Combat Stress as a College Student
If you are a college student, you are probably no stranger to stress. With constant deadlines, projects and exams—not to mention the demands of work and a social life—the pressure can be enough to incite both short-term and long-term stress. Chronic stress is not just an inconvenience. It initiates chemical changes in your body that can have a long term negative impact on your health and well-being.
Stress can be caused by the demands of college, but can also stem from many other issues. Some major stressors are the death of a loved one, illness, loss of employment and divorce. Even happy events that reflect a major change in routine, such as marriage or a promotion, can be the root of stress. Taking steps to alleviate stress is essential to your health and to establishing balance.
While life will always have a way of throwing at us situations we cannot possibly anticipate, some stress can and should be avoided. When you sense feelings of stress, think consciously about the true source of the tension. Is it the upcoming deadline for a project, or is it a relationship issue? Is it financial? Though stress is not always the result of a one determinable factor, being conscious about the circumstances causing your stress can help you figure out what actions to take to alleviate it. Here are some ways to avoid preventable stress:
-Know your limits. Do not set yourself up for unnecessary stress by taking on more responsibility than you can comfortably handle. Assess the extent of stress you feel with your current level of responsibility and free time before committing to additional social, school or work related obligations. Having a healthy balance in the various aspects of your life contributes to success in each aspect individually.
-Take time to relax. Even if you have to squeeze it in, even if for just ten minutes, allow yourself opportunities to relax. The busy college lifestyle can keep you on the go all day long, giving you little time to regroup and rejuvenate. What you need to succeed in college are determination and consistency, not the superpower to accomplish everything at once.
-Do not procrastinate. The anticipation of a stress inducing event can be as stressful as the event itself. If you put off studying for a test, for instance, you are prolonging the anticipation while doing nothing to prepare yourself. While short-lived stress is natural and can be motivating, chronic stress can cause difficulty sleeping, an inability to concentrate, a compromised immune system and long-term health risks. Managing your time wisely can prevent a lot of stress by reducing anticipation and increasing your sense of control.
-Be conscious of the company you keep. If a particular relationship consistently causes you stress, whether it be with a friend or partner, you may want to evaluate whether the relationship is worth the effort. If not, it may be in your best interest to spend less time with the person or end the relationship.
Some techniques that can be used to alleviate stress are exercising, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and meditation. If these or other stress management techniques do not work for you, you may consider speaking with a medical professional about your stress level. Being a college student is inherently demanding, and stress management is an important component of establishing a healthy life balance.
About the Author: Evelyn Saunders, a retired teacher, is the editor for student-loans.net, a provider of private student loans and information on student loans and consolidation. For more information, please visit http://www.student-loans.net
Stress can be caused by the demands of college, but can also stem from many other issues. Some major stressors are the death of a loved one, illness, loss of employment and divorce. Even happy events that reflect a major change in routine, such as marriage or a promotion, can be the root of stress. Taking steps to alleviate stress is essential to your health and to establishing balance.
While life will always have a way of throwing at us situations we cannot possibly anticipate, some stress can and should be avoided. When you sense feelings of stress, think consciously about the true source of the tension. Is it the upcoming deadline for a project, or is it a relationship issue? Is it financial? Though stress is not always the result of a one determinable factor, being conscious about the circumstances causing your stress can help you figure out what actions to take to alleviate it. Here are some ways to avoid preventable stress:
-Know your limits. Do not set yourself up for unnecessary stress by taking on more responsibility than you can comfortably handle. Assess the extent of stress you feel with your current level of responsibility and free time before committing to additional social, school or work related obligations. Having a healthy balance in the various aspects of your life contributes to success in each aspect individually.
-Take time to relax. Even if you have to squeeze it in, even if for just ten minutes, allow yourself opportunities to relax. The busy college lifestyle can keep you on the go all day long, giving you little time to regroup and rejuvenate. What you need to succeed in college are determination and consistency, not the superpower to accomplish everything at once.
-Do not procrastinate. The anticipation of a stress inducing event can be as stressful as the event itself. If you put off studying for a test, for instance, you are prolonging the anticipation while doing nothing to prepare yourself. While short-lived stress is natural and can be motivating, chronic stress can cause difficulty sleeping, an inability to concentrate, a compromised immune system and long-term health risks. Managing your time wisely can prevent a lot of stress by reducing anticipation and increasing your sense of control.
-Be conscious of the company you keep. If a particular relationship consistently causes you stress, whether it be with a friend or partner, you may want to evaluate whether the relationship is worth the effort. If not, it may be in your best interest to spend less time with the person or end the relationship.
Some techniques that can be used to alleviate stress are exercising, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and meditation. If these or other stress management techniques do not work for you, you may consider speaking with a medical professional about your stress level. Being a college student is inherently demanding, and stress management is an important component of establishing a healthy life balance.
About the Author: Evelyn Saunders, a retired teacher, is the editor for student-loans.net, a provider of private student loans and information on student loans and consolidation. For more information, please visit http://www.student-loans.net
Labels: college stress, college time management, stress tips
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