College . Wow, just the word has a way of stressing me out. While I've had some of the best experiences of my life here, that doesn't mean everything is easy and great all the time. School work builds up, there can be lots of drama, and it all accumulates and creates a very stressful situation. While there are a lot of things you can't control, here are five simple things you can do to reduce your stress.

1. Eliminate the clutter

Mess=stress. Keeping your workspace and living space clear will help to also keep your mind clear and focused.

2. Eat healthily

All of the processed and sugary foods that are at such easy access are so satisfying right? How about that crash soon after? Not so much. Opt for some healthier options that will give you longer lasting energy and overall make you feel better. Then you can stay focused and accomplish more tasks rather than crash and nap.

3. Stay hydrated

Similarly to eating healthy, staying hydrated helps your cognitive function and sleep better at night. Your body dehydrates so much while you sleep so grab a glass of water first thing! Dehydration can cause headaches, crankiness, etc. which of course doesn't help when you're feeling overwhelmed.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for help

It's time to Stop The Stigma, Especially On College Campuses. There's no shame in reaching out for help! Don't try to handle everything on your own. There are so many people who care about you and want to help!

5. Cut yourself some slack

No one is perfect. So you couldn't finish an assignment on time- make that your motivation to turn one in early next week! You received a bad grade on an exam? Now you realize you didn't quite understand the material like you thought you did. You ate a donut and drank soda instead of salad and water? Hey, I hope you enjoyed that donut because life is too short to beat yourself up about it.