In the beginning, there’s a lot of excitement. You’re ready to learn, to make new friends and to get involved in the college environment. However, as the year progresses, for some, the heavy workload and the drastic shift in culture can turn into a burden. Here are a few tips to try and keep those feelings under control.

1. Take Advantage Of Your Mental Health Department

WashU has one of the best mental health departments in the country. And you get nine free therapy sessions! That’s right! The therapists offered to you want to help. They have great tips to help you keep your stress under control and function as an unbiased listener who just wants to make you feel better.

2. Try To Exercise As Much As Possible

I feel confident saying you’ve heard this before. But it’s true! If you change just a small aspect of your life, you start to feel better almost immediately. Try jogging to class instead of walking, or riding your bike to the grocery store instead of driving.

3. Meditation!

This is something I only recently tried, but so far I’ve been very pleased with it. The great thing about meditation is that you can do it anywhere. Even in the middle of class. There are also a lot of great apps to guide you. My favorite is called “Mindfulness”, check it out in the app store.

4. Pressure Points

The pressure point technique is something I’ve used for a long time. If you put your ring finger into the palm of your hand, the tip of your finger points to a pressure point. Then if you press your thumb into that spot it can act as an instant, though short-lived, way to relieve stress.

5. PMR

PMR stands for Progressive Muscle Relaxation. This works by tensing all your muscles and holding the tension for about 30 seconds and then releasing very quickly. The instant release is VERY relaxing and imitates the post-exercise relaxation. Try this out. It really works.

6. Controlled Breathing

This is pretty self-explanatory. But if you ever find your heart racing or a wave of anxiety coming on you can practice controlled breathing. There are two ways to go about this. You can try counting (I go to 8) or a method similar to PMR. You breathe in until you can’t anymore, then take one more painful gulp of air, hold it for 10 seconds and then release. Do this sitting down. But the relaxation benefits are real.

7. Join Clubs!

Perhaps the easiest way to make new friends is to join clubs. And we all know that hanging out with friends is one of the best ways to keep a handle on your stress.

8. Pomodoro Studying

This is the best way to keep yourself under control while studying. You work for 25 minutes at a time, taking short breaks in between. I recently invested in an AMAZING computer app to help with focusing: the aptly named “FOCUS” app. This app blocks all distracting websites and computer apps for set time limits to make sure you get stuff done. And if you’re able to get stuff done, you will be less stressed.

9. Watching Sad Movies

This is a personal technique that has not been proven. But it’s the basic idea of catharsis. Sometimes we all need a good cry. I love watching sad movies. I cry, sometimes a lot during sad movies. But I always feel much better afterward. Give it a shot!

10. Consider Changing Your Classes

If your classes continue to stress you out, maybe you should consider making some schedule changes. All the stress may be a sign that you’re trying to force yourself to fit into a schedule that you’re just not meant to power through.

11. Consider Changing Schools

This is a last resort, but if you really find yourself unhappy and constantly under stress, it might be time to consider another school.

Hope these tips are at least a little helpful!