Let’s face it. Getting back into school, especially college, can be a very overwhelming and stressful process. Specifically if you’re new to college. You’ll find that your oh-so-comfortable abode with your parents is just so amazing until you have to leave, deal with being in a new place, with new people, new experiences, more work, being more independent, and all of the great things that come with college.
What a great way to ease into the school year with a post to calm your nerves and hopefully make you feel like you can take on this next promising year ahead. No matter what year you are at college, freshman or senior, destressing and finding time for yourself is one of the most important parts of keeping yourself healthy and mentally ready to take on the challenges that come your way. Everyone is at their own stage of adjusting to college, so here are a few helpful ideas of ways to stay calm.
1. Worry Only About You
It can be a bit stressful when you start thinking about who is doing what and where everyone else is going. It can really blur the way you look at your accomplishments and goals. Try to focus on the things you want and need to do. Finish your studies, apply yourself, and take time to figure out your next steps.
2. Take Advantages of Things That Interest You
It can be very easy to miss opportunities when you’re not looking, but that doesn’t mean to sign up for every single thing you “think” you’ll like or your friends like. College is about finding new interests and building on old ones. Sign up for a couple clubs or organizations, but don’t overload your schedule—it’ll only add more stress.
3. Find Time to Exercise
It is so important to find a time to be active and do something to get your heart rate up. This time is crucial because you need to relax your mind and do something fun. Join a dance class, do some yoga, go for a run, or shoot some hoops.
4. Pace Yourself
A lot of the time we tend to look ahead too much. We want to do things and worry about what the future holds. As a result, we get ourselves into a state of mind that is on full speed. There is no need to be thinking about the future and psyching yourself out. Take things as they come and the rest will follow.
5. Go Outside
One of the easiest ways to make college a little less hectic is to just be outside and get some fresh air. Open a window or take a walk. Maybe you’ll see a tree, a bird, a dog, a friend, a new friend—who knows! Now get out of your dark dorm room!
6. Balance Food and Drink
Gaining weight in college is definitely a thing. Not for everyone, sadly, but all the new things that college brings can be a lot and focusing on what you consume is probably one of the most important things to keep in mind. You cannot let yourself go on that whole pack of oreos, but sometimes you need to treat yourself with a Domino’s pizza at 1am.
7. Learn to Move On
There are a lot of things that need to be left in the past: an ex boyfriend, fizzling friendships, petty drama, failed tests, and everything else that does not serve you. Take each day as a fresh start and move forward. You will miss out on opportunities and distract yourself from the important things. Don’t sweat the small stuff!