Being a college student in today’s world is stressful. You have to worry about classes, your living situation, whether or not you need to work, making friends, and more. Not only is your day packed with classes and activities, it’s also probably packed with stress. Don’t let stress derail your college experience. Here are five tips for managing stress on campus.
Breathe
Yes, you do this every day. But there’s a difference between the breathing our body does to keep us alive, and breathing techniques that can reduce stress and help us relax. While some associate deep breathing with meditation or mindfulness practices, deep breathing techniques don’t have to be that extensive. Even if you take just a minute, you can still reap the benefits of deep breathing.
For a simple and easy way to try deep breathing, inhale a deep breath through your nose, hold it, and then let it out slowly through your mouth. Do this for sixty seconds or however long you feel comfortable doing so. You will likely find that you feel more connected to your body, a greater sense of calm, and a lessoning of stress and anxiety.
Take Care of Yourself
Between papers, exams, projects, and extracurriculars, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself. In order to reduce your stress on campus, though, you’ll need to do just that. That means eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
While it’s tempting to eat at all hours when you’re up studying or socializing, overeating can lead to issues like stomach problems and lethargy — two things that will not help to reduce your stress. Exercising not only gets you out of your chair, it also produces brain chemicals that are associated with feeling happy, confident, and less stressed. And don’t forget to sleep! It’s not always easy, but make sure you are getting enough sleep so that your body can heal and restore from the events of the day, If you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t operate at your best. Developing and maintaining healthy habits now will help you manage stress in college and beyond.
Follow Your Passions
Sometimes it seems like there’s no time for anything but classes and homework. Don’t let academics overwhelm you. One way to do that is by continuing to pursue your passions and hobbies. Try to find at least a few hours each week that you can dedicate to your interests outside the classroom. It will be a nice mental break from your academics, help you to decompress, and reduce your stress.
Set Goals
If you’re a student who works better with a set list of goals or a plan, make sure you have one ready. Whether it’s a chronological list of when assignments are due or a high-level plan for how to set yourself up for a dream job, writing down your goals will help you see what’s necessary to reach your goal. This will help you feel more control over your college experience and provide a more structured approach to your time on campus. Being organized and having a clear understanding of what needs to be done can help you better manage your stress.
Don’t Manage Stress Alone
College is a time when students gain independence, but that doesn’t mean you need to always be on your own. Making connections and having a support network to turn to when things get stressful is key in managing your stress. Talk to friends and family about the concerns or problems you’re facing. Oftentimes simply saying things out loud can help to reduce the stress associated with them. Additionally, your friends and family may offer suggestions and support that will help manage your stress.
College is full of stressors. From the dorm room to the class room, there there’s plenty to stress you out. Successfully managing your stress is key to enjoying your college experience. Be sure to take care of yourself, lean on friends and family, and take time to breathe. Together, these things can help you manage your stress and ensure that you have the college experience you are hoping for.
On Topic
Hannah Balderas, is a member of the Arikara, Santee Lakota, Little Shell Anishanaabae, Mexican American, Irish, Italian, and French Peoples and was raised in the Twin Buttes and White Shield communities of North Dakota. In 2018 she received a BS in psychology from the University of North Dakota (UND) and is currently a graduate student there pursuing a Master of Public Health with an Indigenous Health Specialization at UND. Balderas has been involved with AISES since 2013. She's held every position in her College Chapter and served as both Region 5 Representative and US National Student Representative.
What are some typical sources of stress for college students and effective coping strategies to manage them?
College students experience stress for various reasons, such as relationships, schoolwork, community, financial, extracurriculars, and health. I’ve experienced each of these stressors throughout my academic journey — and continue to. Although some stress is motivational, other types of stress can negatively impact coursework and mental health. The amount of stress we can handle is unique to each of us because we lead different lives and have different experiences. Using coping strategies that effectively destress you is key to your mental, emotional, and physical health. One strategy I’ve used is making a schedule, outlining time for classes, homework, and extracurricular activities. In addition, I’d plan out time with family, friends, and loved ones. I also shared my schedule, so they knew when a good time would be to visit.
Creating a list of hobbies or activities that calm you or allow you to just focus on that moment is also helpful. For example, many people find outlets by exercising, cooking, beading, gaming, visiting friends, or watching movies. Dedicate some time in your schedule every day to do these things to care for yourself and show compassion.
Finally, find a way to talk or write about your stresses. It is good practice to recognize your emotions, thoughts, and feelings. If you prefer to talk, choose someone who is trustworthy and supportive. I know this is easier said than done, but being able to talk about what is causing you stress rather than suppressing it starts the process of recognizing and coping with it. Your support system may offer advice or may just be a good listener — either way it’s important to release that energy.
These are just a few coping strategies I’ve utilized in my academic and personal journey, but there are others. Continue to recognize, learn, and heal in order to be your true self unapologetically. I’ve been on both the good and bad sides of stress; my journey is ongoing as new stressors come about, but the chances to utilize my destressing toolbox will continue to aid my passion to be a good relative to everyone I cross paths with.
