It might only be week three of college here at NSU but some people might be feeling stressed. For my anxiety these are some things that help me when I am feeling anxious but can help almost anyone in any situation.

Here are some tips to take care of yourself and relax with the little time you have and get rid of some of that stress.

1. Grab a coloring book. It’s childish, but the perfect thing to relax and focus on something mindless and fun. Grab any coloring book or blank paper and color to your heart's desire.
2. Make a “done” list instead of a “to-do” list. Sometimes seeing an entire list of things that you still need to accomplish can get really overwhelming. Instead, make a done list, and every time you finish something write it down. Seeing all the things you have finished will make you feel like you have tackled a lot.
3. Create more snacks. Have healthy brain powering snacks like almonds or carrots close by. If you have a crunchy healthy snack nearby you can stay focused while giving your brain (and stomach) some much-needed power food. Don’t give in to the cheeseburger cravings.
4. Take a hot bath or shower. It’s no question that the hot water can help calm you down. Play your favorite playlist and use a calming bath fizzy to melt your cares away. If you live in the dorms like myself take a moment of silence because we don’t have bathtubs.
5. Let yourself cry and get mad. Bottling up the stress can make you feel much worse over time. It is okay to let it out and cry over that assignment that is just taking way too long to finish. Get frustrated. Then when you are calm go back and finish it when you are feeling better.
6. Have a study session with friends. Make sure your friends will be there to work and motivate you and not distract you. Often when working together in a group getting things done becomes more like a group effort. You can ask for help and you have more brains to pull together and finish whatever work. Then when you are done you will all feel accomplished.
7. Take your study buddies out for ice cream. After your lengthy and busy study group, reward yourselves with a sweet treat. Ice cream will always cure stress. This is fact.
8. Write down what exactly is making you stressed. Is it the assignment itself? Or is it the fact that the assignment is nine days late? Are you worried that you won’t pass? These stressful thoughts can often be exaggerated and when you write them down and see you can decide what can actually be stressful, and what you have maybe taken out of proportion. Decide what is necessary to worry about.
9. Go outside. Fresh air is calming and now that the weather is warming up take the study materials outside. Or go for a nice walk or bike ride to relax and regroup. Soak up the beautiful Minnesota air and enjoy outside.
10. Plan your week ahead. Use a planner. Stay in the habit of following each day and tracking deadlines and you won’t be stressed to find out about a test. You will have known for days. Syllabus calendars are there for a reason, check them often.