As students go off to college, they think of all the fun that they are going to have, but often forget how stressful it can actually be. Being away from home can be difficult and challenging during freshman year, and the large amount of complicated schoolwork can be taxing no matter what grade level you are. College stress can take its toll on the body and the spirit, so it is better to find ways to manage it before it can get out of hand.
Even though there are thousands of students attending the same college, it can sometimes feel like a lonely place if there is a lack of a strong support system. Having people to talk to and trust can help reduce college stress. Make it a priority to keep strong ties with those from the past in addition to developing bonds with new and interesting friends. Not only can these relationships help decrease your stress level during college, they can also be beneficial after graduation.
Almost every college has a facility where the students are allowed to take advantage of the exercise equipment, so when you feel excessively stressed, go and work out. Even if it is for half an hour, it is enough time where you can minimize some of your college stress without interfering with any of your schoolwork. On days when the weather is beautiful, consider speed walking around campus or going for a run with a friend instead of staying indoors.
When you are feeling stressed during the day, you may want to consider taking a short nap. Even one that is as short as twenty minutes could help you to feel more relaxed and ready to tackle anything when you wake up. While a short nap can be beneficial, make sure to sleep in your bed as opposed to in class, as the latter could increase your college stress instead of decreasing it.
While stress is a part of being in college, it does not have to be something that overtakes your life and ruins your experience. College is supposed to be enjoyable and where you can acquire an education, not where you are constantly tense and are unable to take pleasure in the environment around you. Taking preventative measures to decrease college stress can not only help you to be a more relaxed person, but a better, more productive student as well.
