5 Quick Ways to Live a Stress-Free Life

It is about that time in the semester that everything seems to happen all at the same time. Tests, projects, quizzes and loads of homework all overlap. In order to keep your head above water here are a couple of ways to keep stress to the minimum:

A clean room makes for a clean mind.

No matter how crazy your life gets, the one thing that should always be spotless is your room. Having a hectic day and coming home to a clean room automatically de-stresses the mind. Having a messy room can affect your mind negatively even if you aren't aware of it—a clean space promotes a clean, stress-free mindset.

2. Get into a routine.

Everyone has those days where sleeping in seems like it may be the answer to all of your problems, but its not. Get into a habit of waking up at the same time every day. Doing so helps your body get into a routine which will help you create more time for you to accomplish things such as working out. That leads us to #3.

3. Work out.

Working out, no matter how painfully dreadful it can be, will leave you feeling ten times better afterwards. Exercise releases mood-boosting chemicals called endorphins. Working out or even just going for a ten minute walk can raise your heart rate and produce those chemicals, helping to de-stress the body.

4. Step away from the screens.

Computer use, phone use and other electronics have all been known to associate with stress. Give yourself some time away to breathe and let your eyes catch a break as well. Smartphones in particular stress us all out. Studies have linked our stress to thinking we have to respond all the time. Un-plug. Take a walk. Let your mind relax.

5. Hang out with friends.

Last but not least, make time for your friends. Laughing decreases stress hormones. Set aside some time each day solely designated to friends. Whether it is watching a movie, going for a car ride or just getting food, doing this with your friends will relieve you of stress temporarily. Go hug a friend.