At five years old, we worried about dessert or who was going to chase who on the playground the next day. At ten years old, we were concerned about whether a boy or girl would check yes to liking us. When we turned thirteen, we stressed about middle school tests and puberty. Then came high school and a whole other world of stress like trying to get into college, dating the girl or guy you liked, starting a job after school, or just try to graduate on time. Stress never stops, it is one of the things that we all have in common when your five to 105 years old.

Whether you are in college or not, stress follows you. Will your assignment be on time? Will you pass that mid-term or final exam? Or will your alarm wake you up for your morning shift? Are you going to be able to go in for your shift if you are sick? I have been there. We all have for one point in our lives and we will still stress about anything we can.

I am a stressed person, always been and always will. The last month has been very hard not to stress. I am moving for the second time this year, quitting my first job that I ever had and moving on to a new job. And trying to get back into school next spring. I am handling this as well as I can for a 21-year-old that has never had to do this alone before.

First thing you have to think about is whether you want this stress to take over your life or let yourself grow from it. I know that is easier said than done. Here are a few things that I have done to help me, even if it just lowers my stress by a little.

If you are able too, take a step back and go outside. Give yourself some space to calm down. I will walk back and forth, or rather pace back and forth in the yard. Or go take a walk. Walking somewhere will give you enough time away from the situation so you can think clearly.

If you can't leave or step out of the room, pull your headphones out to listen to music. Put together your own playlist especially for when you are stressed. If you listen to the same playlist every time a situation arises, it should help more each time because you body will get used to it. I listen to like the same group of songs while I write my feelings down.

I write almost everyday. I don't particular keep a diary. But I write out my stress by writing stories or just writing little details of what happened down. Writing helps me get the frustration out without hurting anyone or myself. I write to you, my readers, and I write on a site for stories called Wattpad. Writing can be any form. Poetry, stories, scribbles or even doodling.

Last, but not least, talk to someone. Find someone to talk too about everything. It can be a friend, family member or a therapist. I'm not saying you need therapy. But sometimes you can feel more comfortable with talking to a stranger than you do with someone close to you. Everyone needs someone to listen no matter what.

These are only a few ways to help with the stress. Like me, you need to find your personal way of how to handle it. I believe that it is better that we control what stresses us and our choice to not let the stress take over us. What will you do? Don't let the stress run you over.