Target – College Students
Whether it is your first semester of college or your last, it’s likely that you will feel overwhelmed with balancing the course load. Between studying for tests, completing homework and even managing a job and a social life, it’s challenging for many students to feel as if they are staying on top of all of their responsibilities and obligations.
However, with a few changes to your daily routine, you can stop – or at the very least, reduce – the stress to help you remain positive and productive.
Routine Changes
1) Embrace Positive Thinking: Many times, when overwhelmed, your mind might focus on the worst-case scenario. Common thoughts may include: “I’m going to fail this test.” “I can’t keep up with this workload.” However, if you change the way you think by focusing on the positive versus the negative, you are giving yourself a chance to succeed. Instead, change your thoughts to “I’m prepared for this test” and “I’m going to try my best.” Stress commonly causes students to move toward the negative, but if you are conscious about changing your thoughts, you can also positively change the outcome.
2) Seek Out Resources: Although stress is common when it feels like it’s too much to handle, ask for help. College institutions feature counseling and advising services with professionals who are trained to help college students cope with stress. Acting as a support system, these individuals can also point you in the right direction to find assistance with tutoring, peer study groups, library services, extracurricular activities and more. Use the resources that are available to you so you don’t have to shoulder the burden of stress by yourself.
3) Maintain Your Health: If you find yourself sacrificing lunch so you can get in another study session, you might be doing more harm than good. Instead of gorging on cold pizza on the run, make time to eat healthy. Green leafy vegetables and protein will give you the energy you need to complete your homework and study. Stray from sugary energy drinks that ultimately cause you to crash when you need to be alert and ready to take on new challenges.
4) Exercise Regularly: Part of being a college student is learning how to prioritize. While it may not seem like you have time for a walk across campus or a mid-morning jog, you will be boosting your energy and your mental alertness if you do. Take along some note cards so you can study while getting in some exercise at the campus gym or listen to a podcast or some music to take your mind off the stress of cramming for exams.
5) Incorporate Time Management Strategies Into Your Routine: Time management is not something you conquer in one day, but if you take baby steps, you can actively prioritize your to-do list and accomplish more than you imagined, which ultimately helps reduce stress. Start by making a list of action items and then breaking these down into subcategories. As you conquer each task, feel a sense of accomplishment when you cross it off the list. It can also help to use a planner to keep track of weekly obligations and academic responsibilities. Many colleges offer planners for free to help you manage your time.
While it’s not realistic to think that you will not encounter any type of stress as a college student, there are ways to manage it so you feel less overwhelmed. Know that the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is here to support your efforts and encourage you along the way. The mission of the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is to build foundations for the future by providing educational assistance to children and adults who are members of families with low to moderate incomes. Learn more about these opportunities at The Leon N. Weiner Foundation.