So I don’t know about anyone else, but its only the third week of the semester and I’ve already had like 10 mental breakdowns. Classes have barely begun and I feel like the stress is just piling on and I’m being completely crushed. For some reason, I thought taking 18 credits was a good idea. It’s not. It’s a horrible idea. Also, I had to switch one of my classes almost two weeks in and my new professor required me to submit a four page paper on the day after I signed up for the class. But it’s fine. Everything is fine. Maybe if I say it enough it will actually be true. Anyway, if you can relate to my issues or just have problems of your own, then I want to give you a few tips on how to combat the demon that is stress and prevent major freak-outs.

1. Go to the gym

I know most people think of working out as a chore, and hey, I hear you. I used to hate going to the gym and running on a treadmill, or even running outside. I thought exercise was boring and difficult so I never wanted to be apart of it. Recently, though, I’ve been going to the gym almost every day and I’ve found that I actually really enjoy it. The reason may partially be that I watch Netflix while on the treadmill, but honestly that’s completely fine with me. Also, now that I know what exercises I like to do, I don’t feel as awkward and I don’t just gravitate towards the treadmill or the elliptical machines. Working out really helps to get your mind off of whatever you’re worrying about and just makes you feel better all around.

2. Drink a hot cup of tea (preferably in a cute mug)

There's literally nothing a cup of tea cannot fix. When I come back from a long day of classes, I have a cup of tea. When I am stressed out beyond my mind, I have a cup of tea. When I'm just really sad, I have a cup of tea. Basically, I'm always having a cup of tea. Tea naturally de-stresses you and calms you down to a level you can deal with. I've recently also started buying loose tea leave rather than tea bags and I've found that brewing the tea is actually pretty relaxing too.

3. Make a list

This one's for all of the organization obsession people out there. I love making lists because I feel Iike when I have a list of tasks ordered by importance, I know exactly what I need to do and when. Next you're freaking out about the thousands of pages of homework you have, or the 20 different assignments you have due, take a second to breathe, and make a list of everything you have to do. Number each item from one on, one being the most important and imminent. Then as you complete tasks you can cross them out and your workload gets smaller and smaller as you go on. Lists just make everything feel better.

4. Call your mom

Whether you're like me and talk to your mom every single day, or you speak to her once a week, if you're in panic mode, call her. I guarantee you it will make you feel a little bit better. Moms naturally have a calming tone and if you actually tell your mom what's going on in your life, she will probably have some advice to help you get through it, or at the least a few words of encouragement. Regardless of what you're freaking out about, talking to your mom is definitely your best bet to calming down.

5. Just cry

Yeah I know, no one likes to or wants to cry, but if you're really feeling that much pressure, there's no better way to let it out. Crying is natural and we usually feel better after doing it. It's kind of awkward though for those of us that live in a one room dorm. If you burst into tears when your roommate's just hanging out they're gonna think you're the freak who whimpers to them self. But in all actuality, crying really won't solve the situation at all, but it can alleviate some stress and make you feel a tiny bit better than you did before.

6. Take a break

There's nothing worse than hours and hours of straight homework, writing papers, and studying. The best way to retain knowledge is actually by studying for short periods of time with frequent breaks. So if you think sitting at your desk for six hours or in the library for 10, you're wrong. Don't add even more stress to the mountain you already have of it. If you have a lot of work, take a snack break, watch a funny half hour sitcom, just step away from your books for a moment and give your brain time to retain everything you just fed it.

7. Pet a dog or cat

If you're lucky enough to have your pet with you, take advantage of it. Being away from my dog while I'm at school is horrible because I don't have a furry friend to hug when I just need some love. So if you're home, pet your dog or cat when you need some relief. If you're not, volunteer at a local animal shelter or find a dog around campus. At UD, there are three puppy raising clubs and a lot of opportunities to pet shelter dogs in one of the student centers, so there are always dogs around. Most colleges have things similar to this and I guarantee you it will alleviate some of your stress and anxiety.

8. Color

In the past few years, adult coloring books have become increasingly popular because of their stress relieving qualities. Trust me on this one. I love to color and it really doesn't matter if you can stay between the lines or not, just that you're relaxing and not thinking about whatever is causing you so much stress.

9. Eat healthy!!!

I cannot emphasize this one enough! When you get anxious and stressed you naturally just feel pretty bad, so there’s no better way to make you feel good than fruits and veggies! My personal favorite thing to eat when I’m stressed is a smoothie bowl (homemade or bought from Playa Bowls) filled with fruit, granola, grains, and drizzled with peanut butter, Nutella, or honey to keep my energy levels up. After eating one of these, or anything healthy that you like, you’ll most definitely feel refreshed, full, and ready to take on whatever life (or your professors) hands you.