There have been times throughout my college career that I thought I wanted to stay here forever. The thought of growing up, getting a real job, and actually being responsible every day can be scary. During those fun, carefree times we have in college, it’s easy to wish you could waste away in these musty dorms with an ice cold Keystone in each hand for the rest of your life. People tell us time and time again, “Those are the best four years of your life.” But as easy as it is to let loose and have fun with your friends, it can be even easier to let your stress get the best of you. At the start of my junior year, I think I’ve finally got a few tips nailed down.
1. You made it to college. That in itself is a huge accomplishment.
Sometimes after you get to school and have gotten used to this lifestyle, you forget to give yourself some credit. You didn’t stay at home with a bag of potato chips playing video games in your parents’ basement (does that only happen in movies?). You applied to this school. More importantly, you GOT IN to this school. You were good enough then, and you’re still good enough now. Slow down every once in a while and remind yourself of your worth.
2. It's only a test.
As much as you want to, you’re not going to ace every test you take in college. College is hard—they make it that way on purpose. Don’t let a bad grade on a test ruin the rest of your day, or even the rest of your week. Take a step back and realize how minuscule one bad grade is to the rest of your life. “I failed my Botany exam today,” is not equivalent to, “I’m going nowhere in life.” Be patient with yourself. Every day is new and full of hope.
3. You are not defined by any number.
Whether you don’t place first at your track meet or get a low grade on your presentation, you are so much more than that. Whenever something like that brings you down, it’s easier to let yourself feel reduced to that number. Third place is engrained in your head. I’m only as good as third place. Wrong. Did you know that more and more professors care less about the grades you earn and more about the effort and other skills you demonstrate? Graduate schools and employers are looking more at your personal experiences and abilities over just your GPA. You don’t have to have a 4.0 to be a five-star person, you know (five is better than four anyway).
4. You might be over-stressed because you’re over-doing it.
Being involved in college is great. Extra-curricular activities look great on a résumé, but what’s more important than the 100 clubs you’re participating in is your health. High or constant stress can put a strain on your health. It could be something minor, like your skin breaking out, or something major, like not getting enough sleep or developing more severe psychiatric symptoms. Ultimately, your stress can end up affecting your performance in school on top of preventing you from wanting to do things that usually excite you. Choose your commitments in a way that allows you to proficiently excel in each of them. If you feel overwhelmed after studying for 10 hours, take a break. It’s not better to overwork your brain and cram information in than to let it breathe a little.
5. College is only 5% of your life.
According to USA Today in 2014, life expectancy raised to 78.7 years. Take a second to think about all the life events that you will go through from post-grad to 78.7 years old. Look at your parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Consider all of the accomplishments they’ve gotten through in their lifetime. Do you really think they went through all of it without struggle? My dad always tells me to think big-picture. Stressing out about a temporary problem benefits nobody. Live life in the moment, but don’t forget to put things in perspective. Will what’s bothering you today matter a year from now?
Stress is natural—unavoidable. The worst thing you could do is be stressed about being stressed. Remember that stress is inflicted upon everyone every single day; you are not alone. Slowly work simple reminders like these into your train of thought. It’s hard to consider college the “best four years of your life” if you waste it away in your worries. Don’t you want to use clichés like, “Enjoy it while you can,” and, “You’re going to miss it!” when you get older, too?
