Dealing with Stress during College

            Whether you're facing final exams, managing a long distance relationship or just struggling to stay on top of a pile of homework, college can be a stressful time. Don't succumb to anxiety - follow these simple tips for dealing with stress during college.

Conquer Your Stress

            College students face a host of stressors. University-level homework may be more challenging (and plentiful!) than anything you've ever faced before, and final exams can bring a whole new meaning to the term 'crunch time.'

The difficulties also don't typically end with academics. Romance and social lives can be as much a source of anxiety as they are of fun, and many students struggle to stay on top of the newfound freedoms of living away from home, from cooking to laundry to managing a budget.

In response to these challenges, some students fall behind on homework, stop attending class or worse - they turn to dangerous coping mechanisms like drugs or alcohol. Don't let this happen to you! Here are some ideas for managing your college life and keeping your stress levels under control.

Organize your time.

            Everything will feel less overwhelming if you have a manageable plan for staying on track. Get a calendar and use it to track your classes and deadlines, as well as plan out study time and social time.

Maintain healthy habits.

            Eating well and getting enough rest is crucial for staying healthy and calm. Make sure you account for cooking balanced meals and getting 6-8 hours of rest most nights in your scheduling. Getting regular exercise is also important.

Set realistic goals.

            Many students generate extra stress for themselves by taking on too many responsibilities or simply having unrealistic expectations for themselves. Set realistic, achievable goals and don't be too hard on yourself if you fail once in a while.

Develop good coping mechanisms.

            Some stress will be unavoidable, so it's important to develop healthy ways to deal with it. Popular options include athletic exercise, meditation or simply engaging in breathing exercises. Find something that works for you and incorporate it into your routines.

Seek help.

            Most colleges and universities offer free counseling services through their health centers. Emergency counseling can be a great way to get through times of extreme stress, and many people find that regular counseling helps them deal with day to day challenges.