We all know the feeling of something being "off". It can be hard to identify just what that something is, but after you take a break from it, you realize that that was what was making you feel shitty. So here are some ways you can tone down the stress in your life.

1. Stop talking shit.

We all need to vent our frustrations every now and then. But tearing people down for no reason isn't necessary and gets you sucked into a cycle of negativity. Even if you aren't the one doing it, just being around it can affect you. Earlier this year, I lived with some people who loved to talk shit on everyone, even their closest friends. Everything was up for criticism - I heard them complain once about how I closed my door during parties and didn't want people going into my room. I didn't realize just how toxic that environment was until I moved out to live with one of my sorority sisters. If there's an issue, it's addressed, rather than it never getting brought up but constantly being talked about with other people.

2. Don't chase people.

You know when you meet someone and want to befriend them, but you're the only one putting any effort into the relationship? Drop them. Being the one who always texts first and who always asks if they want to do something and knowing that if you didn't you would never hear from them again sucks. You deserve people who put effort into getting to know you and spending time with you. Friendship is a two-way street. If it isn't mutual, it isn't worth your time.

3. Stop doing things you hate.

It's one thing to work a job you don't like during college in order to pay the rent. It's another to study something you have no passion for and to pursue something simply because someone else tells you to. If you're majoring in something you hate because you think you'll make a lot of money in that field, I just have one question for you. Would you rather spend your life doing what you love and potentially make less or be miserable until you retire? It is so much more satisfying to go after what you enjoy, and your stress will decrease. You only live once. Make sure you're doing things that feed your soul and make you happy, not what others or society expect you to do.

4. Start doing the things that you want to do.

This goes along with the previous one. Ultimately, you're going to regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did. So do the things you want to do, even if it means doing them alone. Societal stigmas mean people probably will judge you for going to a concert alone, but chances are, you'll be grateful you went instead of being all "I wish I could have gone to that...."

5. Get out of the past.

You know that super embarrassing thing you said back in fifth grade? Chances are, you're the only one who still thinks about it. Time travel isn't a thing (yet), so we can't control what's already happened. But we can control what will happen. Work on adjusting your mindset from "Oh, I should have said/done this..." to "How can I utilize my past experiences to improve the present/future?" Focusing on how you can improve and what you can do now will help you be better and improve your mental well-being.

6. Take action.

Change can be good! Being complacent can lead to stress, dissatisfaction, and can affect the health of your body too. Instead of assuming that this is the way things will always be, try to switch things up. Push yourself to stop procrastinating on your work. Try a new workout class. Break your routine. Don't accept things as they are if they're not what you want. You'll thank yourself for it.

7. Be grateful.

Wanting to change or wanting things can be good, for sure. But make sure you appreciate the things that you currently have, whether they are friends or pets or living situations. Appreciate the opportunities that come your way, and appreciate the experiences you've had. Just taking a moment and realizing all the good that is currently in your life gives a sense of peace that you can't get if you don't stop to recognize it.

8. Recognize that sometimes, you are the toxic one.

So check yourself. Realize when you are being that kind of person that you would cut out of your life. Evaluate what you have been doing and how you can improve. And do better. Be better.