Stress is something we all experience. We can’t avoid it, but we can learn how to manage it. If you’ve ever wondered “what are some ways to cope with stress?” you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are simple stress management techniques for students that can make a world of difference.
Take a step back
If you had to choose one problem in your life that could solve itself instantly, or one issue that could just disappear, what would it be? The answer is often the cause of your stress. Sometimes it’s a major challenge, or it could be something as simple as doing your growing pile of laundry. Take a moment to evaluate your daily life to see what's causing your stress.
Putting things into perspective can help make overwhelming problems feel so much more manageable. Once you’ve identified your stressors, try to find possible solutions or take small actions that can help make it easier. Like with the laundry, start by separating your clothes. Then identify what you need to wear first. Next thing you know, doing the large pile of laundry won’t feel as daunting.
Get moving
Stress management techniques for students often include exercise. Running, lifting weights, or even dancing in your dorm room can release endorphins and help reduce stress. Taking a short walk, for even 10-15 minutes, can help clear your mind, provide a mental break, and distract you from everyday worries.
If you want to let off some steam and exercise out your emotions, go to the Student Recreation Center and use the amenities. If you want to be outside in nature, check out one of the many parks or trails around Cape Girardeau for some much-needed fresh air.
Manage stress while studying
If you’re trying to figure out how to manage stress while studying, you’re not alone. The key is finding study habits that work for you and your schedule to help prevent academic stress from building up. And practicing good study habits can help you learn how to deal with academic anxiety by giving you a clear path forward.
The first thing to try would be breaking large assignments or study sessions into smaller pieces. This is much more digestible than cramming all night. Next would be to set a goal for each session that you want to accomplish, like reading 5 pages in your textbook, write the first paragraph in your paper, or solve problems 3-6. Once you sit down for a session, work for a reasonable time, and take short breaks in between.
Here’s a list of some more tips:
- Turn your phone on DND while in a session
- Find a quiet study space (that’s not your dorm room)
- Start assignments early
- Reward yourself after completing your goals
Talk to someone
We’ve all seen the post-apocalyptic movies where the last person on the planet starts talking to random objects. There’s a reason why: humans need communication!
Sometimes, venting or bouncing ideas off someone is one of the best stress management techniques for students. If it’s a friend, family member, counselor, professor, or advisor, sharing your thoughts can help you overcome even the most stressful situations. Don’t struggle in silence.
Sleep
If you take only one thing from us, let it be this: getting enough sleep is the most important action to combat stress! Your health is more important than work or school, and you're only doing yourself a disservice by not making time for it.
When you get enough sleep, your assignments/tasks feel more manageable, you are able to focus better, and you make better decisions. Things will come easier when you are well rested. The overwhelming challenges you’re facing might seem less catastrophic after getting a full night's rest.
Have a snack and drink water
Sometimes we need to resort back to the basics. Build breaks into your schedule to re-fuel, maybe your favorite snack or sweet treat. Being hungry or dehydrated can make you irritable and more prone to stress. This is especially true when learning how to manage stress while studying. Water should be your new best friend in college!
Journal
If you’re wondering how to deal with academic anxiety, journaling can be a powerful tool. Organizing your thoughts in privacy gives you the space to be honest and comfortable. Get those feelings out of your head. Write out solutions, or a pros-and-cons list if it's a challenging decision.
You may even notice a pattern of what situations give you stress. Then you can learn how to address things before they become a problem. It’s also the only way to get out of your head, to see words written down on paper. Thoughts seem much more manageable when you can see them with your eyes.
Be kind to yourself
College is all about growing and changing. That can be scary but remember to give yourself some grace. It’s okay to not get it right every time, and it’s okay to stumble. Be kind to yourself. Give yourself room to make mistakes, but don’t forget to learn from them too.
You’ll be OK.