It's that time of the year again.. finals are around the corner, school is about to end, and everyone is running wild and stressing out over last minute projects and tests. Stress can eat you alive if you let it, but here are a few tips and tricks to help yourself NOT be consumed by all of the madness.

1. Take a nap...

Definitely don't do this if it's just to procrastinate on your school work, but do take a nap if your stress is overwhelming you and you're not able to focus. Sometimes naps can get us in a better mood and can give us more energy to work!

2. Go hiking

Being out in nature can really make a difference in your mood. Just the smell of fresh air and sun beating down on your skin can really change how you are seeing the world and can take away your troubles for even a small amount of time if you need it to.

3. Do yoga

Yoga is something that is one of the most relaxing things you can do.. yoga makes you focus on your breathing and your poses rather than focus on what is going on around you, therefore you are not able to stress over all of the little things because you are worrying about how not to fall out of your warrior pose.

4. Read a book

For me, reading books allow me to get lost in someone else's story instead of worrying about my own. This really helps if you just want your imagination to run wild.

5. Go out with your friends

This one is simple.. take a girls night out! Go bowling, go see a movie, or just go do something fun to relieve yourself of the stress your going through for a little while.

6. Pet a puppy

In my college town we have a pet store that is always stocked with puppies for sale.. so what do I do when I've had a stressful day? I just go hold puppies. It's amazing how those little creatures can take away our worries for a little while.

7. Take a bubble bath

Or you can take a long, hot shower. Either one. But doing this always relaxes a person and also makes you feel so much better afterwards.

8. Work out

For some, working out is a great stress reliever. If that's you, get up and go to the gym!

9. Have a dance party!

Turn on some music and turn it up really loud! Sing to yourself and dance around your room.. trust me, this makes you feel silly but it also makes you feel 100x better.

10. Do something you love to do..

Paint, write, run, anything! Do something that you enjoy doing. This may help put your happiness back into place.