Stress and college life are two things that, unfortunately, have to belong together. While it’s not to say that becoming a student is synonymous with anxiety disorders and chronic stress, it would be foolish to assume that your academic education will not make you nervous at times. Indeed, for many students, going to college gives them the opportunity for the first time in their lives to move out of mom and dad’s home. Needless to say, while you gain unlimited freedom in the process, you also begin to explore the challenges of looking after yourself.
Paying your bills, for a start, can be a regular source of worry, especially if you’ve never had to worry about managing your finances before. More than one students choose to take a small job to finance their college years. Many baristas, babysitters, and waiters are students who work by day and study by night. Additionally, unlike high school, the prospect of failing at your tests brings substantial consequences for your future. As a result, students can’t avoid stress! But, it’s essential to make a distinction between short-term stress, which you can learn to cope with, and long-term worries, which require a different management approach.
The “just before the test” tips
Sweaty palms and cotton legs. Every student can recognize the symptoms of an imminent test! For many, the burst of anxiety that precedes an important test acts as a pulse of adrenaline to get them to stay focused. More often than not, students are the first to admit that they feel their stress virtually lifting as they get busy with the actual test. However, for some, pre-test stress can be handicapping. Therefore it can be a good idea to develop a routine that can help you to clear your mind before taking a test.
As unhealthy as it can be, it’s not uncommon for students to smoke during their college years. The reason why many refuse to quit their nicotine intake while studying is that smoking has a soothing effect on the mind. Your college years are not the best time to get rid of a habit that can help you control your stress levels; therefore, you can find it helpful to keep a pack of nic salts based nicotine for your vape pipe, for instance. Unlike cigarettes, your vaping pipe might be more convenient for college life. Smokers find they are more successful if they quit AFTER finishing college.
Listening to your favorite songs before a test can also have a relaxing effect. Indeed, music influences your mood. Consequently, creating a pre-test playlist that keeps you motivated and positive can ensure you walk into your test room with an optimistic mindset. If you’re unsure of which songs and styles to pick, classical music can encourage more connections in the brain, supporting quicker thinking. But, ultimately, whatever floats your boat is going to put you in a good mood, which is enough to beat the test stress!
Lastly, you may not think that your clothes play a significant role. But what you wear can affect your mood in many ways. Picking something that cheers you up can be all you need to perform.
The long-term strategy
When stress isn’t related to a single event, such as a test, it becomes part of your day-to-day lifestyle. Stress, however, doesn’t belong in your everyday routine. Chronic stress is often the result of a disharmonious routine. If college life is too much to take, it might be a sign that you need to rethink your organization strategy. Indeed, simple things such as keeping track of your invoices and duties can introduce a sense of control and peace to your life. You can’t afford to miss deadlines, for instance. Keeping a color-coded planner can prove useful in making sense of your college and household tasks.
Additionally, you can also help your body and mind to relax. Exercising regularly acts as a stress-reliever. You can’t expect to notice any improvement after a single workout. But making the yoga class or the gym part of your weekly health routine can effectively reduce your stress levels in the long term. Combined with a healthy diet, you can develop your resilience.
Is there a way to reduce stress permanently?
While you can learn to manage and alleviate stress, you can’t eliminate it from your life. Nevertheless, not all forms of stress are strictly necessary or unavoidable. Indeed, you are in charge of how you choose to react to negative events. Constantly replaying an unpleasant situation in your mind is only going to increase your stress levels. Additionally, pessimistic thinking patterns do nothing to help!
Managing short- and long-term crises is a skill that college students need to develop. From rapid soothing strategies to taking back control of your life over time, you need to establish your anti-stress approach. But, more importantly, you choose how you react.
