How to deal with stress in college when you have way too much going on!
This post talks about the best tips to manage stress in college.
Finding ways to reduce stress is so key if you want to thrive in college! The best tips to manage stress actually seem to be the simplest ones.
To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever made it through an entire semester (or even a week) of college without getting stressed at some point.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, I get it. It’s basically impossible not to be stressed at some point in college. But there are reliable reduce stress techniques that you can use to make it a little easier.
Here are some simple stress reduction strategies any college student can implement!
This post talks about the best tips to manage stress in college.
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WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS IN COLLEGE:
1. Don’t sacrifice exercise!
I get it…. not everybody loves exercising, and maybe it’s not really your thing.
But it is actually so important when it comes to reducing stress!
Exercising regularly — even if it’s something simple like stretching or doing some jumping jacks — has actually been proven to reduce stress and improve mental health!
[RELATED – Dorm Room Work Out: Valuable Tips for an Effective Routine]
2. Keep a go-to list of healthy college meals
Eating healthy in college is just as hard as everyone says it is. The struggle really is real.
But what you eat has such a direct impact on your energy levels. And when you have less energy, you’re likely letting the work pile up more than you need to be which is directly contributing to your stress!
Having a go-to list of healthy college meals is a great way to combat this problem. When you’re eating better, your focus will improve, which will improve your grades, your workload, and your overall stress levels!
[RELATED – 25 Healthy College Meals That Are Quick & Easy to Make]
3. Carry around stress toys
I know it sounds kind of silly, but if you find yourself fidgeting anxiously or just feel like you have excess energy from stress, stress toys are some of the best ways to reduce stress for students.
Whether it’s bringing a stress ball to class, keeping a jar of Play-Doh on your dorm desk, getting a sensory ring, or investing in a nice fidget ring, stress toys are a great temporary fix for sudden stress & anxiety!
4. Write out what’s really bothering you
Sometimes, the cause of stress is something bubbling up under the surface of our emotions that we don’t even fully realize is there.
One of the best ways to combat that build-up of emotions is to write out your feelings consistently. Journaling is a great way to manage stress!
For some people, this might sound easy; for others, maybe not so much.
But it doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Invest in a nice journal like this and then spend even one minute per day writing down whatever is on your mind!
5. Invest time in your hobbies
As a college student myself, I get how hard it is to find time to invest in your hobbies. It might even feel unnecessary at times.
That’s so not true, though! Investing in your hobbies is so important because doing the things that bring you joy in life is one of the most reliable ways to reduce stress in college!
6. Take naps
Truthfully, it would be better to just try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. But I’m well aware that sometimes, being stressed means you’re not sleeping well at night and then you end up being over-tired during the day.
If that sounds like you, take naps at times when you can. You may have a million things to do, but you’ll be 10x more productive if you’re well-rested.
[RELATED – Sleep Tips for College That Will Skyrocket Your Productivity]
7. Step away from the screen
When you’re stressed, the only thing you want to do sometimes is to mindlessly scroll.
But I can tell you from experience, that’s going to do more harm than good!
If you really want to feel energized and refreshed, one of the most effective ways to relieve stress is simply to take a break from your phone and computer.
It doesn’t have to be a massively long hiatus. Even taking a 20 minute break from screens to read a book or go for a walk can make such a huge difference!
8. Never underestimate the power of a walk
Speaking of walks, one of my go-to stress relief tips is to go for even a short walk multiple times a week.
Whether it’s first thing in the morning, midway through your day, or an evening stroll, taking a walk is one of the most effective tips to manage stress.
While getting fresh air, you also get some exercise, get a break from your screens, and give your mind some time to rest all at once.
9. Promise to be present
I fully believe that social time is super important in college.
As much as you’re there to study, you’re also there to make lifelong friends and lifelong memories.
Especially if you’re an extrovert, spending time with friends can actually motivate you and make you feel way more energized.
But here’s the key…
You need to promise yourself EVERY TIME you hang out with friends that you’ll be fully present!
Don’t hang out with your friends if you’re just going to spend the whole time thinking in the back of your mind about the assignments you have to do or all the things you’re stressed about.
Just allow yourself to slow down and enjoy, and not feel guilty about it.
Which of these reduce stress techniques are you going to try?
This post talks about some great tips to manage stress.
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