Stress is unfortunately a part of everyday life. Whether it comes from work, relationships, or inner demons, stress can consume whatever joy you try to hold onto. If you don't know how to prevent it from controlling you, stress can make you feel like your life is crumbling on top of you. I know I'm only eighteen years old, and haven't experienced stress that others encounter, but I've learned a few helpful ways to reduce this burden.

Journaling is one of the main ways I relieve stress. Whether I fight with one of my friends or feel like the world decided to make my life a living hell, journaling allows me to vent my unedited thoughts. Writing has always been my creative outlet and best way to express myself, especially when I'm weighed down by stress. Journaling also allows me to look back on difficult times in my life and see that things inevitably turn around for the better. I've even made a point to even keep a daily journal throughout college. It has prevented stress from building up inside me, and helps me relax before I go to sleep.

Working out has also been a saving grace when it comes to stress relief. I started going to the gym consistently my junior year of high school. I had no idea what a positive impact working out would have on my life. Exercise has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and overall make you feel happier. Not only did I become more athletic, at least somewhat, but I also became less stressed.

Music, one my personal passions, has also become a way for me to relieve stress. Even though I'm tone deaf and can only play two chords on a guitar, I love listening to music. If I want to tune the world out and stop thinking about my problems, I can pop in my headphones and escape. I don't believe in secluding yourself and shutting out other people, but sometimes blasting music is the best way to make you feel better.

Surrounding yourself with people who care about you is one of the best ways to make stress disappear into thin air. Sometimes, when I feel extremely stressed, I also feel alone. Many people feel that way when things go array in their lives, but what they don't realize is that others are probably feeling the same way. As the saying goes, no man is an island. People thrive in community, and seeking comfort in those who care about you can not only lessen your stress, but inform you on how to control it. Stress is nearly impossible to avoid, but is completely possible to control.