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Wellness

Preventing and Relieving Stress in University Students

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FIU chapter.

University students may often get an upset stomach or headaches, and they can also feel exhausted, restless, or irritable. Feeling stressed over classes, work, expenses, family, or friends can cause this.

These symptoms are common and they can lead students to live unhealthy lives. Relieving and preventing stress should be a priority and the methods to do this are quite simple.

Purdue University informs that the Center for Collegiate Mental Health has identified stress as one out of the three top mental health concerns that students in universities face every year. It was reported that 87% of students feel overwhelmed and 45% experience “more than average stress.”

People try to multitask and they can end up putting too much on their plate as a result. Stress is a feeling bound to happen in situations like that. Learning how to prevent and relieve stress is the right step to take. Purdue University shares that some of the best ways to manage stress are to be organized, meditate, explore aromatherapy, or write down their feelings in a journal.

Intaking the right nutrients during meals and exercising can give students the energy they need to face the day head-on. Having a hobby or sport to do during designated breaks can help people to reduce tension in their lives too. It is a great way to step back from stressful tasks and take a mental break. A support system can provide encouragement and different perspectives and thinking positive thoughts can be helpful for remaining calm and confident. Any of these methods are excellent ways people can reduce stress.

Being organized is a tool university students should always have, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities in their lives. Keeping a planner is useful for breaking down the day and being able to cross off tasks from to-do lists. A student may feel satisfied by doing this and it may motivate them to work. The reward is feeling accomplished at the end of the day. Meditation, aromatherapy, or keeping a journal are ways to let out the stress that students feel.

Other handy tips for reducing stress are to get involved in campus activities, listen to music, or spend quality time with loved ones. Stress does not always come from having a large list of tasks to complete. It can come from having a deadline or not feeling motivated. Very Well Mind states that joining university clubs can help students, especially those studying away from home, to feel integrated and a part of their community. This is one way to start networking and make friends with whom to talk, study, or hang out with. 

Identifying how to prevent stress and relieve it is now at your fingertips. Stress may sometimes be or feel inevitable, but knowing how to act when the stress is overwhelming is essential, especially for university students. By trying any of these methods students may see improvement in their attitude and view on life.

Andrea Leyva is a student at Florida International University, majoring in Communications. Her interests include learning about the behind the scenes of movies and tv shows, reading, and listening to music. She also enjoys hanging out with friends, watching plays, going to theme parks, and traveling. Andrea is very excited to share what she is passionate about through her articles!