As a college student, there are a plethora of reasons why we can be stressed. School, work, friends, significant other and many, many more. I used to often stress myself out over the smallest things. Recently I have been making very small changes that I think can help a lot of people handle the stress of college!
1. Exercise.
I know this seems so typical. If you google "How to De-Stress," I'm sure this will almost always be one of the options. But don't knock it until you try it! Getting in a good cardio session can help take your mind off of the things that are stressing you out. So bring your friends or go alone, but still lace up those fancy new Nike's and head to the Rec Center.
2. Spend time with loved ones and friends.
I don't necessarily mean your family. Simply hanging out with friends and classmates can help keep your spirits up and put you in a good mood. If you live at school, call your family or friends back home. Sometimes just venting to someone can help you feel better about whatever situation you're in, almost immediately. The people you surround yourself with should always be there for you when you need to vent or just hangout.
3. Schedule some "me" time.
Often times, the stress of college can completely take over our lives. This is why it is important to make some time for yourself. If you are feeling very overwhelmed and your anxiety is at an ultimate high, take an hour or two to do something you really enjoy. Take a nap, watch Netflix, get a pedicure, take a bath, grab your favorite latte, just completely unwind. This time might have to be fit into your busy schedule but it will put you at ease.
4. Make a list.
This is the part where the pack of six different colored highlighters you bought for freshman year (but never used) will come in handy. Since coming to college, I have realized how helpful making a list can be. When you are stressed about all the things you have to do in one day, take five minutes (literally, that's it) to sit down and make a list. After you've made that list, take a highlighter and highlight was absolutely must be done that day. Then take a different highlighter and highlight what you know you are capable of finishing that day. We often overextend ourselves. We are not super heroes. There are only 24 hours in one day. After that you will notice that your list got much smaller. You can use this method for literally everything. It is an extremely helpful tool that will put into perspective what you are actually able to finish in one day.
These are some of the small changes that I have made in my life to help make it more stress free. Staying stress-free in college is very important. If you find yourself stressed out a lot, try some of these simple, everyday things!
