There’s no doubt that every college student experiences stress. In fact, before the new semester even started I was already getting stressed out thinking about all the work and studying that was to come in the next four months. College is a stressful time with all the endless things going on that you need to get done or all of the endless clubs/activities that you need to go to. Not only do the classes and work load stress students out, but there are actually a lot of other factors that go into the stress of college students. Some of them may include: cost of tuition, new professors, new class schedules, relationships, and roommate difficulties. The list can go on and on. It’s no wonder students often feel like they are losing it. Every person you see here at UW-La Crosse is most likely experiencing some kind of stress in their lives. There are many things a student can do to help reduce the stress that comes with being in college. An unknown person once said, “Next time you’re stressed, take a step back, inhale and laugh. Remember who you are and why you’re here. You’re never given anything in this world that you can’t handle. Be strong, be flexible, love yourself, and love others. Always remember, just keep moving.”
1. Be Active and Exercise
The Staff of Mayo Clinic said that, “Virtually any form of physical activity can act as a stress reliever. Even if you’re not an athlete or you’re out of shape, exercise is still a good stress reliever.” Now use this advice and go do something active. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t a natural born athlete, even just a short walk can be an easy way to relieve some stress that you are feeling. Go for a hike on the bluffs or go sign up for a class at the Recreational Eagles Center on campus. At the REC they have yoga classes, which is proven to lower stress. The staff of Mayo Clinic talks about yoga saying that: “Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines that may help you achieve peacefulness of body and mind. This can help you relax and manage stress and anxiety.”
2. Talk to your Friends and Family
It can be so easy to lay in bed all day when you’re feeling stressed out, but talking it out and reaching out to friends and family can help reduce your stress a lot. Call your parents back home or FaceTime some old friends. It is a good distraction–talking to the people who love and care about you–and helps to keep your mind off of the things in life that are stressing you out.
3. Learn that you Can’t Do it All
In college, there are so many different things a college student has to juggle. All the different clubs that you join, your social life, your work life, and your school work are all going on at the same time. But sometimes you have to miss a club meeting to study for an exam and that’s okay. Sometimes it’s impossible to do absolutely everything and once you realize that, it could help with the stress.
4. Sleep
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. According to Mayo Clinic, “stress often gives sleep the heave-ho. When you have too much to do — and too much to think about — your sleep suffers. But sleep is the time when your brain and body recharge. And the quality and amount of sleep you get affects your mood, energy level, concentration and overall functioning.” The best way to wake up in a good mood and relieve your stress is to wake up with enough sleep and a good attitude.