With the third week of classes upon us, I have already taken an exam, and have two papers coming steadfast over the horizon, as well as being involved on campus. At times, school and life outside of it can become stressful. We all have our ways of coping; I just thought I would share my stress-relieving ways in hopes of helping you in the upcoming weeks.

1. Exercise

Perhaps the hardest, in the sense that the hardest part is getting up and going to the gym, however my most successful. Find yourself a workout partner to make the task seem less daunting and more fun! Whether it be going for a jog, spending time in the weight room, or trying new workout classes, the endorphins boost your self-esteem and give you a shot of energy to press onto the next task.

2. Yoga

Similar to exercise, however I have been doing at-home yoga, following a 30-day challenge on YouTube called "Yoga with Adriene." Starting with the basics and progressing with each day, you learn new stretches, ways to explore your body, and, most importantly, partake in breathing exercises that really allow the mind to take a break. Typically, I do this before I start my bedtime routine to relax and ease my mind before going to sleep.

3. Animal therapy

As a college student, nothing excites me more than seeing a dog or cat while out-and-about. I am lucky that two of my roommates own cats, so my animal therapy is at an all-time high. It's nice to be able to take a break and play and snuggle with them, until they sit on your homework and won't get up! They're still cute, though.

4. Talking about your stress out loud

I have found that talking through your worries with someone else is very helpful in making sense of it all. I am luck to have a best friend/roommate combination, and I don't know what I would do without her. Almost everyday we talk about why we are stressed and what we can do to alleviate some of it. Studying together, taking breaks together, and giving each other advice helps us tremendously.

5. Essential oils and aromatherapy

I use one, or both of these, everyday. My favorite aromatherapy products are the bath soaps and pillow mists from Bath & Body Works. I find the scents calming and relaxing, and have incorporated them into my bedtime routine. I use essential oils for just about everything: muscle pain, headaches, allergies, energy and focus, you name it. When I first started using these products, I was skeptical as to whether they worked or not. Now, I have no doubt.

6. Taking that 30-minute nap

I used to feel guilty taking naps because I felt like I could be spending my time more wisely. However, a mental recharge is sometimes necessary, and no better way than curling up into a ball with a cozy blanket to reset your mind!

7. Maintaining healthier eating habits

As part of my "new year, new me" mentality, I started eating healthier, making it a long-term goal. I have found that cutting out the junk has allowed me to sleep better, have more energy, and rely less on coffee or energy drinks for sustainability.

Of course, the occasional slip-up occurs and I eat Fuego or order Hungry Howie's; I try to save those bad habits for weekends only. A healthy diet has proven effective when it comes to my overall well-being. I feel happier and more focused on a day-to-day basis.