Starting your college journey is one of the most exciting and challenging things that might happen in your life. You’re an adult now, and the bright future seems to be just around the corner. But the reality is that so many undergrads find themselves stuck from time to time. College life turns out to be full of responsibilities. You find yourself overburdened with the thoughts like, “I have to write my college essay but I have no time,” “I forgot to do laundry, now I have nothing to wear,” “I’ve picked too many classes, and now my schedule is a mess,” and so on. Why is it so hard to be a student?
There are loads of reasons why academic routine might feel so tough at times, and there are usually personal to every young person. But the good news is that you’re not alone! Many college and university students feel the same all over the globe. So if you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, there’s nothing wrong with it. Below, we have some tried and tested tips on how to deal with stressful situations when you’re a student.
Eat, Sleep, Exercise
Getting an adequate amount of sleep at night is a must to make sure your body and mind function well. Not only will you feel more energized to cope with academic tasks, but you will also have a better mood and reduced levels of stress. Needless to say that undergrads who sleep well tend to have better memory, are less likely to get sick, and think clearly. At the same time, you have to mind what you eat. Ensure to include nutritious products into your daily meals and stay away from junk food and eating on the run. Give preference to foods that help deal with stress, such as lavender tea, avocados, dark chocolate, fish, nuts, etc.
In addition to getting the right amount of sleep at night and eating healthy, you need to exercise on a daily basis as well. Regular workout sessions help your body release endorphins that, in turn, can help you combat stress and have a better mood. It’s up to you what physical activity to choose – soccer, yoga, bike, stretching, or any other activity would be a good alternative to being lazy in bed.
Be Realistic About Your Academic Goals
It’s no doubt that having too much on your plate will eventually get you in trouble. You may end up feeling stressed and anxious trying to manage all the tasks on the list. For that reason, it is highly important for college and university students to set realistic goals on every day, week, month, or even a year. Choose a class schedule that you know you will be able to handle. Thus, you will have an adequate amount of time to have fun and study.
Don’t Procrastinate
Even though you may feel so good procrastinating at the moment, you will end up feeling stressed about your deadlines later. If you make sure to manage your time wisely, you will avoid the necessity to spend a sleepless night or two (or more!) trying to catch up with all the classes. What is more, multiple research works prove that habitual procrastination is a sign of anxiety.
Why is managing stress in college important? If you decide to do nothing about your current condition, you may soon start noticing the symptoms of anxiety and depression. This, in turn, will have a negative impact on your college performance and personal life as well. Needless to say that your relationships with friends, family members, and peers will leave a lot to be desired. Adopting some stress-management strategies will help you stay on track and succeed in both your academic environment and social life.
Get Emotional Support If Needed
Adjusting to a college routine can be tough. More often than not, college undergrads find themselves stuck having no one to share the emotional load with. If you feel like venting your frustrations to your bestie won’t help you combat stress, and there are no family members eager to help, do not hesitate to look for professional help. It is important to approach someone who won’t be judgmental but is qualified enough to give you a piece of advice. A competent psychologist or counselor is there to help you make all the tensions lower.
Focus on Your Passions
It’s no doubt that your schedule is filled with classes. However, it is important to find at least a few hours every other week to focus on your passions. Is there anything that you truly enjoy? Make sure to never give up on it! Do something that makes your heart beat faster. Not only will you improve your mood, but you will soon find yourself less stressed.
Going to college can be a real battle from time to time. Using some of the tips and tricks given above will help you cut off stress and rock all those years.