Often times in college the stress of tests and classes will seem like too much to handle. The last thing you want to happen is to become too stressed, thus affecting your grades and performance as a student. There are many ways to keep these things from happening. You need to have a stress relief strategy to avoid crumbling under the weight of stress and pressure.

One key way to avoid stress is to first find an interest that you can excel in while at college. Find something that can keep your attention like a club sport or even just running or swimming at the gym. It does not have to be sports though. Maybe picking out a book, or simply relaxing in your dorm will help you reduce stress. It does not matter what it is as long as it keeps your mind at ease from what is stressing you out.

If you want to stay academically sharp, try to find a group with the same classes so you can get help with the stress and work load. See the topic on Forming a Good Group Members. Find students that can walk you through assignments and projects so you are not flustered about the assignment. Working in groups is a great way to reduce stress, especially in college, because groups will help keep your spirits up and lighten your load.

One thing that works well is going to the gym or exercising. This really allows you to physically exert yourself and release all of your tension and stress while doing something healthy. You will also be able to focus more clearly on your work after you exercise. Working out can improve your confidence since you can see the results of your efforts.

Another way to reduce stress is finding time to hang out with friends. Going out with them, hanging out, or just talking and laughing with your friends will help to relieve stress. You will also need one special friend who you can just unload on when you are really troubled.

You may find that you can manage stress by going to a quiet place and listening to music. You can clear your head and just focus on the music.

Learn to appreciate the little things about your day. If you are feeling stressed, try to make someone smile and you will find yourself smiling as well. You might try to have one day a week, such as a Saturday, that is dedicated to just doing things for you and not worrying about school.

Managing stress can be hard but the best way to handle your stress is to focus on the cause of the stress. You may be overwhelmed with your work load and the best way to manage your stress is to manage your time. See the topic: Managing Your Time.

In order to manage your stress, develop lists or post it notes for each day. Right down tasks that are most important and not so important. You can judge whether or not something needs to be done by looking at your syllabus. Also when a professor gives you a huge assignment don’t get overwhelmed. The first thing you need to do is figure out how to do it in small tasks in order to not feel stressed. If you have a project due in a week it would be best to start early. Completing a project the night before will only raise your stress level.

Studying is also something that gives everyone stress, but it’s one of those things you have to do. Studying little by little every night will also help you reduce your stress.

Relieving stress can be performed in many different ways. All of the tips above are great but it really depends on what you enjoy doing, if you are doing something you enjoy, you will feel less stressed..