In college and in life, it is easy to get caught up in the obstacles and difficulties that tend to be thrown at you. Although stress is inevitably unavoidable, the way you handle it can really change exactly how stressed you get, and how often. Here are a few ways to take a little time for yourself along with a few healthy habits you can develop in order to relieve your stress and brighten your day.

1. Drink tea instead of coffee

We all love coffee; the caffeine, the taste, and the connivence. Coffee is not always the best way to settle your system though, and the more you drink it, the harder it can be to stop drinking it. Instead, for your caffeine fix try green tea. Tea is full of antioxidants that can cleanse your system, and even just the feeling of sitting down for a few minutes to have a warm cup of tea can really settle you down fast.

2. Try yoga

Yoga is an easy, fun way to relax your body in the most physically relieving way possible. At the end of every yoga session, the instructor will have you spend the last few minutes in savasana, essentially just laying down on your back to breathe and reflect, which can really relax you and clear your mind of negative energy.

3. Find a show you really like, but try to learn something new

We all love our Netflix and Hulu time, but it is true that some television shows are better for you than others. Try to get into a show on Discovery, DIY or whatever network will really peak your interest, but get into a show where you are being informed about something you may not have known before, because not only will it engage your mind, it will also take you out of your own world for a little bit.

4. Volunteer with animals

Animals are naturally great therapy. Working at a shelter or even just getting involved in a program where you are helping animals can really take your mind off things, make you feel good about yourself, and help you feel a little more loved that day, too.

5. Cook something for someone

Cooking is a fun filled way to spend your time with someone you like, and doing things for others can really help take your mind off of a lot, especially if you get to enjoy and comforting, home-cooked meal at the end of it.

6. Take a hot bath

During the winter months, the cold can add stress to your body. Even if just for a few minutes, a hot bubble bath can relax your muscles and really make you feel like you've just detoxed your body a bit after dealing with some not so pleasant weather.

7. Spoil yourself a bit

If you're having a bad really bad day, the best way to get a quick pick me up can be from doing something as simple as getting yourself something nice just because.

8. Plan your next "Funday"

Think of something you can do to get together with friends and have fun with. If you're feeling really adventurous, plan your next trip. A great way to get through the day-to-day routine is knowing when the next time is that you'll be away and out having fun.

Don't let the stress get to you when there are so many ways to relieve it. Life is meant to be fun-filled, and although it can be easy to get caught up, don't let the little moments slip by because you're taking it too seriously.