Stress Management
The transition from high school to college life is bound to be stressful, whether you’re moving across town, across the state, or across the country. Moving into the dorms, transitions into classes, and the overall change of environment can cause this stress, but if you know how to manage and minimize your stress, your life will be much more enjoyable.
One way to reduce stress is to get involved around campus. Getting involved in sports, clubs and overall student life will keep you busy, but in a good way. You will make friends, become more familiar with college life, and learn skills that will help you through the rest of your college career. Meeting “study buddies” will also help you become more comfortable with your classes, and you will have someone to help you if you don’t understand something.
If classes and homework loads are causing you to worry, just remember to pace yourself with studying and school work. If you set aside specific times for homework, in intervals of 30 minutes or an hour, and then take a short break to eat a snack or do something else enjoyable, your homework won’t seem so burdensome. Also, it is a good idea to start a calendar for your class work, marking down the dates of important tests and assignments.
If you feel like you are falling behind in your class work or studying, don’t panic! Do your best to complete your work, but not so much that you don’t get enough sleep or relaxation time. If you need help with a project, you can always talk to your friends or professors for advice on how to finish it most efficiently and successfully.
Being able to manage your stress is a very important skill when you go to college. Many things in your life will change, and it is sometimes hard to deal with all of the new things you are experiencing. At first it’s hard to realize what college is all about. It’s hard to know what to expect out of your classes. It’s easy to get stressed out over little things. When I’m feeling stressed, I like to do familiar things that always make me happy. I enjoy reading so I like to read new books and old ones I’ve already read. Music is very important in my life; so listening to music that makes me feel good is something I like to do on a daily basis. Sometimes it’s also nice to go on a short walk by yourself. Feel the fresh air and give yourself time to clear your head. Watching movies is something that I really enjoy. Sitting down and enjoying a good film passes the time. Also when you are feeling overwhelmed with thoughts or feelings, it’s good to try to write. Just to write down what you are thinking can be very therapeutic. Sometimes it’s also nice to try new things. Go to organizational meetings that you maybe wouldn’t normally go to, or get involved on campus other ways.
There are many ways to reduce your stress. Each person can figure what works for them. It’s all about being able to relax and enjoy this time in your life.
