In college, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or stressed out. In fact, burnout is a common problem that many students deal with, and it can make it social and academic responsibilities incredibly difficult to meet. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help college students manage stress and anxiety. There are also many changes you can make to your schedule and your lifestyle that can reduce your workload and unwind at the end of a long day. If you’re in college or preparing to head off to school, keep reading for some useful tips on managing your stress in college.
How can you manage your stress in college?
The best way to manage your stress in college is to choose a program that you’re passionate about that is a good fit for your lifestyle. While some people believe that living on campus and completing a traditional four-year college program is the only way to continue their education, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Forcing yourself into a bad situation is all but guaranteed to cause stress or tension in your life. Programs like this one which allows you to work towards your information technology associate online can be a much better fit for a variety of students. Not only are they more accessible, they also allow you the flexibility to learn on your own schedule and hold a job if you want to work while you complete your degree.
Therapeutic treatment can be extremely beneficial for college students as well, especially those who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Therapy can be a great way for college students to address any issues they may be experiencing. It can provide a safe and confidential space for students to talk about anything that is going on in their lives. Services like Berkshire therapy can help students find a qualified therapist who can provide whatever counseling services they require. This includes talk therapy, psychotherapy, and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy.
It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of college life and forget to take care of yourself. Between classes, studying, socializing, and trying to balance a job, it’s no wonder so many students feel overwhelmed. Still, you need to find ways to make time for yourself and decompress if you want to survive college. This might mean setting aside a few hours each week to relax and do something you enjoy, or it might mean taking a break from schoolwork every once in a while. You need to find a routine that works for you, without pushing yourself too hard.
What lifestyle factors could be exacerbating your stress?
College students often struggle to get enough sleep at night, but your exhaustion could be making you even more stressed out. Lack of sleep can exacerbate stress in a number of ways. For one, when we’re tired we’re more likely to become emotionally triggered or upset by minor stressors. Additionally, sleep deprivation can lead to impaired judgment and decision-making, which can cause us to act impulsively and make poor decisions, which results in additional long-term stress. If you’re struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, talk to your doctor about possible solutions as soon as possible.
You may also be spending too much time indoors. It’s understandable that college students have to spend a ton of time in class, at the library, and in their dorm, but nature can alleviate our stress. There are studies that show even 20 minutes spent outside engaging with nature can lower your levels of cortisol, which is a stress-producing hormone. If you have an opportunity to take a hike, head to the beach, or even just take a walk in your local park, you should take it. It might make more of a difference than you expect.
There are a lot of factors that can cause or worsen stress, especially for college students. Being proactive about eliminating sources of stress and identifying coping techniques that work for you is essential. The most important thing to do is ensure that you enroll in a program that is a good fit for you, but you may still need to find ways to relax from time to time. Therapy is a worthwhile investment, so you should consider it if you feel like you need someone to talk to. You can also help yourself by leading a healthy lifestyle, getting plenty of sleep, and spending time outdoors as much as you can.
