So it’s the third week of school and so many of us can already feel the stress.
You decided to get involved on campus, take all of the credit hours, pulled your first all-nighter, signed up to volunteer and maintain a decent social life all while trying to stay sane. I hear you girl, and the college struggle is one that is unfortunately not unique to you.
Yeah, it’s the hard truth, but with a bright side.
So many of us have been there and so many of us have found a way to master the art calming the stressors in our lives! This is not to say that you will never experience a level of stress that requires you take a step back, however, this does give you a blueprint on how to relieve yourself before it all comes crashing down.
Recognize when your mental health is not so…healthy
This is something that I wish I would have known freshmen year of college! This is so important and is usually the first sign that you need to slow it down. Is your memory fuzzy and is your sleeping off? Are you having a hard time focusing? Do you have a lack of an appetite? If yes to these and more, it’s time to slow down before things take on a new life! Try relaxing after your classes are over and indulging in a mini self care session. The planning and homework can wait, I promise it will be there if you have balanced your time. Turn off the devices, cry if you need to and then visit the counseling center to figure out how to balance your new life. But just don’t forget, it will all be okay!
Work out, work out, work out
Working out may sound like a stretch after a long day, but trust me, it is SO worth it. Giving your joints some oxygen and your limbs some air is one of the most relieving feelings ever! Not only does it give your body a refreshing workout, but it gives your mind a rest from the chatterbox that we call school. Start with some light cardio and move on to stretches when you feel relieved. If you want to kick it up a notch, GSU offers free workout classes in our student rec center. Pay a visit with your roomie if you can!
Surround yourself with good company
Have you ever heard of the saying, “you are who you surround yourself with?” If yes, this is so true. The way you feel, think and talk is sometimes influenced by who we surround ourselves with. So my question is, who are you letting into your personal space? Do they motivate you? Do they give constructive criticism? Or do they drain you do your energy? Let’s be honest, in college you will run into people who drain you and then there are those people who give you life! Choose wisely and know when it’s time to move along from those who taint your space.
Get some rest and catch some Zzzzz
Sometimes, you have to learn how to say no! Your rest is the most important part of the day and without it, you will be a dysfunctional mess. Don’t fall for the, “work hard and hustle 24/7” trap, it’s not realistic nor is it healthy! Schedule some down time for nap throughout the day and get to bed at a decent time. This means that you will miss some activities, campus events, parties and tailgates, but it’s all worth it when you feel like yourself at the end of the week!
Treat yourself
Because this is a favorite part for some of us, I don’t have to tell you how to do it, do I? The best part about working so hard and seeing your results is knowing that you are allowed to show yourself some love. Treat yourself to something that you have been wanting to do or wanting to purchase. Don’t feel like you don’t deserve it, just go for it! Small incentives for our lives is sometimes what keeps us going.
Now that you have some tips to get you started, how will you use them? It is so vital to create a healthy routine so that you don’t fall short in the areas of your life that mean the most to you. Don’t let the burnout get you before you can get a handle on it, see the signs before it’s too rough. You can do this!