10 ways to say goodbye to stress

Don't freak out. Take a deep breath. Count to ten. Maybe none of that worked, but here are 10 other things that will boost energy and clear away the nerves.

1. Get away from it all. Spend some time alone for 5 minutes or 5 hours. You need to relax and think.

2. Get clean. Take a hot shower, or soak your feet. Put away the stress and take a mini timeout to feel better physically.

3. Eat a green apple. Studies show that green apples boost energy levels and contain vital nutrients that spark your happiness endorphins.

4. Talk it out. If you are a talker, then use that to your advantage. Tell someone your problem, talk to yourself, and figure things out.

5. Write it down! Maybe you're a writer. Start a stress-free journal, and make a list. If list-making is stressful in itself, find what works for you. Clear your brain by putting words on paper. It will help.

6. Take a walk. Getting out into nature may be the fastest way to clear your mind. Many people relieve stress by running or jogging because they feel the stress melt away. It might work for you, too.

7. Take a nap. It seems a little counter productive, but there are moments when I have been so swamped that all I can really do is take a nap. I'm not talking about a 4-hour dream session–a 30-minute power nap will do wonders.

8. Go to work. Sometimes attacking the problem head on can make you feel a lot better afterwards. If you are nervous or worried about something, turn on “Eye of the Tiger” and follow Nike's slogan: Just do it.

9. Do something. Bake a cake, draw or sing a song. Listen to music or go rock climbing. Stay active and try to get your mind off your worries.

10. Pray. This may be the first thing you want to try when faced with a stress or struggle. Rely on something higher and you can do anything!

Whatever trial or test you are going through, remember that life goes on. Worry is like a rocking horse — it keeps you going, but it gets you nowhere. Love yourself, be yourself, and remember that everyone is human. Remember that “stressed” is “desserts” spelled backwards.

Jenna Koford is an eighteen year old student from southern California studying Communications with an emphasis in Journalism at Brigham Young University. Jenna enjoys family time, Christmas, walks, movies, rain, music, laughing, and writing.