College can be a stressful time, but here are a few tips to achieve what you want to without breaking down.

Don’t over-commit. Take a proactive approach to stress by only taking on commitments you can handle. Some students thrive on the five classes, three jobs, an internship and a handful of clubs schedule, but lesser mortals will find themselves buckling under pressure within a few weeks. Instead, make smart decisions and realistically decide what you can handle. Rather than signing up for 10 different campus clubs, choose the one that is most closely aligned with your personal and professional goals. The same applies for jobs, particularly your first semester. While the reality for most students is that one or more jobs are necessary, don’t set yourself up for failure by taking on late-night jobs when you have 8 a.m . classes.

Stay organized. First, invest in a giant four-month-view reusable calendar. These dry-erase calendars allow you to view 180 days at a time. When classes begin, gather your syllabi and write down every single deadline for every class. Type-A personalities will color code these deadlines, assigning each class a specific color.

Get Some Social Time. Have you been working on that English paper for 3 days straight? Can you even see what you’re writing anymore for your Chemistry lab? You could be stressed because you’re being too focused on getting things done. Don’t forget that your brain is like a muscle, and even it needs a break every once in a while! Take a break and see a movie. Grab some friends and go out dancing. Hop a bus and hang out downtown for a few hours. Having a social life is an important part of your college experience, so don’t be afraid to keep it in the picture when you’re stressed. It could be when you need it most!

Get physical. Physical activity is a great stress reliever, and gives the brain a much-needed break from the books. Surfing, running and yoga are great options for keeping stress at bay.

Enjoy yourself. We’ve all seen stories of people who are diagnosed with some horrible disease and given six months to live who have, in those last months, really developed a love of life — a desire to enjoy it all. Well, forget about the person with only 6 months. What about you? You probably only have 80 or so years if even that. Shouldn’t each moment of your life be utterly succulent too? There’s only so much time in this life. Every moment of it is precious. Make it all count. When you do, you’ll find you have less stress, fewer physical problems, and that you’re more productive. Look for the good/sweet/fun/joyous in every situation, even when life seems less than fair

Schedule breaks. Using your calendar, schedule breaks for yourself just as you’d schedule a doctor’s appointment or a study session. It’s easy to get caught up in the crush of studying, papers and jobs, and to convince yourself that you don’t have time for fun. Taking breaks, however, refreshes the brain and allows you to take a step back from your busy workload to enjoy the college experience.

Get some quiet time. Take one moment and think: when was the last time you had some quality, quiet time alone? Personal space for students in college rarely exists. You may share your room, your bathroom, your classrooms, your dining hall, the gym, the bookstore, the library, and anywhere else you go during an average day. Finding a few moments of peace and quiet – with no cell phone, roommates, or crowds – might be just what you need. Stepping out from the crazy college environment for a few minutes can do wonders for reducing your stress.

Following these tips will ensure increased enjoyment rather than stress, and will prove to make your college experience a positive one.