The weather is nice; you are sitting on a boat in the lake or on a raft in the pool, relaxing and enjoying the sun. Reality check! No way do you have time for “fun in the sun” this time of year.

Oh my gosh! I have three exams, a project due, a report to turn in, and I have to find time to meet with my classmates to work on our class project, all this week. Not to mention I have to work four shifts, plan a friend’s surprise birthday party and perhaps even squeeze in some sleep. Just another week in the life of a college student, right?

It is no wonder that we as college students are under so much stress. If you are taking a full load in classes, have a job and a social life, then this time of year can be so stressful, it will make you want to pull your hair out. Do teachers even understand?

Did you know that college students are the most vulnerable to stress? According to the American College Health Association, stress is the number one issue that hinders progress in academic performance. Unfortunately, stress is a tricky issue because it is not always easy to detect where it is coming from or how to eliminate it.

Stress, obviously cannot be avoided in college, but there are some things we can do to help relieve stress. According to the Director of Health Promotions and Communications at Colombia University, the first step in handling stress is to recognizing it. At the early stages of stress, you might not even realize that you are a victim. Look for changes in eating habits as well as sleeping habits.

How are you to de-stress for success? There are a few things to do that will help relieve you of stress. Get a gym membership. Exercise helps release tension and helps students think more clearly. Also purchase a relaxing CD. Everyone has their own personal preference so find yours and listen to it for five minutes a day to help get rid of stress. A healthy diet is also essential to de-stress yourself.  Getting the right amount of nutrients plays a vital to relaxing. Finally, as strange as it might seem try to be around something orange, whether it is a painting, a picture, or even a shirt. The color orange is the color of cheerfulness and will lift your spirits subconsciously.

If you have been stressed, and are tense how do you relieve the stress and relax?

 The first step is to breath. By taking a few deep breaths your body will get rid of the tension that is built up. Next go outside. Take a jog or walk around the park, or play with your dog. Finally, my favorite, pamper yourself. Get a manicure, pedicure or a massage. These things are so relaxing that all worries just go out the window and you are totally relaxed.

Finals are coming up and we as students will freak out and put our bodies through torture by pulling all-nighters, guzzling caffeine, and last minute cramming. There is no question; we will be stressed out for the next few weeks. But try to relax, it is almost over and you can be by the lake in no time!