College is stressful, there’s no denying that. Often referred to as the best years of one’s life, it can also be some of the most uncertain. Stuck somewhere between childhood and adulthood, students are balancing work, school, and decision making, while also trying to find time for friends and fun. It isn’t easy, and sometimes it can be difficult to cope with the weight of it all, but here are a few tips to deal with the stress we all experience at some point in our college careers:
1. Reach out to friends and family!
I wrote previously about my stellar roommates and how awesome it is to be surrounded by friends who understand what I’m going through, but as in tune as my friends and I may be, they can’t read minds. Don’t hesitate to speak up and ask for support if you need it, a good friend won’t hesitate to lend an ear. Don’t count family out, either. Though I like to think of myself as a fairly self-sufficient, strong, independent woman, I never tire of hearing my mom’s voice when I’m overworked.
2. Utilize Campus Resources:
One of the perks of KU studentship is access to campus resources geared toward helping you succeed. If it’s academics that have you worried, hone in on what it is you’re most troubled by, and approach one of the student centers who are best equipped to help you climb out of the slump. The math help room and the KU writing centers are great places to start, and the KU libraries have a number of other resources like ‘Ask a Librarian’ which can help take some of the guesswork out of assignments.
3. Switch up your routine:
As a night owl, I don’t always have the best sleeping habits, and with morning classes, late nights aren’t usually ideal. Sometimes more diligent time management can make a world of difference. There’s always going to be 24 hours in a day, sometimes it feels like enough, and sometimes it feels like too little, but if pre-planning and organizing a daily schedule which better accommodates your lifestyle helps relieve some stress, invest in a planner and head to bed an hour or two earlier.
4. Exercise:
I know, I know, if you already have a schedule jam packed, fitting in exercise can seem like an impossibility. With all a student needs to get done in a day, working out isn’t always a priority, but in the words of Elle Woods: “Exercise gives you endorphins. And endorphins make you happy!” Having something to focus on for twenty to thirty minutes that gets your blood pumping can be a life saver. If you don’t have the time to make it to the Student Rec, there are plenty of easy exercises you can do right in your own bedroom.
5. Meditate:
Meditation is the act of focusing and quieting the mind, and for those who have mastered the art of meditation, or at least found a method that works for them, it’s thought to be extremely therapeutic. How much time you choose to invest in pursuing meditation is entirely up to you, if a few minutes of deep breathing and silence is enough to help you find your center, great! There’s no right or wrong way to meditate, it’s all about finding peace. Experiment with different breathing exercises and settings. Candles, relaxing music, and a comfortable location are some great options for starting your meditation experience.
College can be a stressful time, but that shouldn’t be the prevalent emotion. The years spent here at KU should be packed with good vibes and good memories as well, so don’t forget to unwind and de-stress when the going gets tough!