How to Deal with Stress in College

In college, trying to balance submission dates, sleep, social life, and exams activates stress. Managing stress can lead to a clearer mind, better productivity, and a happier mood. This is why a stress management program is needed for students. Did you know that being stressed can make you sick?^{[1]XResearch source} If you learn to cope with stress better, you can create pathways to release it and avoid stress-related illnesses.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Being Disciplined to Reduce Stress

Make a to-do list. Keep a daily list of what you need to accomplish. This will help you prioritize, delegate, and reschedule your tasks to make things more manageable.
Adding yet another obligation to your schedule when you're already stressed won't help anyone. It'll add to your own anxiety and may well result in you letting someone down. Learn to say no when you can't handle more.
Stay on a study schedule. Stress can rear its head even more than usual during exam times. To help with these periods of potential anxiety, make a schedule and stick to it. Factor in breaks for relaxation, exercise, and healthy meals, and make sure you spread your study time across your different subjects, focusing on ones where you need more help.
Don't procrastinate. It's easy to push off assignments until the last minute, but this can end up being a huge stressor when you're down to the wire on time. Try to tackle tasks as you're assigned them, rather than putting them off until later.
Higher education can lead to the career that you've always dreamed of having. It will be worth it in the end, even if you feel overwhelmed at times now. To help you get through the extra-stressful periods, mix in some fun activities and relaxation.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Doing Activities to Relieve Stress

. Do something like relaxing on your bed with some popcorn and listening to music, drawing, reading a book or writing.
2
Play an online game. Online games are helpful in getting rid of stress, partially because you're focused on a game.
- Examples of online games include RuneScape, Animal Jam, and Minecraft.
Take a nap. Sometimes, we need to relax or take a breather to help alleviate stress. Try power napping if you're working and need to stay productive.
4
Spend time with your friends or roommates. Spending time with people you like, such as your roommates, can alleviate stress, especially if you guys are having a great time together.
- See if there's a party coming up. If there is, try making plans to go to it -- you'll have a lot of fun.
5
Walk for exercise and fun. Walking will make you feel better, thus making you forget about the problems that are causing you to stress out.
- You can walk alone, or with a friend or roommate.
6
Write in your diary. Things you can write about include memories, what you're happy about, what you're looking forward to, and your feelings.
- Try to avoid writing what you're stressed about, as doing that can make you more stressed.
7
Spend time outside. Open areas with fresh air and preferably trees can help you get a perspective and feel better. It is important for mental health. Try and make sure your mind is present and you are taking in the beauty of nature.
- Take a hike on a walking trail or go for a relaxing bike ride.
- Find a grassy spot on campus under some trees to do something relaxing and simple such as reading a book or drawing. Try to avoid social media use.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Doing Stress-Relieving Activities

Meditation is about quieting the mind. Find a clean and a quiet space such as a spot in your room, a seat near the window, in an open garden, an empty room in your campus etc. Add a comfortable cushion to sit on, light a candle, and add anything else you find calming, if you can.
You are welcome to put on calming instrumental music or nature sounds. Complete quiet is also okay.
Take a deep breath, count to five and fully exhale.
Your mind will wander. That is okay. When you catch your thoughts, slowly bring your concentration back to your breathing.
5
Picture a tranquil scene such as the ocean waves or a trickling stream. Feel as though you are physically there. Allow the sun to warm your body, let yourself relax, breathing with ease.
- You can choose a positive mantra (word or phrase) to repeat with the breath such as "I am calm and at peace."
When the timer goes off, bring your awareness back to the room, wiggle your toes, take one last deep breath in and exhale. You did it! At first, minds may wander and it can seem impossible to quiet your thoughts. But with consistent practice, it can become a key part of stress management.
7
Learn the the practice of yoga. Yoga consists of different posture, flexibility and strength exercises, and ultimately, focusing on the breath. It can increase relaxation and decrease stress. A yoga mat or large towel is really all that is needed. Make sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- You can do this in class during free lectures or free time in between lectures too.
Many college recreation centers offer a yoga class for beginners. See if any classes fit into your schedule.
9
Watch yoga videos. There is a huge assortment of yoga practice videos on YouTube. Even watching them can help you feel relaxed and be motivated to try them yourself. Many yoga classes last about 1 hour.
- Practicing at home with an instructed video may be better for you if you have not practiced before. Make sure to start out with a beginners class.
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Tips

Try out each stress-reducing activity. Using your planner or a calendar on your phone, set reminders for your practice every day. Set aside 30 minutes for a meditation session, yoga practice, or quality time outside.
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Practice means progress! Only through practice will you become more aware of your body and how it feels after relaxation exercises.
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