School is just around the corner and that means loads of work. Before our lives are consumed by the work that awaits us, we should try to relieve all of our stress. 

positive mindset, making us more confident about ourselves and the ready to take on the new year. Here are 10 simple ways to help you achieve a stress free life.

1. Take a break. If you are doing a task and notice your stress rising, stop. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing and the positives of the day. If you picture your next task going smoothly, it will also help relieve some of the stress you have built up. Once you notice your heart rate slowing down and feel calmer, you can move on to your next task. 

2. Go outside. Being outside is a great way to relieve stress. Julie Holland, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine says, “Exposing your retina to sunlight resets your circadian rhythm so your brain is on a schedule.” Being in nature is very calming and has been known to lower heart rate. Take in some fresh air and enjoy your time outdoors. 

3. Scream. Sometimes we build up so much stress that our bodies begin to shut down. Release your stress and anger with a scream. Whether it’s out in the open or in a pillow, is up to you. If you need to let your feelings out about a situation or person you have been holding on to, by all means do so, just make sure it’s somewhere safe and with people you trust. 

4. Take it easy. When stress overtakes your body, many people see working out as the way to relieve it. Although working out does relieve stress, try to do a light workout, instead of an intense one. Intense workouts can actually raise stress levels since you can become physically tired as well as mentally tired. Samuele M. Marcora, a physiologist at the University of Kent in England, recommends a light jog or walk, saying that is good for your mood.

5. Watch a tearjerker. By watching depressing movies with a better outlook, it may help you learn to cope with your own stress. Try coming up with happier endings or figure out how you would deal with this situation in your own life. By practicing your problem solving techniques during movies, you will be better prepared for your real world stressors. 

6. Forgive someone. Letting go of your negative feelings will lower your stress level. According to Charlotte vanOyen Witvliet, a psychologist at Hope College in Michigan, “When our minds keep rehearsing troubling interactions, the body’s calming system becomes impaired.” Try seeing the situation from their point of view and understand their situation in order to forgive them. If you can honestly and sincerely forgive someone, and no longer feel anger towards them, you will be able to relieve some of your stress. 

7. Meditate. Yoga is a proven stress reliever. In my opinion, this is the best stress reliever. It provides you with exercise and calming breathing exercises. Look up yoga poses and meditation exercises online. Practicing those a few times a week, will greatly benefit your mind and body. 

8. Make yourself busy. Sometimes, when you are trying to relax by watching TV or reading, you find yourself constantly thinking about your deadlines or future work. By taking up activities like cooking or playing a game, it will help occupy your mind and let you be at rest.  According to Susan Nolen- Hoeksema, a professor of psychology at Yale University, “Overthinking without being able to resolve anything draws us deeper into a feeling of being overwhelmed.”   

9. Turn off technology. All of us are guilty of clinging to our phones and computers. We are constantly on technology absorbing the newest information. Try taking a break from technology, especially at night. Try not bringing your phone with you to bed or turning on the TV or Netflix. Your mind will be more at rest when you go to sleep. This will greatly help reduce your stress level. 

10. Laugh. Go out with your friends and have a good time. Laughing can be such a great stress reliever. It elevates your mood and gives you a more positive outlook. By laughing more often you will become happier and, soon, stress free.