As a college student, you are constantly on the go. Being in college for over two months already, I’ve come to realize that I’m more stressed than usual and it’s important to find ways to cope with it. Stress is a natural phenomenon that everyone experiences to an extent, especially college students. As we approach the holiday season, more pressures are added on top and it can be very difficult to manage everything. For me, I’m constantly worried and this, in turn, gets me stressed. My favorite motto to get out of this mindset is to live one day at a time. Let go of the past, live in the present, and let tomorrow be. Here are just a few ways to de-stress after a long and grueling day:
Meditate/Breathing
-
Take a moment and do some simple breathing. I find I do simple breathing even when I’m not stressed because it’s very soothing. In through the nose and out through the mouth is the most common breathing technique that I use to calm myself. Focus on that for a couple minutes and you’ll find yourself a bit more relaxed and focused.
Read
-
I love reading fiction books! It’s my favorite way to de-stress every night because you get engulfed into a world where for a time you forget the everyday pressures and get to enjoy being part of an incredible journey.
Image Source: https://greatist.com/live/self-help-top-five-lessons-from-self-help-books
Listen to Music
-
I listen to music everyday whether that be when I’m getting ready in the morning, studying, walking to class, etc. I just love doing nothing and listening to some tunes and singing along.
Exercise
-
Exercise releases endorphins that will make you feel happier and more content. If you take a simple jog or even lift some weights for awhile, it can improve your mood significantly.
Image Source: https://www.today.com/health/diet-beats-exercise-weight-loss-4-reasons-workouts-fail-t41626
Talk to someone
-
If you’re at the level of stress where you think it is affecting your performance at work or school or well-being in general, it’s important to find someone to talk about it with. Your parents, siblings, friends, professors, and counselors are all great resources to talk it through. Hopefully once you talk through your stress, you can find various ways to cope.
I hope you found this post helpful and that you found ways to cope with your stress! Here are a few resources to learn more about stress and the effects:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress/index.shtml
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/stress
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/s/stress
This week I wanted to say thank you to all those who are or were in the armed forces and have dedicated their lives in the protection of American citizens and rights. Nothing I can say can truly express my gratefulness for your service. Thank you for all that you are doing and have done for our great nation.
xoxo,
Sophia