Throughout each of our lives, there will be a countless amount of times when we feel like the entire world is against us. Like we have so much stress and worry on our plates, that we don't even know how and where to begin crawling out of the pit we seem to have fallen into.

From the anxiety developed while looking for jobs and trying to balance school and paying bills, to dealing with some of the biggest changes in your life and being surrounded by people who do not have your best interests at heart. From failing at something you worked so hard at, to learning how hard it is to let go of the past.

Over the last year I have dealt with a lot of these things, and at first, I wanted to lay in bed and cry, thinking I wanted to run away from it all. But I soon realized that it is these types of challenges and curves in the road that make you a stronger person. I decided to find some activities that would help me prove to myself just how strong I really was and how much I had learned about myself.

So, from the girl who is terrified of heights and open water and said f*** it, while zip lining across a river, 200 feet in the air, here are some activities and some little changes that I believe will help you relieve your stress and realize that all the bumps in the road will only help you along the way.

1. Hike a mountain

There's something about climbing to the top of a mountain, no matter how big or how small, that makes you feel like you can conquer the whole world. Not to mention the immense beauty in the view that allows you to remember just how great life is!

2. Do something that scares you

As I said, I have a terrible fear of open water and of heights when I am not enclosed in an area (an airplane for example). Going zip lining made me feel so free from all of my stress and made me pretty damn proud of myself! If you can conquer your biggest fear, while also having some fun, it will make those small daily struggles seem a lot less painful.

3. Start running or working out

To be honest, there is nothing I like more when I am stressed, upset, or can't take the people around me at that moment, then going outside or to the gym and sweating it all away. It's always good to set goals for yourself, and in just a few shorts months I went from hating the idea of running to running for miles and miles and letting all my worries disappear! And the same goes for lifting weights! The more I work out, the more I see improvements in my body and my health and it gives me the self confidence that I've never had before!

4. Take a day for yourself

Sometimes a relaxing day is all you need. Go lay by the pool, go for a walk, lay in the bed and watch all of your favorite movies, or even cook yourself a nice meal and drink some wine. There's nothing better than taking time with yourself to relieve your stress and forget about the craziness of life, even if it's just for a moment. I know these aren't spontaneous outdoor activities, but they sure still help a lot!

5. Let go of negative friends

This was by far one of the hardest thing I had to do, but helped me out tremendously. Having friends who make you feel like less of a person than them, who make you question your intelligence, who make you feel lonely, and who talk crap about you when you're not around, may not be the people you should surround yourself with. And while letting go of memories and someone you cared so much for can be difficult, it can be a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. You will soon start to realize that you are a little happier, you will believe in yourself a little more, and you will have one less thing to lose sleep over!