As college students we deal with a lot of stress, we are required to get a crap load of homework, deal with personal issues and since school is so damn expensive most of us work. Here are some ways to keep yourself together, stay healthy and make it through college.
1. Take care of yourself first!
Stress can wreak havoc on the body and make you more likely to get sick, so it is more important that you take care of you. You can talk to your professor if there is too much going on and can meet with the counseling center on campus for support. Also if life is way too much for you it may be time to take a semester off, because your health is the most important thing.
2. Prioritize
Make a schedule to plan out what needs to be done (set aside time for you, school, socializing, cleaning, etc.).
3. Take breaks
Working all day can make you depressed, anxious and painfully bored break up long periods of studying/working/school work by having some fun. Take a Netflix break, read a book.
4. Have Fun
Sing your favorite song, hang out with your friends, and do whatever else makes you happy.
5. Ask for help
If you are struggling there are people on campus that can help you in the counseling center.
6. Talk to your friends
They may not always understand first hand but friends can be great to vent to and lean on, and best of all they know how to make you laugh!
7. Don’t overload yourself
You do not need to finish a four year degree in four years! Even if everyone else around you doesn’t understand why it is too much just take your time, stay calm and do your best.
8. Sleep at least 7 hours
Sleep is usually the first thing to go when you are too stressed, but just like the other things on this list it is wicked important! If you can’t sleep the seven hours at night try and take a nap in the afternoon. Sleep does not only recharge your body and mind but also aids in problem solving, dealing with stress and decreasing risks of illness.
9. Avoid Self Medicating
Don’t be ashamed to see a professional who can prescribe you something to help you deal with stress!
10. Eat right
Eat DARK chocolate it reduces high blood pressure. Avoid processed foods these can cause irritability due to hunger and you get easily addicted to these chemicals. Eat the good sugars; the ones which last in your body longer such as more complex carbs like whole wheats. They release the neurotransmitter serotonin which makes you happy.
11. Know the signs
Stress affects us all in different ways some people are irritable while others are sad. However, if you don’t feel like you need to seek help so can feel like you again.
12. Stress is Normal
Everyone feels stress; You are not alone.
13. Remember this is not the end of the world
Things can only go up from here.