School is starting up very soon, and for some students sooner than others. I'd guess by now, many students have their schedules set and are enjoying the final days of their summer vacation before the grind of school starts.

For me, my mood about school changes every five minutes. One minute, I'm excited to start school and to finish strong, especially since I graduate in May. But that feeling quickly changes a minute later when I think about the stress that school brings.

One of the things that I've learned during my time as a student is that regardless of how stressful the semester might be, it's crucial to find some time to yourself. The semester takes its toll, but if you don't find a day, a weekend, or some sort of routine that helps you mentally decompress from the stress that school brings, then it will affect you in a negative way. Here are three things that you can do to decompress that will help you throughout the semester.

1. Exercise.

Ayo Ogunseinde

Exercising is a great way to relieve stress. Whether that means going to the gym or playing pick-up basketball or going rock climbing or whatever form of exercise you choose to do, being active and exercising is a great way to relieve stress. One thing that I've noticed is that for some reason when I exercise, it serves as an escape mechanism from the real world. I know many people who echo the same sentiments after they exercise. From personal experience, exercising tends to help me with whatever story I have to write or assignment I have to complete. Sure, I'm tired after working out, but it's almost like my brain gets a boost of energy and it helps me complete whatever task that I need to finish.

3. Do cool things by yourself.

Steven Spassov

Do cool things by yourself. This year, specifically this summer, I started doing things on my own and I found it to be a nice stress reliever. I went to see a movie by myself and then went to lunch. Granted, I'm introverted by nature and I love doing a lot of things by myself. But there's something really special and relieving about doing things by yourself that you would do with a friend - or as a couple. In my opinion, doing things alone allows you to not only relieve stress but see the world differently. For me, hanging out by myself allows me to dream a little bigger and just organize my thoughts. It's like it's me and God going for a walk and there's nobody else in the world except for us. It's a wonderful peace that serves as a great escape.