For as long as I can remember, I have been an anxious, stress filled girl. It is just who I am. I probably spend the majority of my days worrying about something dumb and then getting stressed when I don't have anything to worry about at all (it is a vicious cycle).

When I entered college three years ago, I not only entered into a new world but also a new world filled with a lot of different stresses. Because college classes seemed much more intense, I began to worry more about tests, grades, etc. I began to worry more about friendships, what/how I was going to eat dinner, my future, my career, family, money.

Even as a senior, I still find myself in the same worry cycle although now, I have found ways to cope better with all my day to day stresses. I won't say that they work all the time, but here are my top ways to deal with stress.

1. Nap

I know this one may seem silly, but napping has been my number one stress reducing activity. Whenever something is bothering me, I take a nap. This break gives my mind the perfect about of time to time to zone out and think about happy dreams and thoughts. I've also come to find that my worries reduce after a good snooze.

2. Write

Writing your feelings and your stresses is really healthy. By getting these thoughts on a page, you are then able to get them off of your mind. I have a journal on my laptop and when something is really bothering me, I type it all out. Don't worry about perfect grammar or spelling, just let your fingers fly across the key board.

3. Draw, Paint, Craft

I love picking up my sketch pad and doodling when I am really stressed. It gives my mind a chance to focus on the artwork in front of me, rather than the problems brewing in my head. Your artwork doesn't have to be amazing, but if you love it and it really helps you de-stress then what better relaxing activity.

4. Talk it out

Another great way to feel less anxious is to be able to talk out your worries and fears. You don't always want to talk about it to everyone, but it can be helpful to find one or two people whom you can talk to when you are stressing. Your mom? Dad? Sister? Brother? Boyfriend? Girlfriend? By being able to vent it out, you may feel a weight off your shoulders.

5. Exercise

Shoutout to my mom for this one! Although sometimes I am less than motivated to get out of my bed to do a workout tape or go for a walk, these workouts can be extremely beneficial for reducing your stress load. Getting in the fresh air to clear your mind can be therapeutic and give you a chance to work out your frustration.

I hope some of these stress relieving activities help you as much as they help me! Just remember (although easier said than done) that though your stress may seem as vast as the ocean, that you can figure out how to surf the waves of worries with ease.