Maybe it’s just because I’m in college, but I feel like every week is more stressful than the last. While a reoccurring dream of mine is quitting school and enjoying a “stress-free life,” I also know that would be, in the very least, counterproductive. As I’ve gone through school, I’ve figured out various ways to essentially “pop a chill pill”. Here are my top five ways to stay calm so that you can carry on.

1. Get Some Essential Oils

I know, I know, how cliché, but bear with me. Whether or not there’s actual merit to aromatherapy, I find that having my favorite scent on me that I can keep close and use to ground myself helps so much in times of stress. If you’re just starting to get into essential oils and want a sure-fire “keep calm” scent, lavender is a classic.

2. Get a Cup of Tea

Sometimes, just having something to sit and force yourself to enjoy is calming enough, but I also find that the warm mug is extremely comforting. Plus, there are so many different kinds of tea that have calming properties, like chamomile.

3. Take a Hot Shower

As with the tea, it’s the heat from the shower that I find super comforting. I also find that stepping into a hot shower is nice because it gives me a chance at pampering myself, be it with a special body wash or with an in-shower face mask. It’s a bit of self-care that I always love to practice!

4. Practice Meditation

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m still learning how to stay still and keep my mind clear, but even though I’m an amateur meditator, it works! There’s something so freeing about laying back, closing your eyes and just focusing on your body and how you feel at the moment. (And if you need help getting started, there’s countless apps, podcasts and YouTube videos to help!)

5. Snuggle with Something Soft

This is probably my favorite (and not just because a nap usually follows shortly after I do this). There are so many different ways to accomplish this one—you can grab your favorite blanket, slip on your favorite sweater, or cuddle your pet. The point of this one is to comfort yourself and to give yourself the space to be anything but calm while keeping it lowkey.

No matter what you do, try your best to keep calm this semester. Sometimes stress is unavoidable, but it doesn’t have to be a constant way of life. Maybe you have different ways of keeping calm than I do (if so, let me know in the comments!), but if you’re just starting out on the journey to stay calm, this is a good place to start!