As a new school year approaches, the stress levels start to increase drastically. Regardless of your age and gender or major, stress is an issue that all college students have to deal with. During my freshman year, I found some effective ways to help minimize my stress and make it through the school year. The following are seven ways to manage your stress throughout the year.

1. Stay Organized

Keeping your work organized will help you manage your time and keep your stress levels under control. I find the best way for me to stay organized is to write things down. I use my school planner to write in meetings and events as well as assignments and exams. I choose a color for each class and highlight the tests and assignments so that I can clearly see when I have assignments due for each class. In addition to writing in my calendar, I like to make lists, especially when there is a lot I need to get done. This is really helpful when I feel overwhelmed with my classes. Sometimes I am in class and feel like I can’t focus because I’m stressing and thinking about all the things I have to get done. When that happens I will pull out a piece of paper and make a list of what I need to do. I will plan out an order in which will execute each task. For example, I tell myself: After class, I will finish my Chemistry homework. At five o’clock, I will take a break for dinner. At six, I’ll start my English paper. I’ll work on that for about an hour, then I will study for my Spanish Quiz. If I have everything planned out and written down, I can focus on doing one thing at a time.

2. Change the Way You Think

Another technique I use when I am overwhelmed is simply changing the way I think about things. It's amazing how just changing your point of view can make life so much less stressful. Rather than thinking about how far I have to go, I think about how far I’ve come. I take a minute to think about all the obstacles I have overcome. There have been times in the past when I was stressed out about a big project or a paper I had to write, but somehow I got it done. There was a point when I was worried about just graduating high school, but I made it. I’ve done it before, and I can do it again. That’s what I tell myself. Then I take a deep breath, look at my list, and take it one step at a time.

3. Have a Support System

It’s good to have people to talk to and check in with throughout the year. Just talking to your friends is good. After all, they are in the same boat you are. Get acquainted with some people in your classes and majors so you chat, study together, and help each other stay on track. In addition to other students, it is a good idea to talk to a counselor. Counseling can be helpful for any college student, whether you have a history of mental illness or not. I met with someone weekly at my school, Ashland University, and I found it extremely beneficial. They were very willing to work with me and find a time that fit into my schedule. You don’t have to dedicate a lot of time to therapy. I met with a counselor once a week for an hour, and towards the end of the semester when I felt I was doing a lot better, I made it every other week just to check in.

4. Write About It

Sometimes it’s helpful just to write down what you’re feeling. Journaling is a good, healthy way to cope with stress. What I love about journaling is that it allows you to write freely and express yourself however you choose. It’s not stressful like writing a paper for school. There is no length or content requirements, and no one has to read it. It’s all about getting your thoughts out and expressing your emotions. While journaling may seem most suitable for someone like myself, a female who loves to read and write, anybody can do it. Regardless of your gender and whether or not you consider yourself a strong writer, I would encourage you to give it a try.

5. Pray and/or Meditate

Sometimes when I am journaling, I will write down my prayers. As a Christian, prayer is an important part of my life. I believe that God has a plan for me, and I trust that everything will work out. I ask God to take away my stress and anxiety and to give me guidance. In addition to prayer, I like to use meditation. This is a technique you can utilize regardless of your religion. While meditation can be religious, it does not have to be. There are many types of meditation which may involve focusing your mind on a particular object or idea or just clearing your mind altogether. Meditation may be coupled with deep breathing exercises that allow you to relax your mind and body. I am not going to go into detail with the types of meditation, but it may be something worth looking into.

6. Sleep

Getting enough sleep is another important way to minimize stress. You should try to get your recommended eight hours of sleep each night, though that may not be realistic for all college students. If you feel you don’t get enough sleep at night, it’s okay to take a short nap between or after classes. Sometimes your body needs that extra rest. On the other hand, you should make sure you are not over sleeping. If you’re taking a nap during the day, set an alarm and make yourself get up when it’s time. If you sleep too long, it may leave you feeling more stressed as you won’t have the time and energy to get all your work done.

7. Exercise

It is important to balance your rest with exercise. Exercise is important not only to stay in shape physically, but mentally as well. Aerobic exercise actually reduces the amount of stress hormones in the body while stimulating the production of mood elevators. You do not have to exercise excessively to achieve these benefits. Even just a half hour of steady exercise will help boost your mood and reduce stress. I like to take break to go to the gym during the day to get my mind off of school work for a while. Sometimes I get up and go after a nap, or I skip the nap altogether. You may think working out would make you more tired, but getting that blood pumping actually energizes you and helps you get through the rest of the day.

With each new semester comes new schedules, new classes, and new stressors. Staying organized, having a support system, and taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally will help you manage your stress and make it through a busy school year. So take a deep breath, talk to people, write down how your feeling, make lists, stay organized, get rest, get exercise, keep calm, and school on. You can do it.