In this article, we will be covering...
If someone tells you that they haven’t experienced stress in college, they’ve either spent only one day on campus or are lying to you. Whether it’s about grades, relationships, or your part-time job, there is no way that you can escape stress. There will be times when it feels like it’s all too much.
Here’s what you can do to fight and avoid this unpleasant feeling.
1. GET EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
College can be a stressful time because of all the adjusting and the studying. It would be a huge help to have someone you could share your problems with. Venting has been known to reduce stress because of the release of frustration, but recently, some studies have discovered that it’s positive “venting” that works.
This kind of venting involves the disclosure of problems in a manner that’s not necessarily filled with rage. For “venting” to work, the person you’re talking to must show genuine concern and give advice, instead of just encouraging your anger.
2. DON’T IGNORE THE THINGS THAT YOU LOVE
No matter how stressed you are, find the time to do the things that you love, whether it be sketching, playing an instrument, or baking. By giving yourself a couple of hours a week to immerse yourself in your passions, you will have time to feed your soul and be yourself again.
Pursuing your passions can be a great way to clear your mind and distract you for a while. But you should be sure that your hobbies or interests don’t turn into serious distractions from your education.
3. EXERCISE
Engaging in physical activity has been proven to be one of the best ways to boost one’s mood. This is because of the surge of endorphins, chemicals in the body that cause pleasure, which occurs each time you exercise. You can also think of exercise as a way of sweating away all of your worries.
In fact, several studies have discovered that people who exercised were more likely to have enhanced confidence and less anxiety. To relieve stress, try doing at least twenty minutes of quick exercises like running, walking, and biking.
4. GET ENOUGH SLEEP
If you’re in college, chances are, your sleep schedule will be far from normal. Most of the time, you’ll be running on less than five hours of sleep, especially during exams and presentation weeks. Lack of sleep can make you stressed because it makes you more irritable and agitated.
Who wouldn’t feel stressed out if they got only three hours of sleep in the past three days? When possible, catch up on your sleep by getting at least seven to nine hours of shut-eye. You’ll feel more refreshed and ready to take on your responsibilities.
5. BREATHE
Stressed students typically take short and shallow breaths out of anxiety. A session of focused breathing can make your mind and body feel more relaxed and calm.
Deep breathing can help decrease your tension as you become in tune with your mind and body. This is because breathing can activate a state called the relaxation response, which is when you force your body to enter a state of calm.
Deep and concentrated breathing is one of the ways you can achieve a relaxation response. The great thing is you can do this anytime, anywhere, so if you’re feeling stressed in the classroom, all you need to do is take a couple of deep breaths.
College can and will add pressure to your life, and sadly, you’ll just get more stressed the more you move up the college ladder. Using some of these tips can help you manage your stress. That way, you’ll have more positive energy to study and continue your work.
Additional Information: