Like most college student, I find myself increasingly stressed as the school year progresses.

We are no longer in syllabus week. The teachers are not holding back on the amount of work that we have to complete. Trying to manage school work, your social life, and sleep is hard, and let’s face it, very stressful.

Handling stress the first year of college was tough, but I still managed. But this year has been quite different.  My classes are harder. I spend more time with friends. But I feel better than I did last year.

I didn't just get used to it. I found my secret place where I let everything fall away. I've been practicing yoga for quite some time now and I only realized this for the first time the other day: my yoga mat is the one place where all my stress disappears. 

I don’t know when it happened. But somehow, whenever I roll out my yoga mat and begin breathing deep, I am no longer stressed. There is nothing but relief from the moment I begin practicing. I feel at peace. Yoga has helped me in so many aspects of life, but the biggest is definitely my state of mind. Stress no longer affects me as drastically as it used to.

Now I’m not saying everyone should go out and start practicing yoga (even though it is awesome and I totally recommend it), but go out and find something that makes you less stressed. Be happy and stress free for just a few moments of the day. If it’s Saturday, hopefully you’re stress free the entire day. 

My yoga mat has become this place for me. Yours could be anywhere - in your bed watching Netflix, taking a walk outside, sitting at Waterfront Park or The Battery, or sitting on the beach. 

There are so many places and activities that will help clear your mind and make you forget about your stress. If you devote time to do this every week, your work load may not seem as terrifying as it once was and you’ll feel ready to take it on. Find the yoga mat in your life and commit to it. You'll feel better in no time.