Being physically active is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and manage stress, yet nearly three-fourths of Americans aren't getting the amounts of activity they need. Try to include a minimum of 20 minutes of physical activity into your schedule each day. Many students give up vital hours of sleep in an effort to get more done. But in the long run, this approach backfires. Individual sleep requirements vary, but it is recommended that most college students get 9 hours of shut eye nightly.
Caffeine constricts blood vessels adding to the effects of stress.
If you're nodding off, get some fresh air, go for a walk, or take a short nap instead. When you need a break, go sit still for the time it would take to smoke a cigarette and just breathe. While initially this approach to stress management may have a euphoric effect, alcohol and other drugs can actually decrease coping skills and add to stress headaches and depression. Consuming alcohol also affects the quality and amount of your sleep for up to two days, leaving you less able to concentrate and handle stress. Relax, meditate, take a warm bath or shower, call a friend, work on a favorite hobby, or shoot hoops.