Stress, as far as I can tell, is something most college students experience on a concerningly regular basis. When you're in school, there’s always something hovering over your head, whether it’s a work conflict, an upcoming game, or a test you’re worried about failing. While being stressed out is certainly an understandable way to feel in a college environment, it can, of course, become potentially problematic for a few reasons.
First, stress is unproductive. Simply stressing about something will never get you any closer to achieving your actual goal. If anything, stress can often hinder you from getting done what you need to do. Stress can turn that paper you should be working on into a mountain that seems impossible to climb, leaving you feeling exhausted and beaten down before you’ve even started typing.
Second, stress is overly normalized in a college setting. Yes, everyone at college is stressed – but that doesn’t mean that constant stress is either a good or normal thing! When everyone is overworked, it’s easy for self-persecution to become a bragging contest. I’ve had more than a few conversations in which I told someone how little sleep I’d gotten or how many meals I’d skipped, only for them to one-up me with an “Oh yeah? You think you have it bad?! I haven’t slept or eaten in three days!” or something along those lines. As cool as it might seem to choose partying or productivity over taking care of yourself, such decisions are bound to have a negative impact on your mental and physical wellbeing in the long run.
So what can you do to combat stress? Instead of buying into the idea that stress is normal, there are easy steps you can take to deal with your stress in the moment. All of these ideas are simply little forms of self-care to help counteract the pressure you place on your own mind and body. Pausing for a few minutes every day and allowing myself time to renew and relax has significantly improved my health, happiness, and overall satisfaction with my life and college experience. Allowing yourself even a few minutes to breathe can make all the difference in the world.
1. Take 5 deep breaths
Breathe in, breathe out. Taking several deep breaths is a quick and easy way to signal to your body that it can relax. Try counting to five as you inhale, and then counting to ten as you slowly exhale.
2. Eat a healthy snack
This one is especially important if you’ve missed any meals recently. Grabbing a quick snack will help get your energy levels up so you’re better prepared to tackle whatever mountains you’re facing today.
3. Drink some water
Another need that often gets shoved under the rug is hydration. Students will often grab coffee instead of water, and although that caffeine boost is nice, coffee actually dehydrates you rather than hydrates you. Wherever you are, right now – take a sip!
4. Take a power nap
If you’re feeling stressed, chances are you’re probably feeling exhausted and sleep-deprived as well. Even if you can only lie down for ten minutes, taking a quick rest will help you feel grounded, refreshed, and ready to face the world.
5. Stretch
Another great stress-fighter is movement! Not only does stretching feel amazing, but it also helps get your blood flowing throughout your body, giving you an energy boost as a result.
6. Go for a walk
Got a few minutes to spare? Take that stretch to the next level by getting up and walking around! Taking a loop around the building or walking up and down the hallway always helps me feel grounded and refreshed.
7. Sit in the sunshine
Not only is sunshine a natural source of Vitamin D, but it’s also a great source of brightness and warmth if you’re in a dreary mood. Combine that sunshine with a stroll in the fresh air and you’re guaranteed a rush of happy hormones!
8. Wrap yourself in a blanket
Speaking of warmth, check in with yourself: what’s your current body temperature? Burrito-ifying yourself in a fluffy blanket is not only cozy, but it’ll also reduce the need for your body to waste energy keeping you warm.
9. Give yourself a hug
When you’re feeling down, physical touch is a quick recipe for a better mood. Wrap yourself up and give yourself a good squeeze – or better yet, ask someone else to do it for you!
10. Call a friend
If you’re stressing out, there’s nothing better than calling a close friend who you know will be there to support you. Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, give them a ring – you’ll be amazed by how much better it makes you feel!
11. Say something nice about yourself
If you have some paper nearby, try writing down a list of things you like about yourself. If you’re feeling low and can’t think of anything, try listing things you’re grateful for, or the names of people who care about you.
12. Look around for something beautiful
Wherever you are, try looking around for things that remind you just how much beauty there is in the world. See how many things you can find: flowers, paintings, coffee cups… there’s beauty in almost anything!
13. Draw or express yourself
Got some paper? Try jotting down a little doodle! Not one for drawing? Try expressing your creative side in another way, such as by humming a song or writing a short poem.
14. Journal
Another great way to tap into your creative side is to journal how you’re feeling. This doesn’t have to be a lengthy or well-written entry in a fancy diary. Personally, I like to scribble in the margins of my notebook whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed.
15. Listen to music
Music – especially happy tunes – is a great way to instantly calm yourself down. I usually opt for acoustic guitar music if I want to relax, and if I need an energizing mood booster, Disney soundtracks are a great source of cute, uplifting music!
Do you have any other tips for dealing with stress? If you've tried any of these tips before, how have they helped you? Let me know in the comments below!
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