favorite TV shows Sunday night, because Roesch is providing free snacks and a TV study break 8 to 11 p.m. in the LTC Rotunda. Free coffee will be supplied by The Blend at midnight Monday through Wednesday in the first floor lobby.

With Roesch open 24 hours a day, the library has arranged for free rides from the library to the dorms and student neighborhoods from midnight to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday mornings.

Sizzle those abs

I highly recommend making time to hit the RecPlex. Exercise reenergizes brain power by pumping blood to your brain and the rest of your body, increasing concentration and alertness, which will keep you focused while studying and test-taking. Swimming, running or working out makes your body release happy-feeling chemicals which will help you counter stress and relax.

Grab a friend and take advantage of the RecPlex's free and energizing group fitness classes, including cycling, yoga and aerobics, offered now through Dec. 15. You can find the schedule at http://www.udayton.edu/~recsport.

Catch Grey's on ABC.com

If you feel like you don't have the time to watch this week's Desperate Housewives or Grey's Anatomy, skip it and catch it on your own time at dynamic.abc.go.com. ABC has recently made episodes of viewers' favorite TV shows this season available for free online. Watching and re-watching your favorite episodes can be the brain-break and pick-me-up you need.

Late night munchies

Marycrest food court is back with its free 'Stress Relief' after-midnight snacks Sunday through Wednesday night from 12:30 to 2:30 a.m. The food court will provide free pizza bagel bites, pretzels, chips, donuts and much more snacks, as well as free coffee and fountain drinks. The line becomes very long very quickly, so line up early!

The Marianst Emporium also plans to hand out free snacks, such as popsicles, peanut butter crackers, peppermint patties and much more, Sunday through Thursday night.

Dance, dance

Randomly blast one of your favorite N*sync, Spice Girls or Areosmith songs and bust out into a spontaneous dance party with your roommates! This is the perfect wild and crazy five minute get-away you need to clear your mind and reenergize your mind and body.

Plan your schedule in meals

Don't make lunch and dinner a chore. Rather, schedule them in as a break between studying and enjoy it with friends at one of the dinning halls or over the dinner table. Keep the TV off and take pleasure in your meals with good friends and good conversation. Remember though, the topic of finals is not appropriate dinner conversation.

Color

Revert back to your years of no finals, reading Dr. Seuss and coloring. You can access free printable coloring pages at coloring-page.com. Choose from thousands of coloring book pictures, including holiday themes. This is a great way to clear your mind, and you can hang the pictures on your door for others to enjoy as well.

Indulge in herbal tea

The Blend, Galley and food courts offer a variety of herbal teas. Herbal teas are believed to have stimulating, relaxing and calming properties and relieve nervous tension, soothe the digestive tract, diminish head pain and refresh your spirit. Earl Grey with one sugar or half a Splenda is a favorite pick.

Soak in a hot bath

Hot baths and showers relieve stress and rejuvenate your body, calming and slowing down your heart and lungs. They not only relax your muscles but provide a quiet escape time as well. If you're willing to brave your house or dorm's tub, fill the tub with hot water with scented bubble bath, turn on some smooth background music, lie back and relax.

Other tips

When trying to pull an all-nighter, hourly healthy snacks such as fruit, almonds, baby carrots and rice cakes are a necessity. Take your vitamins; you need them now more than ever, and try to drink lots of water. Lastly, you've probably heard it from your mother a million times, but always get a decent night's sleep and have breakfast the morning before your exams. Good luck on your finals!