The transition from high school to college can be a very stressful and nerve-wracking experience. Students go from being in school for eight hours a day following a strict schedule to living on their own, having to manage an extreme amount of work due in a short period of time.
College can often be so overwhelming at times that you have so much work to do that you do not know where to begin or how you are going to finish all these assignments.
Often when you are feeling anxious or stressed out, it is beneficial to not focus on your work and focus on yourself or something else. Taking time away from your responsibilities can often help you reevaluate your responsibilities and mindset on how you are going to accomplish all your assignments.
Nayeli Conill, a freshman communication student, said, “When I have a lot of work assigned and I struggle with where to start, I will often go on a nice long walk outside and the fresh air just clears my mind. It is so peaceful.”
Some activities that are great stress relievers are taking a walk outside, working out, playing sports, being with your friends or close loved ones, playing video games, watching a show or movie, listening to your favorite music, taking long showers, maintaining proper hygiene, and unplugging from social media or technology for a bit.
Nick Kowalski, a freshman homeland security student, said, “Maintaining proper hygiene for me is essential to being productive because if I have a lot of work to do, and I have not taken care of myself, I am twice as stressed.”
When I am stressed and do not know how to begin my work I will go to the gym and either run to clear my head or lift weights to ease my anxiety. I will also play video games, listen to my favorite music, or watch my favorite shows to take my mind off what I must accomplish. Getting away from my work for a bit refreshes my mind and helps me reevaluate how I will accomplish my work for the week.
Tyler Gennaro, a freshman computer science student, said, “Whenever I am angry or frustrated, I will go to the soccer field and just take out all my anger on the ball for about an hour and that will calm me down and clear my head.”
Whenever you feel stressed or are having a hard time with your work, take a step back, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you got this. School can be stressful, but it is not the end of the world. If school is ever getting too overwhelming, use some of the tips above to get through the semester without negatively affecting your mental health.
PHOTO COURTESY of Monmouth University