In high school no one bothers to mention how much stress college will put on you. Not only are you figuring out the real world on your own, but you are also trying to make everyone around you proud by maintaining a high GPA, working one or more jobs and trying to keep a social life around everything else. The very sad reality of not learning how to manage finances, school and a social life before college is that it takes a huge toll on your mental health. There are many young adults that begin doing drugs, have mental break downs and do not complete a college degree because they cannot handle the stress. Many do not realize there are great ways to relieve the daily anxieties of college life.

I would like to give you the top five ways I have maintained a healthy mental status throughout my four years of college.

1. Healthy Diet

Although many people say that sugary foods like chocolate or other sweets make them feel better, it really causes them much more negative feelings. Refined sugars and starchy foods tend to cause people some anger and anxiety. Just changing the foods you eat from white flour to whole wheat can make a difference in your overall mood. Replacing your cravings for sweets with some type of fruit can also help greatly.

2. Regular Exercise

Exercise is a great stress reliever and it makes you feel amazing! Who would not want a rocking body and be in a great mood all of the time? Personally, exercising regularly actually makes me more motivated to do well in school and at work. Not only does it increase two very important neurotransmitters involved in staying calm and having a regulated mood, exercising also helps you get better sleep.

3. Reading for Fun

For me, reading books that I find interesting is one of the most relaxing things in the world. Reading for fun takes my mind away from everything that is causing me anxiety and puts me into a very imaginative and happy mindset. I recommend this for everyone, even if you are not into novels, comics are so much fun to read as well.

4. Consistently get six hours of sleep

As difficult as it may be, the mind needs at least six hours of sleep a night to function at its maximum potential. Not only will consistent equal hours of sleep help you lose weight, but it will also help you stay happy because your neurotransmitter levels will be stable. Lack of sleep can cause your serotonin levels to lower which will lead to increased anxiety and possibly depression.

5. Meditation

Cliche, I know, but meditation truly does help with maintaining a balanced mind. Especially guided meditations. Guided meditations help clear your mind of all the negative energies and thoughts. This is great for relaxation. Having a balanced mind is so important because it is the key to organization and motivation.