Handling College Stress: Top 3 Tips for Success

One of the things that new college students handle least effectively is stress. While there may be a few students who can't wait to get away from home, the vast majority of first-time college students will face a very stressful time when leaving home. Students who attend school somewhere out-of-state may feel a sharp sense of anxiety about leaving the security and familiarity of home. The pressures of a completely new environment full of unfamiliar people and situations can be quite stressful.

There will be a small number of young folks who can't handle the stress, fail in their studies, and may even leave the campus and return home. It's a normal feeling to feel uncomfortable in a new environment. It's important to learn to handle stress because there is likely going to be a great deal of it in college. Roommates who play loud music or have parties in your room until dawn, an advanced trigonometry pop quiz at eight o'clock in the morning, skipping breakfast, handling new and challenging relationships, fraternities, and that ten-page research paper due the next day will be just a few of the stressful challenges you're likely to face at school. Here's the top three tips for handling stress at college.

Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule

One of the toughest things about starting a new life on a college campus can be regulating your sleep schedule, especially in the first few weeks. There is simply just too many people to meet, too many things to be done, and too many parties to attend. You know how much sleep you need to function properly. Most folks need about eight hours every night. That's not eight hours sleep once in awhile, but eight solid hours every night over the long-term. If it seems that a solid eight hours is just not possible, don't forget naps. A good 20-30 minute nap can do a lot to help get you through the day and keep you well-rested. Tired students do not handle stress well.

Get Plenty of Regular Exercise

Nothing melts away stress like a good run or some sort of strenuous exercise. When I was in college years ago, racquetball was very popular and we had access to some courts near the campus that were open 24-hours. We went there at all hours of the day and night. Not only did we get some great, regular exercise, we were able to relieve a lot of stress. Regular exercise is vital in relieving stress and altering your mind and body for good. Even a short 30 minutes of exercise can dramatically change the way you feel. The positive effects of exercise are a release of serotonin in the brain which boosts your mood. You'll need that boost when handling the stresses of college life.

Make Healthy Eating Choices

Providing the best, most nutritious fuel for your body is essential when you're in a stress-filled environment like college. It is so easy to get caught up in all the classes and activities of college life that some students forget how important it is to eat well, and eat regularly. Eat lots of fruits, protein, and vegetables which are good for you and will make you feel better physically and mentally. Eating nutritious, well-balanced meals will also help keep your immune system strong and able to fight off any possible bugs or viruses.

The college or university environment can be one of the most stressful ever encountered by young folks who are away from home for the first time. In addition to the aforementioned tips, you'll need to be sure and take regular breaks, find time for yourself, and regularly re-evaluate where you've been, where you are now, and where you want to go. The most successful college students have a plan for their academic future and follow that plan, making slight course alterations along the way as needed. Knowing where you want to go is a tremendous stress reliever.

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Handling Stress at College

Handling Stress in College

Dealing With College Stress