Being a college student is already stressful in itself, along with all of the other things added on top such as sports, a job, after-school activities, and whatever is filling up your plate, and then trying to also have a social life as well. Knowing how to manage your stress in the right way is crucial to preserve overall well-being and academic achievement.
Stress is a typical problem for college students. Changes in eating and sleeping patterns, a lack of time management skills, an increase in responsibilities, and minimal self-care time, are all major causes of stress.
Stress could occasionally be a good thing—it can help you concentrate, stay motivated, and even enhance your performance. But that stress is temporary and serves as a motivator to overcome an obstacle you know you can. Experiencing stress long-term, however, can take a real physical and mental toll on your health.
Below are four stress management tips for a different way of trying to keep peace of mind. Keep in mind that stress management is an ongoing process, so it’s essential to identify the techniques that are most effective for you. Do not be afraid to seek professional assistance from a counselor or mental health expert if stress becomes too much for you to handle or interferes with your ability to go about your everyday life.
- Exercise: Engaging in exercise is one of the things that is guaranteed to be beneficial. When exercising, not only does it distract you from what’s causing the stress, but it releases the feel-good endorphins that can almost act as a natural painkiller. Exercising can consist of anything that gets you moving such as jogging, going on a walk, or yoga.
- Having an outlet: This is super important, and can be so simple. Find something that you can use as your “outlet”, something that releases the tension from the outside world. These can be things such as journaling, painting, joining a club, anything you enjoy doing. Another version of having an outlet can be a person, someone you enjoy talking to and spending time with someone who can listen to you talk without judgment. Having the right people around you makes all the difference.
- Deep breaths: As typical as this one sounds, it’s true. Taking deep breaths can be effective right away, and the more you practice the better you get at it. When following the same relaxed breathing pattern, the nervous system calms down. Taking deep breaths also puts all your focus and attention in your breaths insteads of what was worrying you beforehand.
- Eating habits: Food and diet can be main components in moods, and ability to manage stress levels. Making sure your diet is filled with at least portions of healthy options can make a drastic change in your well being. Going easy on the caffeine each day is something you should be mindful about, too much caffeine intake can make you anxious and more stressed.
Remember that stress management is an ongoing process, and it’s essential to find techniques that work best for you. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a counselor or mental health expert if stress becomes overwhelming or interferes with your daily life.
By prioritizing self-care and implementing effective stress management strategies, you can navigate the challenges of college life while maintaining your well-being and academic success.