The first day of school always seems like it would be intimidating. There is always a need to look good, make a good first impression, try to find your way, and many other things. Whether you are a new student or a returning student, here are a couple of ways to prepare for the first day of school to shed those worries.

1. Exercise

I can't stress this enough. When you work out, you release endorphins, which make you happy. It boosts your confidence and sheds your stress. Very simply, do a circuit of 20 crunches, 20 push ups and 20 lunges. Do this circuit once, twice, even three times and you'll feel so much better! Even taking a nice walk in fresh air is good, it's therapeutic and healthy. Just make sure you don't do this in your school clothes!

2. Meditate

There are so many videos on YouTube for meditation. The actual experience lets you sit down and breathe for a few minutes. Again, you shed stress and get in touch with your inner self. Meditating is a quick and easy way to get yourself ready for a new school year.

3. Appearance

You gain confidence when you look good. Why? Because you feel good when you look good. At least, I do. I like to have a spa day the day before school. Relax in a hot bubble bath, do a facial, manicure, pedicure, whatever makes you happy.

4. Planning Ahead

I feel better when I have my outfits for school set out ahead of time. I usually have a primary look, and a back up. This way, if you think you look bad in your first look, you have a second to fall back on. In addition, planning ahead also includes reviewing your syllabi before class, making sure you have all your books, and checking to make sure all the necessary things you need for school are in your bag. It helps you worry less.

5. Eat

Now I'm not saying eat sugar and sweets, but you don't feel great when you're hungry. If you're at school, and that hunger strikes you, you're more likely to choose something cheap and unhealthy. So before you leave home, have a healthy snack. Here are a couple good options:

• apple slices with peanut butter

• Larabars or Luna bars

• fresh fruit

• freshly cut vegetables

• pita chips with hummus

• nuts

• a square of dark chocolate

• coconut chips

If you search for healthy snack ideas or recipes on Pinterest, you'll find tons of delicious and easy recipes to try, and feel good knowing you made it yourself!

6. Write

Writing is one of the best methods for relieving stress. I always write poems when I feel down, and those end up being my best ones, haha! But either way, if something is on your mind, writing it down can help you get it out. Try it out! You'll never know till you try ;)

7. Read

Whether it's an article, magazine or book, reading does transport you. In doing this, you start to forget why you were worried in the first place! A great idea, if you have your syllabus, would be reading the first assignment! This way, you melt stress and get ahead in class.

8. Watch a Movie

Movies are so much fun! Turn on your favorite flick and let your worries fly away. You can even have some popcorn, which is healthy sans salt and butter. You get a good hour and a half to sit and be lazy, think only about the movie, and breathe. You'll see, you'll feel so much better!

9. Listen to music

Some music is meant to relax you (classical music, meditation music, etc). If there is a particular song you know always makes you happy, start listening to it with your eyes closed. You'll be able to visualize the lyrics and relieve tension in ways you wouldn't believe!

10. Cook

Cooking is so satisfying! Not only are you creating something spectacular, but you are making something you can eat, which is even better. The internet is littered with recipes for you to try if you so choose. Either way, cooking is great for making your anxiety melt away, and forcing you to think about anything but your worries.

I hope these ideas help you out, whether you are overcoming stress to go back to school, or just need a break. Whatever you choose, have fun and stay happy! I wish you luck with the first day of school, and I hope all goes well! Stay beautiful!