With the end of the semester quickly approaching and the final exams and projects piling up, sometimes life gets stressful. Stress is a normal reaction, but when it becomes your only reaction, it can have lasting effects on your health and mental well-being. Sometimes, we just need a break from stress, so here's 5 ways you can prevent and limit the amount of stress in your life.

1. Stay out of gossip.

The less you are involved with issues that have nothing to do with you, the less stressed you'll feel. Drama contributes so much to stress and strains relationships with friends and family. Why not avoid it as much as possible?

2. Stay off of social media.

You'll check Facebook five times in a row to see who liked your post, and get discouraged when you don't have that many likes. You'll think people don't like you, but in reality we are all busy and don't check social media every hour of the day. You'll compare yourself to other people that got more likes than you, and you'll get stressed. If you limit your time on social media, you will feel less stressed.

3. Don't watch the news.

Bad things are happening every day, and the news hardly ever shares the happy stories. Politics and debates are also a major part of news, and the news thrives on fear. If they can make you afraid enough, you'll believe them. Avoid all the nonsense in the news and notice how much of your stress disappears.

4. Pick one day a week to rest and relax.

This one is really important. A tired body and mind encourages stress. Get enough sleep each night and take a day to recharge each week, and you'll notice you feel less stressed. Even if you must work seven days a week, schedule some time off one day to relax. Even just a few hours of relaxing can be very beneficial.

5. Take a walk outside every day.

There has been scientific evidence that walking outside boosts happiness, especially on sunny days. If you've been studying for an exam or working all day inside, take a walk outside during your break. You'll notice instantly the difference. Even on rainy days, it can be fun to walk in the rain and enjoy being outside!

Next time life seems too stressful, try one of these tips and notice the difference!