There are several ways to cope with stress while in college. Sometimes stress is short-lived, and other times, it can be long-term. Many adults cite health-related concerns as the top source of stress. These health-related issues can impact a student’s academic performance.
The good news is that there are many ways to manage stress and stay healthy in college. Managing your stress is essential for a healthy college experience. Standard outlets for stress include exercising, spending time with friends and family, and getting a massage.
Additionally, you can learn relaxation techniques such as deep abdominal breathing, concentrating on relaxing words, yoga, tai chi, and visualizing calm and tranquil scenes. Finally, college students should seek help when they feel stressed or overwhelmed. For help managing stress, they can consult professional counsellors or organizations offering support and resources.
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How To Reduce Stress In College
Drink plenty of water.
Drinking ice coffee is not healthy for your health, so limiting your coffee intake is best. Fortunately, some caffeine has anti-stress benefits. Try drinking water instead of coffee or soda.
You might even find yourself feeling better when you drink it in moderation. But remember to drink plenty of water each day. It will go a long way in helping you cope with stress in college.
Vent your frustrations.
If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a trusted friend or classmate. This will help you release your tensions and relieve your stress. Be sure to choose a non-judgmental person for venting.
If venting is not an option, seek professional help. Student health centers will refer you to trusted practitioners. They can also help you find ways to cope with academic stress and other mental health issues.
Try to prioritize your work.
If you have too much work and feel stressed, try to make it enjoyable. For example, a two-hour work session with friends can be much more relaxing than sitting through a paper.
If you’re studying for an exam, try to take a break from studying and work on other tasks simultaneously. However, remember to ensure you’ve completed all work before relaxing, or you’ll be even more stressed.
Journaling is another great way to reduce stress.
Journaling helps you reflect on your life and reveals patterns of stress. It also allows you to examine your stressors and put them into perspective. Journaling can also help you learn how to cope better with your stressors.
If journaling doesn’t help, seek professional help. Mental health professionals can help you identify your stressors, strategize a mental health plan, and develop healthy ways to cope with your stress.
Keeping an organized schedule can reduce stress and health problems.
Even though college is expensive, many students now have to take part-time jobs to make ends meet. Having extra responsibilities can leave little time for socializing and schoolwork. The UNC Learning Center can help students manage their time. In addition to offering time management tools, this center also provides free workshops to teach students how to keep track of their schedules.
Avoiding chronic stress is essential for a variety of reasons.
Chronic stress can be lethal. For example, if a student has to deal with financial issues, they may become physically ill or experience mental health conditions.
The National Institute of Mental Health recommends that people seek counselling for chronic stress to combat this disease. A good psychologist will also help them find ways to cope with their stress to prevent long-term damage.
A college or university can also help students manage stress by providing various mental health services on campus. For example, some colleges offer meditation classes, rock painting, yoga, and therapy dogs. In addition, some colleges have campus police who set up punching bags to get students moving.
At Tufts University, for instance, the academic withdrawal deadline is moved to November, allowing students to breathe and avoid the stress of finals. And if you’re not comfortable with the on-campus therapists, you can find a therapist in your community who can help you.
Why is it important to reduce stress in your life?
The National Institute of Mental Health defines stress as “a physical, chemical, or emotional response that occurs when we are confronted with a demanding situation.” Stressors can be external, such as work, school, or relationships, or internal, such as health problems or financial concerns. Stress can manifest in both physical and mental symptoms.
Physical symptoms of stress can include headache, muscle tension or pain, fatigue, chest pain, and upset stomach. Stress can also lead to changes in mood, such as irritability or anxiety. Chronically high-stress levels can negatively affect both physical and mental health.
There are many ways to reduce stress in your life. Some simple techniques include deep breathing exercises, yoga or meditation, writing in a journal, and spending time outdoors in nature. However, if you are experiencing chronic stress, it is important to seek professional help.
