The first week of a semester is always overwhelming. You're in new classes with new peers and professors. You may or may not have friends in your classes. In each of your five classes, your professors give you five different syllabi with five different requirements.

In one class, you have six exams, and in another class, you only have two. There are homework assignments every night in one class and in another, you may have none. It's hard to keep track of what professor said what.

It's hard to remember where your next class is. Change is overwhelming. Life is just overwhelming. For me, I use these three techniques to calm myself whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed.

1. Talk to someone

I love to talk. Talking always makes me feel better. People are wells of knowledge and have experience.

Talk to someone who you know has experience and has gone through what you are going through. They will calm your nerves and will teach you coping mechanisms. And believe me when I say this works because I just was enlightened and calmed down approximately 20 minutes ago by the simple act of talking to someone.

2. Sleep (and cuddle)

Something that always calms me down is sleeping and, of course, cuddling! For me, sleep is the remedy for all things. Whenever you are feeling overwhelmed, lie down, breath, and close your eyes.

Empty your mind of the things that are troubling you. Cuddle with your significant other, best friend, or favorite stuffed animal. The act of being close to something and being held is calming (this is scientifically proven!). So go under your fuzzy blanket and get cozy!

3. Do something fun!

After a long and stressful first week of the semester, today I am going shopping with my friends and having fun! Everyone deserves downtime and shopping is the perfect remedy for stress. Spoil yourself with this me-time and buy that makeup kit that you've been dying to have.

You only have one life and you can't live it being stressed out all of the time! If shopping is not your idea of fun, going out with friends, watching Netflix, and playing with puppies are always viable options.

I hope everyone has a great semester! Use these three tips whenever you are feeling overwhelmed by the stressors of life. You'll thank me later!