How to Manage Stress in College

Image courtesy of Grace Deleon

College is undoubtedly a busy time for most students, making it easy to get overwhelmed and stressed. This is especially true during midterms and finals week. It is important to manage your stress for your own wellbeing and overall health.

Start Early

Earlier is always better. Try to start assignments as early as you possibly can and avoid procrastinating, as this bad habit will only leave you more overwhelmed as the deadline for your assignment or test approaches. By starting your work earlier, you won’t have to face a pile of tasks that are all due at the same time.

Make a Checklist

Writing down what you need to do in order of importance and checking off tasks as you go along will help you keep track of assignments. Having a planner or checklist is an easy way to stay organized. It’s satisfying to check off everything you need to get done, and it will help ease your stress.

Exercise and Relaxation

If there is a particular moment in which you feel overwhelmed, take a short walk or go to the gym (if you have enough time). Getting your body moving will help release endorphins and improve your mood. Even doing a short yoga class can help you relax and soothe your mind and body. Any exercise is better than none at all, and your body can fight stress better when it’s fit. Meditation is another way to focus your mind and calm your body. You can download a meditation app on your phone to practice relaxation techniques.

Grace Deleon, a sophomore behavioral and community health major, is a certified yoga and group fitness instructor. She says yoga and meditation give her a space to slow down and get out of her head and into her body.

“It’s my space to practice self awareness, self confidence, self assurance,” Deleon said.

Stay Nourished

During stressful weeks with long hours at the library, it’s important to make sure you’re eating well and staying hydrated. Your brain needs energy to focus, so remember to eat nourishing meals and drink lots of water. Many students skip meals during these times since they feel like they have no time to eat. Pack a meal or snack with a bottle of water in your backpack so you’re able to eat on the go – it will make your studying more effective.

Dr. Ted Pickett Jr., the associate director of University of Maryland’s Counseling Center, says that students should stay attuned to their physical needs such as sleep, eating and exercise.

“Without adequate sleep and food intake, your brain and body will not function as well and you will become more and more inefficient,” Pickett said.

Liz Suseck, a sophomore finance and operation management & business analytics major, says it’s important for her to eat healthy during stressful times because she’s a stress-eater.

“When I get overwhelmed, I turn to junk food. However, after consuming junk, I feel unmotivated and unenergized, and I can’t put my full effort into my work,” Suseck said. If students eat healthily, she added, they will fuel their bodies to be strong and therefore perform as best they can academically.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

After a long day of classes and studying, getting a good night’s sleep is vital for keeping your body healthy and managing stress. The 30 minutes that you spend contemplating whether you should sleep or study won’t be beneficial if you’re falling asleep during an exam the next day. Try to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.

Although college can be a stressful time, it is important to familiarize yourself with different ways of managing stress. Stress can negatively affect your body; however, by staying on top of the things you need to get done, you can help lower the stress in your life. Finding your best stress relief strategies will take time. Just remember that life is about being happy, so try your best to not stress about the little things and find ways to manage the ups and downs life throws at you.