Trust is defined as a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.

Trust is like a paper snowflake - difficult to build, complex, and easily torn apart by the grip of life's hands. In college and other times in our existence, there will be times of stress and adversities that we will have to overcome. These challenges can make us feel that we're barely keeping our heads above water, and that we're about to drown. We can lose trust in the universe or whatever entity we believe in when we're in panic-mode.

I'm here to tell you how to gain that trust back. This is a very hypocritical article for me to write because I too am struggling. I also don't feel that I know where I'm going in terms of my career. I never feel that I'm doing well enough in school. I feel that I could be doing more in my sorority. I always nitpick everything in my life and it's unhealthy. Just know that you're not the only one panicking. I am here to tell you that everything will be okay, and everything will work out. If it isn't according to plan, it's because the universe had a better plan for you.

The first thing to do to gain trust is to simply breathe.

Breathing is easier said than done. When negative thoughts enter our minds, we can be so caught up that we forget to breathe. Take a minute to drop whatever it is you're doing, and just breathe; breathe in deeply, and exhale as slowly as possible. Repeat this a few times. Close your eyes because it will help you focus on only breathing. Set aside time to breathe in deep once a day, whenever it is convenient for you.

Next, talk to someone you trust.

Talking to someone may seem scary, but it helps. No, you aren't going to burden them. No, they won't say "no" to having a conversation with you. No, they will not act like they don't want to listen. Talking to another person will help put things into perspective, and this person may be able to give you some advice. He or she could give you resources on where to go or what to do next. It doesn't hurt to speak up because if you give your pain a voice, it will lessen. You are guaranteed to get a hug out of it, and hugs are the best for when you're feeling down in the dumps.

Third, write a list of what is bothering you.

Writing a list of what is bothering you is a visual representation of what is jumbling inside your head, like clothes in a washing machine. It's like folding the laundry after it's being pulled out of the dryer. Even if you're too afraid to talk to someone, letting it out on paper could make you feel better. Once the list is compiled, prioritize the list. What is urgent? What can be done later? Will this matter in five years or more? Asking questions like these can help you decipher what's important and what's trivial.

Fourth, relax and do something you love.

Read a book. Go for a walk or a jog. Eat your favorite meal or candy. Do yoga. Watch your favorite television show or movie. Take a warm bath or shower. Self-care is important. Take the time to slow your mind down. Usually when you're calmer, you're able to think more rationally instead of running in circles.

Fifth, if none of these work, just fake it until you make it.

The universe is for you, not against you. Believe it or not, all hard times lead to amazing outcomes. It's the Yin and Yang in life. You cannot have peace without chaos. There's a balance to everything. Please believe me when I say trust the universe, even when you feel like you're being eaten alive with fear and uncertainty. You wouldn't be given a battle that you're not strong enough to handle.

You can do this. Trust the universe. Trust yourself.