Want better grades? Just relax.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Henry Madden Library offered relaxation techniques and quick tips organizers said students can use to help achieve better grades during the “Relax Your Way to Better Grades” workshop, taught by librarian emeritus Ross T. LaBaugh and sponsored by SupportNet.

LaBaugh has worked at Fresno State for the past 16 years.

He said in addition to being a librarian, he is certified in clinical hypnotherapy with an interest in mind-body connections.

He said students tend to be nervous before big events, like tests or presentations, but there are ways to fight these feelings.

“When you breathe deeply and calmly, your body relaxes,” LaBaugh said. “Oxygen flows better, and the nervousness and anxiety diminishes.

“Of course, you still need to study and prepare for tests, but when you feel less stressed your performance improves.”

During the workshop, LaBaugh said students will learn how calming their minds and visualizing success reduces academic stress and helps to increase test performance.

He said he will lead students through breathing exercises, and discuss altered states of mind.

“In the workshop, students will experience a deep sense of relaxation and guided imagery,” LaBaugh said. “They will learn a very simple technique which they can use before taking a test or giving a presentation.”

LaBaugh said the workshop is part of the Academic Success Series sponsored by SupportNet, which has sponsored the series for many years now.

Yuko Mizuno is a sophomore majoring in food science. Mizuno said she is occasionally stressed out.

“English is so difficult because it is not my native language,” Mizuno said. “It makes me so stressed.”

Mizuno said she deals with her stress by playing basketball, watching movies or hanging out with friends and thinks it is a good idea for the school to teach students how to relax.

“Because some people don’t know how to relax,” Mizuno said. “Some people need to learn.”

Kristine Quon is a chemistry major and full-time student. When she is stressed out, Quon said she exercises or cooks to relax, although she said stress isn’t always a bad thing.

“A little bit of stress is good for management,” Quon said. “Stress helps to handle tough situations.”

Quon said she thinks the “Relax Your Way to Better Grades” seminar would be especially helpful for some.

“It’s good especially for freshmen,” Quon said. “The jump from high school to college is so stressful.”

Pre-registration for the seminar is not necessary, but students are asked to bring their student IDs to the workshop for logging in purposes.

“Relax Your Way to Better Grades,” will also be held in the library on Nov. 26 and Dec. 4 from 12 to 1 p.m.