Stress- a six letter word that most college students become too familiar with during their four years of higher education. With a student’s responsibilities weighing down on them, it is understandable why most are constantly on the verge of a mental breakdown across campus.
Experiencing stress is inevitable, but there are some ways to manage the pressures of being a college student.
1) Take a Breath
This tip may seem obvious, but when most of us become stressed we forget to take time to be mindful of our breathing. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to breathe in and out. Upon exhaling your breath, a wave of calmness will come over you.
2) Sleep
We all have an occasional all-nighter, but is important to get enough sleep. Studies show that when a person has a full night’s sleep s/he are more productive. To lead a healthy life without stress it is vital to have about 8-9 hours of sleep a night.
3) Get to the Gym
Walking around campus or doing a quick 30-minute exercise in your dorm will help. Exercise will not only distract you from the pressures of your everyday, but it will also better your health.
4) Make a To-Do List
Writing out all of your assignments and checking them off will allow you to become more organized. Checking tasks off of your to-do list will give you a sense of accomplishment. Nicole Gallagher,sophomore psycho
logy student, firmly believes in to-do lists, “I am constantly writing down my objectives for the week. My lists make it easier to keep track of my assignments.”
5) Spend time with your friends and family
Being with your friends and family will allow you to escape the stress. Laughter is the best medicine and by surrounding yourself with those that make you giggle; your stress level is bound to decrease.
6) Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is one of the easiest and most effective ways to relieve stress. Bath & Body Works’ aromatherapy stress relief collection does the trick. The scented oils are known for their ability to decrease anxiety.
When you feel that you have too much to accomplish, light up a stress relief candle and allow your pressures to melt away.
Nicole Meissner, a sophomore business student loves the eucalyptus spearmint candle, “The scent from this candle always calms me down when I feel stressed.”
7) Eat well
Incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet will increase your energy to complete your tasks.
8) Take a step back
Allocate time for your hobbies throughout your day. Painting or baking might be just what you need to reduce your stress level.
9) Alone Time
Find a place on campus where you can be alone. Take this time to sit and reflect on your own about how to delegate your time and the origins of your stress. Use this time to focus on yourself and check out from the rest of the world.
10) Do Not Stress About Being Stressed
Try to not become fixated on your feelings of stress. Constantly being stressed will distract you from actually enjoying your life. Do not allow stress to control your life, but learn how to manage and overcome it.
Implementing these tips into your daily life will help decrease your stress level during your four years at Monmouth. It is essential to take care of your health and manage your time when you experience a wave of anxiety.
Andrew Lee, Director of Cousneling and Psychological Services says, “College is a time of competing demands. As such, students often feel that there is no time to rest, rejuvenate, or relax, with all of the various pressures on them.”
It is a part of our human nature to allow stress to run our lives, but it is important to remember that worrying will decrease our quality of life and deprive us of our happiness.
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