College is an emotional rollercoaster and if students
aren’t aware of the mental and physical force that is
included, it could be a wild ride. Some college students
take on multiple responsibilities, along with this monster we like to call, stress. College success doesn’t just mean passing
grades and graduating, it’s much more than that. The stress of a college student includes maintaining study habits, making choices about alcohol and partying, living up to academic
standards and learning how to survive on their own. Every student has their own way of dealing with the stress of college. For some it’s about finding a quiet place to relax, for others it’s about exercising or enjoying nature. For Nic Bowen, Sinclair student, it’s about caffeine. “Abusive levels of caffeine and cycling to school always helps me,” Bowen said.
There’s no way to completely avoid stress, but it’s important to find certain ways to cope and manage your life in a way
that benefits you. Balancing social events and academics
can be a challenge. Huffington Post writer, Kayla Hedman, states it’s important to prioritize. “If you start studying
without a plan, you are likely to focus on the wrong
material or get distracted. Plan how to allocate your time and what to study,” Hedman said. Hedman states freeing your mind is so important. Stress has a way of disconnecting students with values and family. By staying connected with people who support you, goals are more attainable. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s about staying grounded and happy. For Sinclair student, Jessica Thi Mai, the most important thing about easing her stress is finding relaxation. She believes
focusing on hobbies and activities outside of school can be helpful to relieve stress. “Dancing and painting helps free my mind,” Jessica Thi Mai, Sinclair student, said. Stress management expert, Elizabeth Scott, believes organization is the most essential. She suggests finding a quiet place to focus
is key. When planning a schedule, overestimate your study time. This allows you to plan your social activities around your homework. Scott says one of the best ways to alleviate stress is to exercise regularly and skip the tempting junk food.
“Healthy food and adequate sleep are a priority, many college students skimp on both, and forget to take care of their bodies,” Scott said. This time is perfect to explore the possibilities of stress relievers. Once you have your strategies, not only will college life be a much smoother ride, but it will also help you deal with upcoming life experiences.
Whether you choose to focus on prioritizing or to
explore new hobbies, these personal stress relievers
can provide you with a new peace of mind during the
school year.
