It's no hidden secret that times at college can be tough. What appears more challenging is how to get yourself out of that rut. I've found in my time at college that so much of that challenging rut stems from negativity and the stress that comes with it.

Here are some tips I've found along the way that have made the world of difference.

1. Cut out the negativity - whether it's friends or a significant other, etc.

This is perhaps the most difficult thing to do but it is also the most rewarding. As humans, we want to make connections with people. When it starts to not work out, we strive to make things better even if that means ignoring our own mental health and happiness. I urge you to find a way out of these negative relationships. It can be a boyfriend or girlfriend, a roommate, or even a friend. Either way, if you can accomplish getting yourself out of that situation, you'll begin to feel so much better.

2. Take time for yourself daily.

This is so important. Even if it's just a half hour to watch your favorite episode of Friends, take some time to yourself to relax and take a breather. It's so hard to be productive when you feel worn down, so taking just a couple minutes to yourself is so rewarding. One way I do this is by getting as much work done as possible before dinner so that afterward I have the night to myself to watch Netflix or play games with my roommates.

3. Eat the foods that make you feel good.

What makes us feel good is different for everyone, so I'm not telling you to go veggie and fruit crazy. But, eat the foods you know you like and enjoy and in theory make you feel good. There is absolutely no sense in punishing yourself (and your body) by eating food you don't like. Food nourishes our bodies, give it what it wants and don't set unrealistic limitations on what you can and cannot eat.

4. Get the rest you deserve.

I hate to break it to you, but those all-nighters provide no benefit to you. If you are using your time efficiently, there is absolutely no reason to neglect your sleep. Use your time in between classes to do the little things you need to finish. Finish your homework when you get home for the day instead of wasting 2-4 hours goofing off to avoid it - that's 2-4 more hours of sleep you can be getting at night.

5. Plan ahead and stick to it.

This is easily one of the most helpful things you can do for yourself. Take 10-15 minutes Friday afternoon or Saturday morning to write down all your homework assignments, readings, exams, etc. for the upcoming week.

6. Dedicate your weekends to preparing for the week.

I'm not saying not to enjoy your weekend, but dedicate time to get some big assignments and readings done so you aren't left stressing Sunday night into the week. This has been an absolute lifesaver for my life at college because I'm no longer spending all night doing homework during the week.

7. Treat yourself.

College isn't easy, guys. If you want that cookie cake at Walmart, get the cookie cake. If you want ice cream for dinner, have ice cream for dinner. If you want cake for breakfast, have cake for breakfast. If you want that coffee on the way to class, get the coffee. You obviously don't want to make a habit of this, but treating yourself every once in awhile isn't anything to be ashamed of.

I hope that by applying these simple tips you'll be able to fully enjoy your semester. By learning to manage your time and assignments and treating yourself like a priority, everything just falls into place.