One of the most stressful times is the start of college. First of all moving is one of the most stressful things a person can do, and you’re moving into a tiny little space with another person and then work is being thrown at you. Next, you have to find all your classes, try not to be late, try to make friends so you don’t find yourself staring at your dorm walls all alone all semester. There is a ton of pressure on you and everyone in college to succeed and all of those things plus many more contribute to college students having way too much stress in their lives. Here are some signs you are over stressed, and ways to alleviate it.

1. You find yourself never living in the moment fully.

Meditation. You have to sit down and train your brain to focus on what you want it to, not on all the other things.

2. You either can’t stop eating or can’t start eating

We are supposed to eat five meals a day with a least four eight ounce glasses of water a day. Despite what the cafeteria says, you need more than three meals a day. The way to stop yourself from over or under eating is to make a schedule and stick to it, three meals a day, two snacks. We can do this, guys!

3. You feel sick all the time

See number two, and if that doesn’t work, drink more water and go to bed.

4. You feel tired all the time.

This means you are overworking yourself. Even extroverts need time alone to just relax and recharge, you must take this time for yourself.

5. You have bad dreams

We have all been there, you wake up in a cold sweat over a paper you had a dream you forgot to write. Do not procrastinate! If the work is already done then you cannot panic about it.

6. People keep telling you to go to bed

You are in denial. You need sleep.

7. Your back and eyes start hurting from too much screen time.

Go find human contact! The world is not on a screen.

8. You find yourself hating being where you are

Whether you're at school or work, it doesn't matter because at one time some part of you wanted to do what you are doing. Remember that part of you.

9. You find yourself convinced that nothing is good in your life except one thing.

Let your life go. I know that sounds weird, but in your mind, stop trying to control everything that is uncontrollable. You can only control you, and even that is subjective.

10. You find yourself stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Remember what looks like one thing right now, if you step back from the situation might look completely different.

To all my college people who just went back to school, I feel your pain. But I believe in us and I know we can beat stress and keep on going. We are strong.