We all go through it. The accumulating piles of paper, and the overfilled planners crammed with assignments. After a long day of work you want to come home and relax, but you can’t because the amount of homework you have is unbelievable and you are behind on a lot of it. In an effort to make sense of the stress most of us students will be facing this semester, try making simple adjustments to improve your life and well-being.

You get home at five from work or an after school activity and you are confronted with a plethora of things you need to get done. It’s okay to go and sit on the couch for a half an hour to watch the news or a good rerun of Friends before you get down to business. It is important not linger for more than an hour because once you get into a relaxed mood it will be hard to come back. It may also be a good idea to do a vigorous activity every other day so you don’t get caught up in the same routine.

The next step is dinner. Most likely you haven’t eaten since lunch. Dinner shouldn’t take more than an hour. Make sure you find time to prepare a meal at home in your kitchen or help your parents with meal preparation. This will boost your daily activity and add to your overall skills. Subscribing to cooking magazines such as Cooking Light, is a good way to find inspirations to eat well and find a variety of fun and healthy foods.

At this time in your evening is when the “me time” happens. Having time to take care of your body’s hygiene will leave  you feeling fresh and clean. A good way to transition into your nightly routine is to wash off the dirt of the day from your body. This can also prevent the spread of bacteria that can harm your immune system. If you are feeling tense after a long day of school, a warm bubble bath with some smooth jazz in the background is a good way to relieve stress while being cleaned at the same time. If you aren’t a bath person, take a 10 to 15 minute shower under warm water. Scented shampoos and body washes can really revive your senses and helps calm your nerves.

Next is the part most people dread, but if you have gone through the other steps then getting through your workload should be a breeze. When doing your work you should always prioritize which assignments get done first. Usually start with the things that will take the most time or are due most immediately. Be mindful of the time, however. The minimum amount of time recommended for sleep is eight hours, so go to bed at the appropriate hour depending on when you plan to wake up.

Everyone’s needs are different. No one wants to be stressed out. Finding what works for you and balancing all of the essentials in your life is the first step in finding a positive outlook on life.