No matter whether you’re learning in a traditional or online classroom, there are ways to combat the stress of being a student. With that being said, here are eight tips for reducing the stress of student life.

Sleep So You Can Study

You need a restful seven and a half to nine hours of sleep if you want to have the stamina to make it through study sessions and get your work done. If you don’t want your lack of sleep affecting your grades, try getting to bed before midnight and sticking to a regular schedule.

Eat to Energize Your Mind and Body

However cost-effective it might seem, surviving on a slice of pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is a sure way to decrease your body’s energy levels. To study and sleep well, you need the right kind of food in your body. Try incorporating a healthy dose of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet to get the most of it.

Stay Away From Energy Drinks

Many students either don’t get the necessary amount of sleep or don’t eat the right foods that they need to perform well in their courses. To substitute for this lack of attention and energy, they indulge in energy drinks that make them think their problems are all gone.

Well, not only are these drinks unhealthy, but they’re going to make you crash sooner or later. Once that happens, your head will feel like a mixing bowl with a scrambled brain inside of it. Simply put, stay away from energy drinks.

Keep Your Goals and Passions in Mind

As with life, there are good days and there are bad days. To muscle through those last-minute study sessions or those last few chapters, motivate yourself by thinking about your ultimate goals in life. Remind yourself that you’re working hard to get to that point. Also, don’t forget about your passions. Keep them in mind when you’re choosing your major, because there’s nothing worse than studying for an exam on a subject in which you have no interest.

Tackle One Task at a Time

Overloading yourself with work at the last minute is a one-way ticket to crash and burn. Schedule tasks throughout the day and allot enough time to complete each. It’s easy to procrastinate and put important tasks off until necessary, especially if you’re taking classes online, so remember to remain proactive and get things done as soon as they come up. Stay ahead of the game and you’ll never fall behind.

Focus on Your Grades, Not Socializing

There’s no doubt that socializing is part of the college experience, but that doesn’t mean your focus should be what parties to attend or posting “selfies” on Facebook. Getting good grades not only offers benefits like earning scholarships and grants that can go toward tuition costs, but they also have an impact once you graduate. Here are some secrets how to earn them.

Take a Break and Take a Trip

If you feel like you’re overwhelmed by the stressors of school, take a break. Whether it’s going for a walk, watching a movie, or even taking a weekend trip, it’s important to give your mind and body a rest. Hitting the books refreshed will ensure that you retain information and produce better quality work while you’re in school.

Don’t Forget to Breathe In and Breathe Out

Last but not least, don’t forget to breathe in and out when you’re feeling the pressure. No matter whether you’re stuck in traffic, on your way to a campus class, or sick of staring at the computer screen while writing your paper, it’s important to take a deep breath when you’re feeling agitated and annoyed. This split-second reprieve will help you feel better and push you toward earning your degree and getting that diploma.

Although college is tough, it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. Keep these tips in mind to help make the most of it.

Author Bio:

Lizzie Wann is the Content Director for Bridgepoint Education. She oversees all website content and works closely with New Media, Career Services, and Student Services for Ashford University.