Your college years can be some of the most memorable times of your life; however, they can also be some of the most stressful. Deadlines, roommates, and living away from family can all contribute to overwhelming feelings. College should always be a time to learn and grow as a person, and there are lots of ways that you can tackle stress head on.
Check out some of the best management techniques if you’re experiencing stress at college.
1. Get enough sleep
Many college students love the freedom that living away from home brings. This often includes staying up late and sleeping in even later. However, being well rested is one of the best ways to handle stress and anxiety. Your body needs time to re-energize from the day before, and limiting this can make you feel dizzy, tired, and bad-tempered. It’s ok to have the odd late night, but trying to set a sensible night time routine will ensure you’re raring to go for the day ahead.
2. Quit the alcohol
This can be easier said than done, especially as there are often various parties going on around campus. But alcohol not only inhibits your abilities, but it can also make you feel lethargic and fuzzy-headed the next day. This can be even harder for students that have previously had issues with excesses in this area. Fortunately, there are many colleges with sober living dorms that can help you overcome the stress associated with this.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Asking for help is still seen as taboo, but there’s no shame in reaching out. By confiding in someone else, it can provide natural stress relief and a weight off your shoulders, so you alone are not carrying the burden. Talking with friends, family, or professionals such as the college counselor can offer support and advice on what steps to take. It could also just be a case that you need to vent to release some tension, to help you feel better too.
4. Eat well and avoid energy supplements
A healthy diet at college can be challenging, especially with the number of takeout temptations available. But food is the fuel for your body and mind, so whatever you put in, you’ll get out. If that’s fast food and sweet treats, you’ll feel sluggish and irritable in no time. It’s also crucial to avoid energy supplements or caffeine, and sugar-filled drinks as these will give a boost of false energy for a few hours and then send you crashing down.
5. Don’t give up
If you’re under a lot of pressure to meet deadlines or are struggling with lessons, it’s important not to give up. Stress can make you feel weak and incapable, but these are just temporary stumbling blocks you have to overcome. If it’s really getting you down, be sure to speak with professors and ask for extra help to support your studies. Believe it or not, they want you to succeed, so don’t be afraid to reach out!
6. Avoid silly dramas
It can be easy to get caught up in playground drama, but even if it doesn’t relate to you, it could affect your wellbeing. At college, you are paired with people you’ve never met, and in some cases, don’t get along with. However, you have to take the living arrangements in your stride. Relationships can be testing in these situations, but trying to stay out of arguments or confrontations will help to ease drama before it unfolds. It can also be beneficial to try and remove toxic relationships from your college life too; otherwise, it could have a lasting effect throughout your college life.
7. Allow plenty of time for study
Some people boast how little studying they do for exams, but if it takes you a while to get to grips with a subject, don’t put it off, make the time. Allowing yourself extra time to learn and soak up a subject will ensure you feel confident and less stressed about the actual exam. It’s natural to feel nervous nearer the time, but you’ll be surprised at just how much knowledge you retain if you fully prepared in advance.
8. Don’t compare yourself to others
Comparison is an ugly beast if you let it get a hold of you. Even into your adult life, it will be challenging not to compare yourself to others. You might question – is that person smarter than me, or are they better looking but steering away from this will help you create a clearer mindset. Everyone is different, and others will have different qualities to you, but you have to focus on your own strengths. Of course, it can be challenging to think about what you’re good at in the heat of the moment. So why not try writing it down and you’ll surprise yourself at just how many things you have accomplished in your list.
9. Make time for friends
Although drinking and excess might be a contributor to more stress, it is actually vital to make time for socializing in your schedule. This doesn’t have to be at parties or lectures, it could be a casual cup of coffee in your local town or a shopping trip with your friends to the mall. These interactions with others build your support network and give you some time to distract your mind from your studies altogether.
10. Try breathing exercises and meditation
Sometimes it can get all a bit too much, so intervening with some light meditation or breathing exercise can help calm your mind. Stress can do strange things to your mind and body include sending you into a panic. A panic attack can be scary, so slowing your breathing and thinking about each breath can help reduce the onset of an attack. There are a host of resources online that guide you through meditation and breathing exercises, so be sure to check them out to control your stress levels.
Student life can be tough, but it’s also super rewarding. By considering these tips, it will help you enjoy each moment and reduce stress build-up so you can concentrate on the important things.
Amazing list of stress management tips for students, nice content, good read and informative.