While attempting to balance school, work, athletics and various other activities, college students always seem to be on the edge of their seats with worry.

I was talking with a friend recently when I realized that often times our happiness is interrupted by anxiety.

As college students, we typically do not have to be concerned about where our next meal is coming from, the mortality rates of our peers or if we have adequate shelter for the night. However, this is a daily struggle for many young adults across the world.

While the balancing act of our lives is often a struggle, it does not compare to the hardships of those who regularly suffer from starvation, disease and homelessness.

So, why are we wasting our time worrying about the trivial things in life?

Epictetus, an ancient Greek philosopher, believed the only way to reach true human happiness was to worry about what was within our control.

In his philosophy, Epictetus said we are only in charge of our own actions, thoughts and feelings.

Everything else, such as our reputation, the future and the future of others, must be left up to fate.

For many perfectionists, such as myself, this philosophy can be troubling because it means we cannot worry about future exam scores, how others think of us or the actions of anyone else.

However, I cannot help but to agree with Epictetus.

Worrying is nothing more than a constant pain that will not change the outcome of anything. It does not improve grades, heal the sick or provide any of our basic needs. In the end, worrying will not make us stronger, but rather hold us back.

If we want to better ourselves, we must take action and create our own happiness. Happiness will not come to us simply because we feel that we deserve it.  

We must find what brings us joy, and immerse ourselves in it as often as we can. By adding Epictetus’s philosophy to this newfound happiness, we will live worry free and reach the heights of true happiness.

Life is too short to waste our time worrying about the future or the past. Live for the moment because you cannot add more time to your life by worrying about it.

So, when you are distressed with the struggles of college life, remember Bobby McFerrin’s lyrics, “Don’t worry, be happy.”