Dealing with Stress

College students have highly demanding schedules and must learn to create balanced lifestyles for themselves. If you're struggling to keep a balance between school, your social life, and extra-curricular activities, stress can kick in hard. Some stress is good. It can help you focus on what's important. Too much stress, however, can be damaging. There are many ways you can alleviate stress in college.

It's important to identify the most stressful things in your life. It may be a particular professor or class, dissatisfaction with your major, or social relationships. Once you have identified the culprit, try to do something to improve the situation. Even if it is a minor step, taking action to keep things under control can help. If you are struggling with writing papers, find a tutor or visit a writing workshop on campus.

A nutritious and balanced diet can help alleviate stress by keeping your body chemistry in balance. Exercising three times a week regulates energy levels, sleeping patterns and overall health. Yoga and breathing exercises can be particularly relaxing and beneficial.

Managing time efficiently can really reduce stress. Stop procrastinating and prioritize. Make a list of things you have to do and don't overload your schedule. Take action first on the things that matter most, but try to set aside enough time to do activities that are enjoyable and fun. Be sure to maintain a balance, and remember that too much partying can lead to lower grades, poor health, and increased stress.

Try to open up to those you care about. If you are stressed, share those feelings with family and friends. They can provide needed support and may be able to offer helpful advice. Counselors can help identify why you feel stressed and offer effective techniques to inhibit negative or irrational thoughts that may result. Sometimes just saying what's on your mind lifts a lot of the burden.

College doesn't have to be an overly stressful time in your life. Discover ways to manage your stress and find a healthy, balanced schedule. Enjoy the stressful times as well. College is a time to work hard and to play hard too.