Kent State has kicked off another school year. It’s great to see everyone and return to a constant routine of attending classes, completing projects and making time for extra-curricular activities. As a third year student, I have perfected managing my own schedule. Although I have enough time for the things I want to do, I still stress about deadlines and splitting time equally between friends, work and school.

I exercise for stress relief, which ironically adds one more task to my daily life, but I found tips on WebMD.com, a medical information Web site, that may help you relieve semester stress.

It is easy to get distracted, especially around campus. Who wouldn’t want to be outside in Risman Plaza talking to friends instead of in the library writing a first paper? The task is to stay focused and prioritize your daily activities in the order of importance, so you know what you need to get done and you avoid the anxiety of a scattered schedule.

Worrying about things that are out of your control adds a lot of stress to your day. Try not to worry about what your roommate is doing; he or she may be busier later in the semester when all your projects are done.

Be realistic and don’t bite off more that you can chew. In college there are so many opportunities and events for students to engage in that it is hard to fit every intriguing event into your schedule. Set achievable, realistic goals to help lower stress levels.

Acknowledge yourself for what you are doing and reward your accomplishments. If you have a list of tasks, cross them off once you accomplish one. The list will get smaller and you will feel better about the things you have left to achieve. If it helps, reward yourself once you have crossed one thing off your list, as this will keep you pushing forward when you are stressed.

If you have two papers due on the same day, don’t start them both two days before they are due. Get one done ahead of time. This will also leave you more time to relax, keeping you stress free.

Don’t forget to set aside a little time for yourself. Whether it’s going to the Student Recreation and Wellness Center or hanging out with your significant other, adding a little fun to your schedule can help keep you sane and motivated. According to

WebMD.com, you should try something you enjoy because hobbies can be great stress relievers.

Also, finding something that relaxes you will help. For me, running is my relaxation technique. Some people would prefer watching their favorite TV show or listening to their favorite jams before bed. The site suggests volunteer work as a stress reliever. Any activity that allows your mind a mini vacation helps refresh your outlook on the project once you start working again.

Remember to breathe. Taking deep breaths will help get oxygen to your body and let your mind rest for the moment. Deep breathing is a good way to relax your body.

If your semester is off to a slow start keep these helpful tips in mind for your overwhelming days.

Kelsey Henninger is a junior magazine journalism major and a columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Tell her your stress relief tips by contacting her at [email protected].