My second year of college started this past week, and once again my hopes for an "easy syllabus week" were viciously crushed. On top of that half of my professors had decided that we should have already been reading so automatically I started off behind..... Great way to start the semester, right? And after having a bout of stress induced crying in my car while yelling at bad drivers that couldn't hear me, I decided I needed to get it together. So here are a few of my ways of keeping my cool when I am on the verge of a freak out moment.

1. Work It Out

Sweat it out, and if you can, take a friend. Do something that is going to make you feel better. I have always found the idea that if you have a healthy body, you will have a healthy mind to be true. So go do something, go to yoga, get on some cardio machine, take a walk, try P90X or spin class, or whatever. It doesn't matter, just go!

2. Take A Nap

Sometimes all you can do is just sleep it off. You probably went to bed too late and got up too early, so just give yourself a break. Your body needs time to recharge, so treat yourself with at least the same amount of concern you have for your iphone's battery life.

3. Make A List

Sometimes, I can't tell how much I have really have to do, but it just seems like a ton. Everything is just all jumbled up in my head so it feels like an insurmountable task to get it all done. However, when you write everything down all together you can actually see where you are at. Plus every time you check an item off you are one step closer to being done.

4. Talk To A Friend

Sit down and just have a chat with your friends. Vent, laugh, sit in silence and watch tv, or do whatever. Spending time with friends will refresh your soul!! Unless your friends are also an stressed out wreck.... then hanging out may make things worse.

5. Treat Yo' Self

Go buy yourself a donut or get some ice cream. Maybe you want a new outfit or maybe you just want a new pack of pencils. Go get it! Give yourself a present! You have earned a little reward plus it will make you feel better.

6. Take Care Of Yourself

I am a firm believer in the fact that you feel your best when you look your best. So when I am down I always find it helps to do something like getting my hair cut or getting a manicure/pedicure, and if you are feeling super stressed a massage will make you feel as good as new. Take care of yourself, because you are worth every penny.

What this all comes down to is being able to help yourself. Sometimes you need to give your mind a break in order to get refocused. You can reach your goals, just give yourself some perspective. Nothing is worth losing your mind over (or your hair) so just take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay. No matter what your to-do list looks like you are still going to wake up tomorrow and that is really what matters!