Let's face it: we've all had those stressed-induced "I can't do anything right" moments at some point of our college careers. From maintaining good grades to worrying about your resume, a college student really never has any free time. If you're not studying, you're working out. If you're not working out, you're worrying about a future internship. We all put too much on our plate before it becomes overbearing and unhealthy. I have one word for you: Stop.
It's okay to have one day to just relax. It's okay to stop studying an hour early or miss a day of working out. You can't always be in control of the future, but this is can be a good thing. As invincible as 20-year-olds think they are, we all crack at one point.
It's not surprising to me, though, that we expect so much out of ourselves. We were raised to be the best at everything, whether that is sports, school, anything. Anything less than perfect isn't good enough. The feeling of control is so toxic that it leads people to do crazy things all the time, especially young adults. We're no longer the "star athlete" or an A+ student. Classes got harder and expectations are higher.
It's normal to want those same expectations to continue. Perfectionism is not possible, and we all need to realize this as we work ourselves to the bone day-in and day-out. The more one strives toward perfectionism, the worse the effects will become.
Once you feel yourself getting to an extreme level of stress or anxiety, think about this:
1. Breathe. You are okay.
You are so much better than you give yourself credit for.
2. Will you be this upset over it in five years?
Odds are, you won't be. If it doesn't affect you long-term, don't ruin your time now over something as minuscule as a C on a paper.
3. What do you need (not want) in order to be content again?
If that is Netflix, then go turn on "Gossip Girl" and relax. If you need to talk with friends, drive over and spend time with them. You won't get years like these back.
4. You can't control everything.
This is important. No matter how much we want to believe it, sometimes you need to let life take its course. It always works out fine, so why waste the time stressing?
5. School is important, but it isn't the only important thing in the world.
Your family matters. Your friends matter. Your health matters. Do not push these things away because you want everything else to be perfect. There is so much more to life than reaching for perfection.
So go out to that party on a Tuesday night. Have fun with your friends. These are the best years of your life and nothing is worth the stress that most students place upon themselves. Sometimes, you need to tell yourself, "I deserve this," because who doesn't deserve a cheesy bread at 1 A.M.?
