Are you a college student? Are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed with exams, papers, and life? Take a look at these ten tips and think about giving them a shot.
1. Keep a daily routine
Having a daily routine that you stick to can help you feel calmer in the mornings because you won't be wandering around trying to figure out what to do next. This is an example of organization which is absolutely required in college. A routine is as simple as making your bed, showering, getting dressed and ready, eating breakfast, and then looking over your syllabi for the classes you have that day.
2. Go off campus
Getting off campus is essential. Staying locked up in your room or the library all week can actually lead to feelings of depression which is an entirely different issue. It's always good to get out, especially if you go to a small school. You could go out to eat with friends, go shopping, or even just take a drive in the car.
3. Keep a clean space
This should be one of your top priorities. Some people have a difficult time with this because they are not used to living on their own, but you really have got to learn to take care of your space. A clear space really does equal a clear mind. Someone with clothes, water bottles, and papers spread all around their room is much more likely to feel stressed and overwhelmed than someone with a neat and tidy living/work space.
4. Get outside
Whether you sit outside and talk with friends, study on the quad, or go for a run, getting outside is a great way to relieve stress. It helps keep you grounded and can help clear your mind. Plus taking time out of your day to feel the fresh air is just good for your soul.
5. Essential oils
Although the use of essential oils probably sounds like a trend to you, it really works. There is no real way to make you understand the effects they have on the mind and stresses, so just give them a try. You won't be disappointed.
6. Listen to music
Listening to music is a wonderful way to calm yourself down and relieve stress. Classical is one of the best genres for relaxation, but everyone has their own taste in music and some people would prefer to listen to something else.
7. Breathing techniques
4-4-7. Inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for seven seconds. This relieves tension and calms the mind.
8. Talk to professors
This helps you build relationships with them which will in turn allow you to feel more comfortable which is going to be helpful when you need to go to them for questions. Plus they will probably be more willing to help a student who reaches out to them and makes an effort to build a relationship with them.
9. Study groups
Whether you are studying with a partner or a group of people, peer studying is always a good idea. It gives you the opportunity to bounce ides around, ask questions, and learn from each other. It also allows you to feel less overwhelmed and lost than if you were studying alone.
10. Stay positive
Positivity is a hard thing to maintain in the world of college. There are so many factors that go into a student's mental health, especially when you are being bombarded with exams, papers, and college life. If you are feeling stressed or unhappy, talk to your friends. Spend time with them. Maybe even start the day off by looking up an inspirational quote or a verse from your Bible. Don't forget to do things that make you happy. Just remember to slow down, take a deep breath, and remember who you are.
