Just breathe

If that's easier said than done, that's okay too. A new year, a new semester, a whole new set of problems. It doesn't matter if you've dealt with stress and anxiety all your life or are just facing it now. Below are jus a few ways you can keep yourself calm and collected as the semester progresses.

1. Stay organized

By staying organized you're less likely to forget about homework or throw together an essay at the last minute. That being said, there's only so much organization can do before procrastination takes over. However, by being organized you can procrastinate on other things... just sayin'.

Gif source

2. Get an adequate amount of sleep

This is extremely important. If you don't get enough sleep, you'll become grumpy and just an overall bummer to be around. All nighters are fine every now and again but don't make it a habit. Once out in the real world with a regular schedule, you will thank me.

Gif source

3. Don't spread yourself too thin

It's okay to say no. In fact, I encourage it. College is exciting and you may want to join every group and club possible. Instead of signing up for EVERY email list and overcommitting, pick a few that interest you and that you'll actually show up for. Same goes for hanging out with friends versus studying. You need to keep a balance or else you'll just be grouchy.

Gif source

4. Take some me time

Me time is an absolute necessity. If you're living on campus, you'll be surrounded by people 24/7. If you're living off campus, you still have to deal with friends, family, and due dates. Block out some time that is just for you and use it the way you want. Love a bubble bath and bath bomb? Do it. Enjoy going to the movies? Buy a ticket and settle in. Me time is me time because you get to decide what goes down.

Gif source

5. Treat yourself

This can be coupled with me time or a separate thing. When you start to feel overwhelmed, take a step back and treat yourself to something nice. I don't mean to go out and spend your entire allowance/paycheck/etc. on something (although you can if you'd like... I don't know your life) but treating yourself to something small every now and again is a good way to keep motivated.

Gif source

6. Talk it out

If you're someone who needs to talk out your stresses, seek out a therapist on campus or in your school's community. You'll be amazed at how much more clearly you can think when you down to the bottom of your anxiety. You'll find that, when you have the proper outlet for your stress, you can focus better on all of the things you need to do, and in turn, you'll perform better.

GIF source

These are just a few of the ways I managed to deal with stress and keep my cool throughout college. In reality, you just need to do what's best for you and really you're the only one that can dictate exactly what that is.

Hero source