Students, more than anybody else, are particularly vulnerable to stress and anxiety. Family expectations, financial independence, deadlines, exam stress, and an excessive weight of assignments are all sources of stress. While stress can be motivating and energising in moderate doses, too much stress can leave you feeling overwhelmed and burnt out.
Stress, if not managed properly, can lead to major mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. I’ll walk you through some of the most effective stress management practices for college students in this blog.
Let’s begin with some of the most typical sources of student stress.
Student stress can be divided into three categories:
1. Social Stress: Social stress can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Taking care of new relationships
- Keeping a social and academic life in balance
- For the first time, moving out of your parents’ house or living independently
- Getting used to a new environment
2. Stress in the Classroom: Academic stress can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- School timetables that are strict or tight
- Sticking to deadlines
- Receiving poor grades
- Dealing with challenging topics
- Exam anxiety Ineffective time management
3. Everyday Stress: Daily stress is distinct from social or academic stress, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Concerned about your everyday commute
- Managing internships or part-time jobs
- Managing extracurricular activities Managing financial stress
Best Stress Management Activities For Students
1. Getting Enough Rest
Don’t forget to get some rest – you’ll need it. When it comes to sleeping, students are one of the most notorious creatures. Sleep deprivation might make you feel less productive and make it more difficult to concentrate. It is critical to get enough sleep and recover between classes in order to avoid stress. Getting at least 6-8 hours of sleep each night can help you feel calm, rejuvenated, and energised for the next day.
2. Visualization Exercises
Visualization or guided imagery can be a simple and efficient way to alleviate stress. Visualization can assist you in diverting your attention away from your stressor and turning off your stress reaction. You can utilise visualisation to help you prepare for your presentations and get a good mark.
3. Exercising on a Regular Basis
Stress can make you tense up to the point of snapping. Regular exercise and letting off steam are two of the most effective strategies to relieve stress. You may try morning yoga, walking to and from campus, cycling to and from campus, or running. Exercising also aids in the release of endorphins, which can make you feel more relaxed. Regular exercise is beneficial to your health and can enhance your quality of life over time.
4. Breathing Exercises Practice
When we are stressed, our bodies go into fight-or-flight mode. This response might cause our heart rate to increase, which can impact our breathing and mental ability. Breathing exercises are the quickest and easiest technique to calm down in a stressful situation. Breathing exercises will help you release tension quickly and bring your heart rate back to normal.
5. Using Progressive Muscle Relaxation Techniques
Progressive muscle relaxation can be utilised in bed, during tests, or in other stressful situations. Tensing and relaxing your muscles till your entire body is relaxed is the goal of this approach. You may learn to relieve tension in a few of minutes with frequent practise. This approach is highly suggested for students because it can help them sleep better and relax more quickly.
6. Music Listening
One of the most effective stress-relieving methods is music. Music can not only improve your attention and promote relaxation, but it may also stimulate your mind and relieve tension. If you’re a stressed-out student, music can help you relax. If you’re studying, classical or peaceful music is appropriate; if you need a motivational start to your day, cheerful music is appropriate; and if you simply want to rest, slow tunes are appropriate.
Make an effort not to do or take on too much at once. Take a break and do something you enjoy if at all possible. Maintain a balanced social and academic life by limiting your workload. You can get help from a professional therapist or counsellor if you’re still having problems managing your stress.