Final exams for college students are some of the most stressful times they will ever have. Students deal with stress in different ways, some spending their time at Starbucks and others locking themselves in the library.

There are many ways to combat stress without taking out your frustrations on your roommates. Not every way works completely on everyone but they will at least help reduce your stress levels some.

Women and men deal with stress in different ways. Sometimes people will overeat and other people often don’t eat at all. There are healthy ways if you are an over eater or if you don’t think about food when you stress.

Over eaters can monitor what they eat and stick to light foods like carrots and celery. Overeaters can also drink a glass of milk which makes people’s stomachs feel full so they won’t think about food so much.

Also by eating light and healthier foods instead of fast food or fried food it helps your body feel better which can lower stress. Three foods to avoid according to People Magazine are chili peppers, cookies and excessive amounts of red wine.

Those who don’t think about food should set timers and at least have a snack when timers go off. This keeps your metabolism going which will increase brain function so you can keep studying and absorb all of the subjects you’re studying for.

Foods for both over eaters and non-eaters to try to add into their diets during high stress times are: oatmeal, kidney beans, mint, tomatoes, bananas and dark chocolate. Add these foods to your meals plus a balance of whole grains and you’ll feel the stress melting away.

Exercise can also help reduce stress. Most students avoid exercising so they can study more but if students can spend at least 30 minutes exercising a day it can help lower stress levels in the body.

Auburn University junior, Ashley Elliott, says “when I’m stressed I usually go work out, exercise or walk my dog, it helps me feel much better.” Elliott also says by balancing her time she feels much less stress since exams are so close together.

Stress is often caused by being over-worked. By learning how to organize and balance your time you can reduce stress just by becoming a more organized person. Time management can save you if you’re stressed about getting projects done or setting time aside to study for an exam.

Have you ever been tired and everything seems to intensify. Well maybe the stress that is weighing you down is just lack of sleep. Go to bed early, get the proper amount of sleep and see how much better you feel just by getting enough sleep. Your brain will be well rested so you can study more efficiently.

Another way to manage stress is by having a more optimistic outlook on life, or school. By looking at school through optimistic eyes you can let things go instead of holding on to that one test you failed at the beginning of the semester. Look at each exam as a new challenge, give it your all and if it doesn’t go well don’t let it affect the next test and the rest of your day. Let it go and study hard for your next test.

Hopefully stress isn’t hindering your study habits for exams. But, if it is try a few of these tips and it should help you relieve some of the tension that could be stopping you from performing at your best during final exams.

Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village