It's that time in the semester, again. GPA's, tears, the leaves and our motivation all have one thing in common: they're falling. Unfortunately, if you're anything like me, the biggest part of my semester that isn't falling is my stress levels. I am currently in eighteen hours, all of which are hanging by a thread, and I work two jobs. Add in regular life stressors such as emotional struggles, deadlines, mental illness, making time for family and friends, expenses, etc. and you have a recipe for a need of stress-management skills. While small amounts of stress is actually good for us and can be motivating, high stress levels consistently isn't a good thing.

Consistent stress isn't just bummy, it's unhealthy. According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, stress affects our bodies, moods, and behaviors in many different ways, and they aren't good. Want to learn more about how I manage stress in my daily life? Check out my article below, and share your favorite ways to alleviate stress in the comments! I'd love to hear what works for you, because I still don't have this college thing figured out.

1. Don't procrastinate.

I say this, as my article is a day late. This is one that I really have to work hard at. I have been a member of the Procrastinator's Club for 23 years. Whenever you put stuff off, the little cloud that says "YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU NEED TO GET DONE!" follows you wherever you go. It's not pleasant. Tackle tasks first thing and then you get to move on to happier things.

2. Sticky note weekly calendar

I make a weekly calendar out of sticky notes on my wall. Each color is a different class, so I can tell if green is on Monday a lot, I should probably be working on Geology homework that day. I am a visual person so it helps to see it in a very basic, visual way. It's also on my wall, so I look at it daily. Still mastering this, but when I keep up with it, it helps me see an actual visual of my tasks ahead instead of just coping with the cloud of anxious thoughts in my brain.

3. Know your limits.

The term introvert gets a pretty bad rap in our society. Besides the fact that our society seems to think extroverts are more productive participants in the learning process, the term introvert itself is often misunderstood and ill-defined by many. Introverts don't have to be shy, but many shy people are also introverted. It's all about how you charge your batteries. Does going out or being around groups of your friends make you feel happy and recharged? How about cuddling up to your pillow and watching Hulu? Either way, most people are a happy medium on the spectrum between introvert and extrovert. Know when your body is telling you what you need. It's okay to tell your friends no once in awhile. It's okay to take a day off if you're feeling ill. You don't have to say yes to every club and organization offer on campus, and the bars will be just fine without your money for their over-priced drinks for a night or two. Listen to your body. If you listen, it speaks to you.

4. Get active.

I know people sort of roll their eyes at exercise these days, but while exercise isn't a cure-all, it's a darn good start. Running is my drug of choice, and it helps me keep OCD, and anxiety and depression away, so general stress is no match for a good few miles. Does the word running make you want to run far, far away from it? Try dancing, Zumba, HIIT or any other fun exercise class. Get moving and I guarantee you will feel better from it. Tell yourself you want to do five minutes of your activity, and if you still feel terrible you can stop. You normally will start to feel better in five to ten minutes, so you usually end up going longer than you expected!

5. Surround yourself with positive people.

Here's the thing. People are not meant to be constantly positive. We have feelings and emotions and all sorts of things going on in our lives. It is okay to be sad, angry, depressed, scared, tired or all of the above. I don't believe in cutting people off simply because they are struggling. I do however, believe in managing how much you give to others and yourself. If your tank isn't full, you can't give to anyone else. Be there for your friend. That's what friends are for. But remember to check on yourself as well. People who are rude, put you down, or make you feel bad about yourself? Cut those people out. Growing up is all about finding balance. Forgive and embrace people, but know when they no longer have your best interests at heart for the time being.

6. Laugh!

Laughter is seriously the best medicine. I watch Spongebob Squarepants or something like Bob's Burgers when I want to laugh! Watch something funny or go hang out with a friend who makes you laugh.

7. Eat well.

I know. This one is hard for me, too. When I eat better I feel better. Try to plan ahead for the week to make this step easier. I just went to get fast food before writing this article because I didn't plan ahead for being exhausted by 7 pm. Certain foods are even clinically shown to help our bodies naturally reduce stress. Check out more about that here.

8. Call your mom.

Or a friend. Or your brother. Call someone who loves you unconditionally. Venting helps.

9. Visit your family.

Sometimes you just need to get out of Stillwater. (Or wherever you go to school.) Get some new surroundings and perspective for a few days and spend time with people who love you and bring you back down to Earth.

10. Keep a planner.

Along the lines of number 2, writing things down helps keep me from getting overwhelmed. My favorite site to design your own planner is this one.

11. Clean your apartment.

Trust me. Tidy house, tidy mind. Cluttered house, cluttered mind. Keeping things super clean helps me focus. This one I have to work on, too. Plan your weeks where you do a good deep cleaning at least once a week, and have daily tasks to keep things tidy.

12. Go to bed.

Get off your laptop and go to sleep. (Yes I'm yelling this to myself.) Coffee isn't life changing forever.

13. Get outside.

Go for a walk. Sit on a park bench. Go visit your local garden. Just get in touch with something other than a computer or a screen. Just a few minutes in the dirt can change your perspective and give you time to breathe.

14. Meditation apps.

My favorite is called Calm and I believe you can also get it on both Apple and Android products.

15. Lavender EVERYTHING.

This scent genuinely calms me down. I love taking a bubble bath in lavender scented epsom salts at the end of a long day.

16. Pamper yourself and treat yo self.

Buy the three dollar fuzzy socks at Walmart that make you happy. Go rent a movie. Paint your nails. Eat some chocolate. Do a face mask. Do whatever it is to give yourself a little break and some love.

17. Spend wisely.

I know, I just told you to treat yo self. And, you definitely should. Just keep in mind that excess spending isn't a treat, it's a habit. Avoid money worries by keeping a budget. My favorite app so far is called YNAB.

18. Have moments of pure silence.

We spend a lot of our times online or connected to our phones. Take time to find a place where you can disconnect and be silent for a few minutes every day. It adds up, and it really helps. You don't have to meditate yet, just start by disconnecting with intention a little every day, even if it is just for a few minutes.