Stress: a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.

Stress is draining and can be extremely detrimental to health and lifestyle. It is so easy to fall victim to our own stress, especially when we are unsure of how to deal with it. It isn't good to let stress continue to build up because it will NOT go away on its own.

Personally, stress is my worst enemy. It eats at me and breaks me down when I am the least or most vulnerable. Here are a few things I do when I feel stressed out:

1. Put yourself in time out

It's always good to take a break and breathe. When you continue pushing yourself, on top of a lot of stress, you will get nothing good or beneficial done. Take the day off and relax.

2. Go to sleep

Sleep will help you chill out and mellow out your mind. Stop freaking out and ZONE OUT. Sleep is the best way to take a break.

3. Do something fun

Think about something that makes you happy and puts you in a good mood and DO IT. Don't overthink it, just take the time and do something that you are interested in — exercise, Netflix, puzzles, go out, etc. Or, go somewhere that typically makes you happy. When I'm stressed I online shop or go to the mall.

4. Talk

Sometimes you need to ramble and get things off of your chest. Even if you do not want advice, you still may need to get it out.

5. Hang out with friends

Friends are fun and hanging out with them is the complete opposite of stressful. Get together and do something as simple as watch an old Disney movie.

Everyone has their own ways of dealing with stress — these are just the best five ways for me to deal with my stress. Think about your own stress and make a list for yourself. Acknowledging your stresses is the first step to relieving it.