Reliable Methods for Managing Stress in College

It is no secret that a considerable number of college students suffer from stress. Unfortunately, managing stress in college is quite complicated since the factors that make students feel nervous are numerous.

Typical Factors that Cause Stress to Students

Financial issues. Finances are the matter of concern for the majority of students. Living on a tight budget, they are not sure whether they will manage to pay for their studies and pay off loans. They do not know whether they will have enough money to pay for housing, etc. Even the students whose parents cover the cost of their education get concerned about their financial standing when they require academic help and need to buy custom essay.

The majority of students do not want the cost of their studies to cause some difficulties to their parents. At the same time, they realize that they will not be able to cope with all expenditures without their parents’ help. Such a state of things makes students suffer from guilt over the fact that they spend their parents’ money. Some of them decide to find part-time jobs to earn a living and pay for classes and books. However, being obliged to work, students have less time for studies.

Total responsibility. College changes everything, and this is one more issue that makes students feel anxious. For many of them, college studies are associated with mature independent life, which means greater responsibility. Now, students have to make decisions on their own and shoulder responsibility for the outcomes. This is something that scares them and causes considerable nervous tension.

Academic issues. The workload at college is heavier than that at high school. The schedule is more intensive, the classes are more complicated, and the tests are more challenging. Adding the specifics of the learning process and the special nature of college life, make it clear why many students often spend all night long studying.

Social stress. Managing stress in college is particularly hard for freshmen. Many of them see college life as a source of anxiety and trouble. Even though some of them socialize easily, the majority have to establish new social connections. Some students are afraid of rejection and thus decide to stay isolated; others still try to find good friends in their studies. Anyway, being required to interact with people from the most diverse backgrounds, students have to leave their comfort zone which also makes them feel embarrassed.

If you suffer from college stress, consider the methods described below to understand how to stay positive and healthy.

Establish your daily routine. You are the one who arranges your schedule at college. Thus, you need to make some plans as soon as possible. When do you want your classes to start? What is the most comfortable place for you to study? Where do you want to have dinner? If you answer these and other questions that may arise, it will be easier for you to go through the learning process, especially when you need to take exams.

Identify the factors that make you feel stressed. Anxiety cannot appear from nowhere. Ponder over the things that cause panic and nervous tension and the means that can help you avoid such unpleasant feelings. For instance, if the thought that you need to write an academic work within a short time frame drives you mad, consider developing effective writing strategies. If you were assigned to produce a paper long before the deadline but delayed the task, teach yourself to do much work before the due date. In this way, you will feel less anxious when the deadline comes closer.

Eat properly. Haven't you ever heard that unhealthy eating contributes to a high level of stress? When you eat healthy food, you fill your body with the vitamins and elements needed to fight stress. It is better to avoid products that contain a high level of fat and sugar. Much coffee should also be avoided.

Sleep well. Try to have some rest before going to sleep. In this way, you will be able to improve the quality of your sleep. Additionally, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time. The 8-hour sleep is highly recommended. Due to anxiety, you may have disturbed sleep; thus, do your best to feel at ease before going to bed. For example, you may take a warm bath, read, or listen to nice melodies to relax. Note that it is better not to use your cell phone, laptop and other gadgets before going to sleep.

Do physical exercises. The level of stress can reduce considerably if you exercise regularly. Exercises are also helpful in relieving tiredness, improving one’s mental state, and reinforcing cognitive processes. As a result of physical exercises, the brain produces endorphins that make people feel happy. Meditation, massage, etc., can also increase the level of endorphins.

If you find it boring to exercise independently, you can invite your friends or introduce some changes to your daily routine.

Keep in touch with others. Spending time with the people who care about you is an effective way of reducing stress levels. Try to devote at least some time to your family every day. Social networks can also serve as a good method for staying in touch with your friends and family. Yet, you have to establish some limits on using those not to damage your mental health. Personal conversations and video calls are also items that can relieve nervous tension.

Educators should understand that students can be easily subjected to stress and strive to create a comfortable environment for studying. If college administration wants their students to achieve great academic results, they should implement the procedures that will be helpful in managing stress in college. Here, it goes about the establishment of different mental health programs, cooperation with psychologists, etc.