Life can be incredibly stressful, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution to handling it.  The tactics you use to keep yourself from becoming overwhelmed could vary greatly from the next person as each coping mechanism depends on the individual’s needs.  Below are my six stress-reducing solutions from which you can choose.  Pick one, or combine several, to best suit your needs.

De-stress with Meditation Candle (Expand) by YOKE from Zady

1) Organize your time.

There are countless tools you can use to organize your time: planners, to-do lists, apps, websites, and even programs like Habitica, which is a to-do list in the form of a role-playing game.

2) Organize your money

While not true of everyone, money can be a huge stressor in many people’s lives.  It’s easy to lose track of how you spend your money with the advent of modern technology.  To gain a sense of accountability, establish a budget, especially one that requires you to track all of your expenditures manually.  Not only will you see how much money you spend, but you’ll also feel a heightened sense of responsibility for your actions. 

3) Splurge

This doesn’t necessarily mean spending money.  The best splurges are often the ones where we reward ourselves with extra ‘me’ time.  Give yourself a manicure.  Make hot chocolate with extra marshmallows.  Fit an extra 15 minutes into your day to read a short story, or a chapter in a book.  Just give yourself a little bit extra every once in a while.  You deserve it, and your stress levels will lower in the process.

4) Don’t be afraid to ask for help

There is a common misconception that asking for help is a sign of weakness.  It’s not.  Talking to people and letting them know you need help will not only make your relationships stronger, but it can also take some of the pressure off of you.  Sometimes even voicing your problems out loud can help you to see them in a different light.  And you never know, someone who’s listening could have been in a similar situation, and may have the solution that you need.

5) Find a relaxing hobby

Preferably a hobby that fits well in your organized schedule.  For instance, I crochet.  It doesn’t take a lot of concentration, so I can easily crochet while listening to a lecture in class, or even while reading my assignments.  It’s easy to learn, and if you make a mistake, it’s simple to fix.  And, best of all, crocheting allows you to hold a finished product in your hands and really feel like you’ve accomplished something.  I would encourage you to explore your interests outside of obligations and find a hobby that provides a mental break from you routine.

Someone could have been in a similar situation and have the solution you need.

6) Spend time with someone you care about. 

Even if your best friend lives hundreds of miles away, there are still ways to spend time with him or her.  Every once in a while, my sister and I will pick a movie or a show to watch and then we’ll discuss it.  She lives 130 miles away from me, but we still find a way to share our lives with each other, and continue the types of activities that we did when we lived together.  The comfort you feel from spending time with someone you care about will remind you that you’re not alone in your efforts to reduce everyday stress.

Alexia is a student at Indiana University, balancing school, work and a family.  She's hoping to pursue a Master's degree in Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois in the next year.  Shop in her Etsy store Reap and Roxi's Crafts and visit her blog Ally of the Dawn.