Do you sometimes feel like the Hunchback of Notre Dame from all the stress you have to carry? Transitioning into a new semester, facing dreaded midterms and finals, adjusting to new people, and keeping healthy are just some of the stresses any college student may face. Juggling life at school and at home with family adds more stress to the pile. Often young adults try to distinguish themselves as mature by bottling up their stress and pretending they are “okay” and they can “handle it.” If you do this, you are wrong!
Stand up straight, a lady always maintains good posture!
As Idina Says, “Let It Go, Let It Go”
Don’t hold it back anymore. Hiding your emotions is unhealthy! In an argument, getting angry is normal, getting upset is normal, and crying is normal! Do not belittle yourself for feeling emotion, you’re only human. Sure, putting on a brave face and maintaining complete composure would be great, but you’re not a robot. Sleepless nights, headaches, depression, overeating or loss of appetite, and grades dropping are only a few of the many effects of concealing emotion and building up stress. Sit down with someone you really trust and rant, laugh, cry, express anger, or simply talk about how you’re feeling.
Another way is to write it all down. Take some time out of your day and write down things that are bothering you. After making a list, write about how you feel, and then reread what you have written. Allowing yourself to reflect on what is bothering you can provide insight into yourself and your situation.
Take a Chill Pill
Figuratively of course, but find an outlet. Whether it’s reading a dreamy fiction, listening to your favorite band, attending a spinning class at the Recreation and Wellness Center, or laying out a mat in the early morning by the Reflection pond and trying out some new yoga poses, partaking in a healthy outlet is one of the best ways to distract yourself from stress or even allow yourself to clearly think. Relax your body and do something you enjoy. Recommendation: Listen to some Jack Johnson or visit a Farmers Market in the city!
Give and Receive
Doing for others is good for you too. By volunteering you will see that you not only can create positive results but a positive outlook. Rather than focus on your own troubles, focus on helping others. This will create a sense of gratitude, allowing you to reduce your stress levels and enjoy life. Studies have shown that giving to others is more rewarding than receiving, so put on some baggy clothes and pet some puppies. Not only will you get to play with adorable pups, but you’ll be giving them much needed attention.
Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
Try therapy! Sometimes it’s difficult to admit when something is wrong and sometimes it’s even more difficult to figure it out on your own. Talking to people you trust is a great way to relieve stress, but seeking professional help can provide you with explanations for how you are feeling and even alternatives to relieve stress.
Make Use of School Resources
Lucky for us UCF students we have a beautiful, scenic campus where we can chill out, a health and counseling center with friendly, professional psychologists, and even a dependable office of student rights and responsibilities department which can help direct you to even more resources on campus.
Overall, try to focus on the here and now. Worrying about the future, and trying to change the past will only create more anxiety. Enjoy life, you’re young and there is no way to control every aspect of your life. Learn from your mistakes rather than brewing over them and enjoy each moment without worrying about what will happen tomorrow.
P.S. After a test grab something sweet! The sweet treat will release endorphins that will help relieve stress!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or feel you may be suffering from depression please seek professional help from campus resources such as the UCF Health and Counseling Center at (407)823-2811.