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A student's life is not an easy one. You know this of course, especially if you're at a college or university at the moment. Stress is something you will become used to, especially when you take the pressures of studying and exams into consideration, as well as those issues around financial security. Not all stress is bad, of course. Studies suggest some stress can improve your performance levels and boost your memory, but there are downsides. If you let stress get the better of you, then the opposite can be true. Your academic and personal life will suffer if you are forever feeling the negative effects of stress, so finding ways to de-stress needs to be a priority in your life.

Here are some tips that should prove useful to you.

Play video games

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and a very stressed out one too! If you are forever working, probably cramming your head with knowledge to improve your academic performance, or studying long into the night to meet deadlines, then you are going to stress yourself out because of exhaustion. You need to find some time in your busy day to relax, and one of the ways to do this is through playing video games. Research suggests video games are effective stress-relievers, especially easy to play casual games, so play such games as Animal Crossing and Madalin Stunt Cars in your downtime or in between classes. Get together with your mates too, and play party games such as Mario Kart and Rock Band in the evening or on a weekend, and relax in each other's company. Video gaming no longer has the stigma it once had, and because there are proven links to stress-relief, you no longer have to feel guilty about picking up a gamepad.

Get physical

Don't spend all of your downtime playing video games! As fun as they are, you do need to engage in some kind of exercise, as physical activity is a proven way to manage your stress levels. Of course, there are fitness and dance games on most consoles, but as fresh air is also beneficial to de-stressing, it makes sense to get outdoors every day to engage in some kind of exercise. Go for a walk alone or with your friends. Enroll for some kind of team sport at college, or get together with your mates and casually kick a ball around. Get yourself a bike and head off somewhere scenic, or spend more time exploring the place where you live. Do anything that takes your interest, and fit your exercise ideas into your daily schedule.

Do something that will make you laugh

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Laughter is literally the best medicine, as this article suggests. Laughter brings about a physical and mental release, enabling you to relax despite the stresses surrounding you. Therefore, find ways to laugh more during the day. Hang out with your mates and joke around. Go to a comedy club near you. Watch a funny video on YouTube when you're in dire need of some light relief, and get yourself a Netflix subscription and watch a few comedies. Find ways to add more humor to your life, and you will feel better as a result. Even if you have to fake a smile occasionally,  research suggests, smiling will offer respite from your short-term stresses. Try it now, especially if you're feeling particularly stressed, and put this research to the test.

Eat and drink with healthy options

The tendency when feeling stressed is to reach for unhealthier options, such as a glass of alcohol or a piece of cake. And as a student, you may have a habit of taking the easy option when it comes to meal times, such as ringing for a takeaway or opting for a quick solution to fix your hunger, such as a pizza. None of these things are particularly good for your health or for dealing with stress; however, there are foods and drinks that can actively de-stress you, such as dark chocolate, oatmeal, nuts, and green tea. Follow this link for more. And learn to cook something healthy. Not only is this an essential life skill, but the act of preparing and cooking food can distract you from your stresses. And, of course, it will help you save money as you won't be reliant on takeout food or unhealthy microwave meals.

Finally

Beat stress by having more fun in your life, and by opting for healthy lifestyle choices. You will feel much better if you do. And don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are getting bogged down with work, or you are struggling with your student finances, seek assistance from staff and friends at the place where you are studying. You don't have to suffer alone! We hope this article was useful to you, but do let us know if you have any further de-stressing tips based on your experiences as a student. Take care, and thanks for reading!