College can be very stressful at times and it's easy to lose sight of the idea of being relaxed and not overwhelmed. Stress doesn't just occur during finals; it occurs year round when it comes to school, sometimes worse than others. Don't get me wrong, college is the best time of your life; however, stress is inevitable, so here are a few things that help me get through it!

1. Make lists

There are so many different lists you can make. I have separate lists for just about everything: grocery lists, to do lists, expense lists, homework lists, etc. It's super easy to keep track of your obligations; some people prefer keeping their lists on their phone or on paper. Writing things down help visualize what you need to do so that it's not all jumbled in your head.

2. Make time for something/someone that makes you happy

It is so important to make time for anything that makes you happy. While you're stressed or flustered, putting down your homework and taking a break helps boost your mood and motivation.

3. Schedule nap time

I try to take a nap every day...it doesn't always work out that way though. Naps are seriously crucial to surviving college because we usually don't get a sufficient amount of sleep at night due to college work. This isn't always possible because some of us have jobs and other obligations but a 20-minute nap makes a huge difference to your day.

4. Keep a planner or calendar

It is SO much easier to visualize your schedule when you have it all written on a calendar. I personally like having a physical planner rather than using my phone's calendar, but a phone calendar works just as well. A planner gives you the ability to see when your exams are; therefore, you can avoid stressing about missing them and you can estimate when to start studying.

Staying organized in college is a huge part of successfully achieving your academic goals, as well as staying less stressed and happy. Surround yourself with positive vibes and make sure you manage your time efficiently.