College can be extremely hectic and stressful. From studying to getting enough sleep to extra curricular activities, a lot adds up and it can wear you out quickly. There is a lot of pressure, coming from everyone, so it's super easy to get stressful throughout the year - even during breaks when you're supposed to be relaxing. Over working yourself can lead to a constant cycle of stress, lack of sleep, agitation, decreased motivation, and declining mental and physical health. With just a few changes, or additions, you'll find a way to de-stress and find a better balance as a college student.
1. Get a calendar, dry erase board, or make a weekly calendar.
Our phones are great for quickly putting in deadlines and weekly assignments, but nothing beats a visual aid that is a constant reminder. It's easy to think that you have enough time, but in reality, you really don't. I have several calendars that I use - a planner, a monthly calendar (from the Target dollar section), and a weekly one that I make every week.
2. Identify your "triggers".
What makes you stressed? By simply asking yourself this question, it can help you to assess what exactly makes you become stressed. Too many extra activities? Not enough sleep? Procrastination? Make sure to identify what is making you overwhelmed. If you aren't sure what is making stressed, ask your mom, dad, or a friend - they should help.
3. Make time for yourself everyday.
Whether it's watching Grey's Anatomy on Netflix, hitting the gym, or enjoying a good book, always set aside a time for yourself everyday. For me, I have an hour in between two classes, so while I'm eating lunch, I'll watch an episode on Netflix. This is also a great time to unplug from your phone or social media - relax and don't stress.
4. Sleep.
Several studies have shown that you will score higher on a test if you get more sleep. Well what if that sleep comes at the cost of study time? Well the crazy thing is that once you go to sleep with a problem in mind, your brain will continue working on whatever the problem was. This also gives your brain time to repair itself, replenish brain cells, and clean itself of the hormones and near transmitters that cause stress.
5. Hang out and study with a friend.
Sometimes working with a friend is a lot easier than working alone. Once you get your schedule figured out, you'll be able to make time for studying with friends in the room. My friends and I have figured out which times work best for us - it's usually after dinner or in between Tuesday/Thursday classes.
6. 30 Second Dance Party.
Put on your favorite dance song, or any of your favorite songs, and just dance it out! Get up and start dancing the stress away and regain the confidence that you can do this!
7. Try new things.
Go on a new adventure. Try some new food at your favorite restaurant. Shop in new places. Find a new, hidden study space. Change can be good when your stressed. The simplest new experience in your family routine can boost your mood.
8. Don't forget that everything is temporary.
The stress that you have right now is not going to last forever. I know it may feel like that, but things will improve. All of the bad feelings or stress that you have is going to stop as soon as you hand in that assignment or take that final. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and you're almost there. Keep looking forward to the better times, and try not to focus on the stress going on in the present moment.
9. "You is kind, you is smart, you is important." -The Help
When I'm stressed, I don't feel very kind, smart, or important, I feel engulfed by my emotions that are going on in that moment. But the thing is: you are kind, smart, and important and you deserve to feel that way, no matter how much you may be dealing with!
10. Treat Yo'Self
Eat your comfort food, watch your favorite movie, play a video game, find a pet or person to cuddle with. Apart from making time to yourself, you also need to reward yourself. You've come so far from where you started out, so give yourself a pat on the back, go online shopping, anything...just treat yo'self.
