I'm coming up on my fifth week in college, and there have been ups and downs to this. I've been told that these will be "the best four years of my life." I kind of hate that phrase because high school was also, as quoted, "[supposed to] be the best four years of my life." It was far from that. There have been ups and downs, but over the course of those years and even the month I have been here, I have picked up some strategies and habits to do to diminish stress; because let's agree here; we all go through it.

1. SLEEP

I know everyone sleeps at some point during the day, but I'm talking about straight up, seven to eight hours of rest. It's hard considering we have class and homework and clubs and responsibilities and sometimes, we want to eat a meal (refer the number three). It has been seen over and over again how much sleep can help us socially, academically, and physically. So, do yourself a favor and snuggle up in your pj's and have some good dreams.

2. Say NO

This is literally the most important word in the entire universe. It can help with so many things. From advice to consent and everything in between. As I said earlier, we have stressors on top of stressors on top of stressors that will lead to a flight or fight stage when we become over-booked. Our bodies can shut down from lack of self-care. So, when you are already the captain of the girl's basketball team, have a part-time job, are the executive for the rugby club, a writer for the newspaper, and a straight-A student, just say no when someone asks you for something. If you feel overwhelmed as it is, adding on more responsibility and commitment will not help the problem.

3. EAT, but eat with a purpose

Yes, I know very well how a college student's budget is, and I know how we are all limited to what we can buy. However, take advantage of the healthier options that are offered at the dining hall! It does a body good, and it'll give you more energy to conquer this semester (and the ones to come).

4. Avoid unnatural energy boosters

Three words: 'Coffee,' 'energy drinks.' They help in the moment but in reality, (referring to number one) you need sleep. A good night's rest or a power nap is sure to give you the boost of energy you need.

5. Exercise

If you feel like you need to hit the books and not the gym, you may be wrong. It is important to keep our bodies and minds moving when we are sitting for a long time. Your brain probably feels fried. Try exercising another part of your body! It helps create positive stress, and, you just got in a workout.

6. Organize your life

Let's face it, we have a lot going on. As a college student, it feels like we have to reserve a space to even call our family to say hi; which isn't right. To manage the stress related to this issue, get an organizer/ planner, or put down everything on a calendar. Sometimes a visual of our daily activities helps put things into perspective.

7. Change your scenery

You've been at the desk cramming for an exam that you must pass. It is 3 AM, and the last time you looked at the clock it was 9 PM, your head is spinning with information and you're ready to lose it. What should you do? Take a walk, go to another room, just get out of there. Being in the same place for awhile stresses us out, but if we take a deep breath and just go to another area for a little bit, then our mind can recuperate, stress will decrease, and your ability to understand the material will increase.

8. Find a hobby

Throughout the minutes of each hour, each day, each week, we tend to not do things WE enjoy doing (and by we I mean you, as an individual). Finding a hobby, whether it be singing, taking pictures, or playing tennis; to do sometime in the week for at least 30 minutes will not only reduce stress, it will make you happy :)

9. Color (if you're into that)

They make "adult" coloring books for a reason and I am loving every single one of them. It is a huge stress reliever for an avid colorer like myself, and it's fun. Just taking a moment to yourself and your paper and markers can really make the difference between a regular day, and a stressful day.

10. BREATHE

I know, I know. "I breathe every second of the day." But, when your mind goes through something called the fight or flight stage, when stress is introduced into our lives, taking big, long, meaningful breathes in through the nose and out the nose can really help slow your heart rate down. (There are apps for this as well, which can also lead to meditation which is ANOTHER great stress reliever)

(BONUS)

11. Find a support system

Try finding those people you can talk to about the things that stress you out. This can be a professional therapist, a friend, even a professor. In the end, it is someone you can trust. Getting things off your chest can be helpful to eliminate stress; because we all have it and honestly, you are doing great!