The stress of college can come even during the summer months. While many students are on vacation, there are still several students taking classes and working summer jobs. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 30 percent of college students reported that stress had negatively affected their academic performance and 85 percent of those students reported they had felt overwhelmed by everything they had to do at some point within the past year.

While one may assume the stress of college dies down during this time, some students like Jacklyn Halversen at Arizona State University have summer jobs that require a lot of their time. Halversen says that she tends to work out or read to relieve the stress of work. The important thing she says, is to stick to a tight schedule.

“It can be really easy in the summer to push things off or get unmotivated," Halversen said. “So I write out a schedule and set small, tangible goals."

Creating manageable, realistic goals is an essential part in managing stress and a heavy workload. Building proper time management skills can help ease the stress for college students, but it’s not the only way to de-stress. Here’s a few ways you can get through the difficulties of college.

Develop a Balanced Lifestyle

By developing healthy lifestyle habits, you can reverse your stress response. Activities like exercise release chemicals like endorphins that trigger positive feelings in your body and in many cases relieve the worry and anxiety you may be having. According to a study from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “Studies show that it is very effective at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, and at enhancing overall cognitive function. This can be especially helpful when stress has depleted your energy or ability to concentrate."

Talk to Someone

If you can, talk to a friend or family member about your troubles. Sometimes we forget that there are people around us that want to help. They may have a solution to your problem that you had never thought of. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone you know, reach out to chat rooms that focus on counseling and helping individuals overcome that anxiety and worry. Websites like 7 Cups and IPrevail offer free counseling services to people of all ages dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, etc.

Find Your Own Specific Relaxation Techniques

Finding simple activities like reading or listening to music can also help you unwind from a hectic day. By getting into the routines of using these relaxation techniques, you can find out what works best for you and continue. Students like Lexi Cummings from University of Saint Joseph in Connecticut use outlets like Zentangle or adult coloring books to calm themselves down.

In the end everyone is different in the ways that they handle stress and anxiety, but the important thing is that you find something that works for you. Once you find the proper outlet, be sure to stick to it so that you’re able to build up a routine of healthy living.