Modifying your lifestyle is the best overall approach to stress management. You have the power to change your life so that it is less stressful. Lifestyle modification involves identifying the parts of your life that do not serve you well, making plans for change, and then carrying out the plans. For example, if you are stressed because you are always late for classes, get up 10 minutes earlier. If you get nervous before a test when you talk to a certain negative classmate, avoid that person before a test. Learn test-taking skills so that you can manage test anxiety better.

Check your college website, counseling center, health center, student newspaper, or fitness center for classes that teach relaxation. Learning new techniques for managing stress takes knowledge and practice. You’ll find apps, websites, books, and other resources that can guide you through relaxation techniques.