If you are a college student and you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed then you are not alone. Even though stress, in small amounts, can be healthy and motivating, too much stress may lead you to feel burnt out or depressed. Financial responsibility, deadlines, exams, assignments, and families are all common causes of stress. If you don’t manage your stressful situations well, it may have a negative impact on your health, causing you to experience depression and anxiety. College is a challenging time, and your academic life may be difficult. Many college campuses offer counseling services to help students during stressful times like finals week.
The following stress management activities are things that I have done while in college to manage my stress, and they can help you too. Maintain a positive attitude and know that you can get through these difficult times.
1.) Prioritize sleep
College students are often bogged down with busy schedules and they devalue sleep. However, getting enough rest can decrease your stress levels more than you may realize. Set a sleep schedule so that you are getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night and take power naps when you need them. Getting enough sleep will help boost your energy level while you are studying or taking a test.
2.) Exercise regularly
This is one of the healthiest stress relief activities. Some common physical activity includes doing yoga in the morning, taking a quick walk, cycling, or running. Exercising and getting your heart rate up will help release endorphins which help you to relax. What I like to do while I am studying is take a break and go on a minute walk. Regular exercise will positively contribute to your mental health. Whenever you have a sunny day, go outside and exercise in the fresh air.
3.) Eat Healthy
Having a well balanced diet will help you manage mood swings like anxiety, stress, and nervousness. A healthy diet will give you higher energy levels so that you can feel more motivated to do your assignments.
4.) Practice breathing exercises
When you are feeling overwhelmed, find a quiet place so that you can sit down and take some deep breaths. Your breathing technique will help you lower your heart rate during stressful situations. Managing your breathing will also help you to think clearly. I think that this is a great stress reliever for when you are about to take an exam. I always take a moment to take a few deep breaths before starting an exam.
5.) Listen to music
This is one of my favorite relaxation exercises. Music will benefit you by improving your concentration skills and helping you to relieve stress. There are so many different genres to fit the mood that you are in, whether that be upbeat or classical music. Listening to music while I work on an assignment is the best way for me to stay on task.
6.) Practice progressive muscle relaxation
This technique involves tensing up and then relaxing the muscles in your body. It is great for lowering levels of stress and this method can be practiced anywhere at anytime. Not only does this technique help reduce stress, but it will also help you get better sleep if you do it before bed.
7.) Stay organized
If you are cluttered then that will only increase your stress. Learn to organize your things and your calendar so that you know where and when things are. An unorganized space may have a negative impact on your grades and performance at work. I try and keep myself organized by maintaining a to do list.
8.) Attend social events
I am an introvert, but I still would recommend going to social events as a good stress reliever. Activities around campus are a great way for you to make new friends. Your friends may share the same stress/anxiety that you have felt in college. Look for events that are advertised by your university and take your best friends. These kind of activities are perfect for getting your mind off of what’s on your to do list.
9.) One step at a time
There is no need to rush through your assignments. Many students will try and work on multiple assignments at once; don’t do this. Instead, make a list of your priorities and work through them one by one. I promise it will make your life easier.
10.) Practice visualization
Guided imagery helps the brain to stop thinking about what is stressing you out. Visualize yourself doing well on an assignment or test, this can boost your confidence and cause you to perform better. Similar creative activities may also be helpful, like coloring, sketching, or crafting.
Final advice
My final advice would be for you to just stay positive. Positive thinking will have contribute to your mental wellbeing. I know that anyone can control stress if they are confident and they put in the time. These relaxation techniques are the perfect way for overcoming stress and they can have a powerful effect on you performance in school. Good luck!
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