As I started college, the daunting thought of exams had already begun to take over my life. I felt overcome with an immense amount of stress and anxiety that I wasn’t sure I could overcome.
It was like a constant loop in my head repeating “just brush it aside, it doesn’t matter.” I soon realized this couldn’t be further from the truth, and that stress and anxiety have a serious effect on our mental health.
Desperate for relief, I decided to come up with strategies to overcome college stress and anxiety.
First of all, I began by making a schedule for myself and breaking down tasks into manageable chunks. This allowed me to stay organized, prevent procrastination and prioritize my workload. 📃✒️💪🏼
I also made sure that I had enough time for leisure activities to break up the monotony of studying and help me relax.
Additionally, I started using helpful apps like Calm or Headspace which have calming music and guided meditations designed to help reduce stress levels. These were great ways to practice mindfulness, stay focused, and overcome my stress and anxiety.
Finally, I made sure that I was getting enough sleep 💤 so that I could be at my best during the day.
These strategies weren’t a cure-all, but they certainly helped me deal with college stress and anxiety in a more positive way. Not only did they help me stay organized and manage my workload better, but they also helped me stay calm, and focused, and overcome the overwhelming feelings of anxiety.
It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I was able to take control of my mental health again. And that’s how I overcame my college stress (eventually!⌛).
College Life Got You Down? Here’s How To Overcome Stress and Anxiety
We’ve all been there — just when you thought the college experience was supposed to be the time of your life, it hits you: stress and anxiety. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when you’re juggling a million and one tasks on top of your academics.
But don’t fret! Here’s how you can overcome college stress and anxiety so you can tackle your classes with poise and confidence:
1. Identify the sources of stress in your life and rank them in order of importance:
It’s time to get real with yourself!
Take a minute and figure out what is causing your stress. Is it an upcoming exam? Is a paper due? The pressure to stay on top of your classes?
Once you’ve identified the sources, rank them in order of importance. That way, you can focus on tackling your biggest stressors first and work your way down the list.
Plus, when you’re able to overcome one stressor, you’ll be able to move on with a little more confidence and ease.
2. Make a plan – when you know what you need to do to reduce stress, it’ll be easier to follow through with it
It’s time to make a plan! Come up with a strategy that works best for you and stick to it.
Whether it’s an hour of self-care after classes, making a daily checklist, or setting aside 10 minutes to watch funny animal videos – when you know what you need to do, it’ll be easier (and more fun!) to follow through.
Plus, you’ll be sure to cross off all of your goals with flying colors! So don’t be afraid to take a deep breath and get organized – you got this!
3. Set realistic goals: Overcome stress & anxiety in college
It sounds simple, but it can make all the difference when it comes to college stress and anxiety.
Don’t set unrealistic goals for yourself because they won’t be attainable and will only set you up for disappointment. Instead, focus on achievable goals that are within reach and reward yourself when you accomplish them!
Related: How to Fit a Healthy Workout Routine into Your Busy College Life
4. Journaling A.K.A LifeSaver: Overcome Stress & anxiety in college
Journaling can be an absolute lifesaver when it comes to quelling that college stress and anxiety.
Sometimes, all you need is a few minutes to yourself and a pen to collect your thoughts and let out your feelings. It can be anything from an emotional rant to thoughtful reflections, allowing you to gain clarity and perspective on any situation
Writing out your feelings can help you retain a sense of control and understand why you’re feeling overwhelmed. It can also bring out solutions that you might not have considered before, allowing you to overcome the problem with a level head.
Related: How a 5-Minute Journaling Routine Can Help College Students
Related: Daily Journal Prompts to Unpack Life as a College Student
I can’t tell you how many times journaling has saved me from quickly spiraling into an anxiety attack. And it’s not just a one-time thing – the more you do it, the better you get at creating solutions for yourself and finding that inner peace.
So, if you’re in a pinch and don’t know what to do next, grab a pen and paper, and start writing! You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel afterward.
4. Take some time for yourself every day to do something you enjoy – even if it’s just for 10 minutes
Take some time for yourself every day to do something you enjoy – like binge-watching your favorite show, painting a masterpiece, or chugging a pint of ice cream!
Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, having some “me time” is an essential part of managing your college stress and anxiety. Plus, it’s a great way to give yourself a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of classes, exams, and deadlines. So go ahead, treat yourself! You deserve it.
And don’t forget to laugh – studies have shown that a good ol’ belly laugh can reduce stress and anxiety! So make sure to find time to hang out with your friends, tell jokes, and watch funny videos.
Because I am pretty sure that a good laugh is a perfect way to unwind and overcome any collegiate woes you may be experiencing!
5. Talk to someone about your feelings – a friend, family member, therapist, or counselor
Open up to someone about your feelings – whether it’s a friend, family member, therapist, or even your Snapchat group chat!
Talking out your emotions is one of the best ways to overcome stress and anxiety in college. Plus, it’s always nice to have someone to laugh with and relate to your struggles.
Who knows, maybe even sharing a few memes with your friends will be just the stress relief you need! So don’t be afraid to reach out and let others in — you don’t have to go through it alone!
6. Exercise regularly – not only does it help reduce stress levels, but it’s also great for your mental health
Exercise is like the magical elixir for college stress and anxiety!
Not only will it help you blow off steam, but it’ll also make you feel like a million bucks — both mentally and physically. Plus, it’s always nice to have an excuse to hit the gym and show off that new outfit you’ve been eyeing!
So go ahead and get your sweat on, not only for the sake of your mental health but also to look and feel your best.
7. Avoid caffeine and alcohol; both can make anxiety worse
Stay sober and skip the java – caffeine, and alcohol are two things that are sure to make your anxiety skyrocket!
Instead, try drinking some calming herbal teas or curling up with a good book – both can do wonders for keeping your stress and anxiety levels low.
Related: The Ultimate List of Must-Read Books for College Students
And, if you’re feeling extra daring, why not try some yoga or meditation? It could just be the perfect way to overcome college stress and anxiety!
7. Eat healthy foods – avoid processed foods and sugary snacks, which can make you feel more stressed
Fuel your success by snacking on healthy munchies!
Instead of processed foods and sugary snacks, which can make you feel more stressed, opt for nourishing snacks like fruits, nuts, and veggies.
And if you want a treat that’s sure to put a smile on your face, try one of the fun and yummy recipes from your favorite food bloggers — you know, the ones that make healthy snacks look almost too good to eat!
Trust me, your body and mind will be much better off. Plus, you’ll get that extra boost of energy to carry you through all your college tasks.
So give your body the fuel it needs to overcome stress and anxiety in college. After all, you are what you eat!
8. Sleep tight – aim for eight hours of shuteye per night if you can!
A good night’s sleep helps us recharge, reset our minds, and overcome stress.
Plus, it’s a great way to give yourself the boost you need to tackle your classes. Honestly, even just an extra 30 minutes can make all the difference in alleviating college stress and anxiety.
So what are you waiting for? Catch some 😴zzzs and get ready to kick college stress in the butt!
P.S.: And don’t forget, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, A funny meme or two can help to put things into perspective. After all, laughter really is the best medicine! 🤪😀🤣
9. Take breaks throughout the day to relax and rejuvenate yourself
Take some time out to get your chill on!
Whether that means taking a break from studying for an exam by playing video games, having a dance party with friends, or just cuddling up in bed with Netflix and snacks – anything goes!
Taking “me-time” breaks throughout the day will not only help you relax, but it’ll also give you the energy and motivation to tackle whatever’s coming your way. So don’t be afraid to have some fun – it’s an essential part of managing college stress and anxiety!
Just Remember: Deep breaths. Taking a few moments to breathe can help you overcome any anxious thoughts and put things in perspective.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that College is not easy. And it’s super normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed out.
But when you take care of yourself, you can overcome any challenge! So why not give yourself a break, have a little fun, and take a deep breath?
Whether it’s taking time for yourself to watch your favorite show, having a good laugh with friends, or setting achievable goals – these are all great ways to overcome college stress and anxiety.
So don’t be afraid to take a step back and get organized – just to make things a tad easier!
“College isn’t just about getting good grades, it’s also about learning how to overcome stress and anxiety. So take a deep breath and remember, everything will be alright.”
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