Okay let's face it, deadlines are coming up and exams are ruining lives at this time of year.

I don't want to sound dramatic, but I feel as if I speak for a lot of people when I say that the average stress level is at an all new high. Casually glancing around my schools library as I type this, I see the same tired, yet focused, faces and it's almost like I'm looking at a mirror reflection of myself.

It's just about to that point where school is extremely demanding, or maybe you just can't catch a break from work, or even your significant other (that you love, oh so dearly) is driving you to pure insanity. So, I want to list some personal tips that I use to help take a break from life's inevitable curve balls, and share how I personally release as much stress as I can before I curl into a ball of self-pity and call my mom for the fifth time today.

1. Working out/Exercise

I know that this is probably something you are all aware of or have probably heard a million times; going to the gym is a positive way to better reduce stress and anxiety. Personally, I am not talking about lifting weights or running a 5k, and though that may end up helping you, this isn't your only option. I am talking about small exercises that you might not even notice you're doing. For example, choosing to walk to your destination especially on campus, can be a way to get some alone time and a small peace of mind before the day officially starts.

2. Alone time

This is probably the most valuable tip that I could give you. If you're not really the kind of person that enjoys being alone, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try this out. Living on campus or even in an apartment, you have to deal with the reoccurring presence of your roommate(s). Though you could be best friends with your roommate(s), you can still benefit from some quality time alone. You could order and eat your favorite food, walk to your favorite coffee shop and reap the benefits of free wifi and a great espresso, or if you have a pet you could try a new route to walk with your furry friend, with only the company of yourself.

3. Find a consistent study partner

This completely counteracts #2, but I feel as if it is equally as important. Find someone that'll help keep you stay motivated and that you throughly enjoy being around as a study partner. Remember, best friends are usually good study partners but don't forget the whole "study" aspect of it all. If you can't study effectively with your best friend, try and find someone in one of your classes that you know or have recently met, and you may be surprised at the help they can give you and the friendship that is bound to be built because of it. #LetsBeStressedTogether

4. Call your parents

This can be especially challenging when you already don't have enough time in the day to get your personal stuff done, but when you purposely take time out of your day to give a phone call to the people that love you dearly, you can start to notice how much better you feel once you hang up the phone. You will also be surprised at the advice they can give you if your dealing with a situation and you don't know how to handle it. Don't be afraid to call your parents and rant to them about your professors, roommates, homework, etc., and remember that they've done this whole "becoming an adult" thing before. Also, they will love you even more than they already do because you're calling them for something other than a low bank account.

5. Take a deep breath

Last but not least, breathe. You can work, study, and micromanage all day but if you're mental health is not taken into consideration you could end up working yourself all the way to a breakdown. Breakdowns are normal and we all have them, but they should not be occurring more times than you can count on one hand. Through everything that may be happening in your life, you will get through it and things are going to get better. You will be successful and you will accomplish every hard task that may be clouding your judgement right now. Just remember, give it time and breath.