In college, I experienced a great deal of stress. I felt at times like the world was on my shoulders, like my future depended on doing well in my classes, like my world would fall apart if things didn’t “go right.” Now that it has been almost 9 years since I graduated, I know that all of my stress and anxiety was an overreaction. Yes, it’s important to do well in class but if you don’t, life moves on and you will find a new path or a solution. I often felt so much anxiety that all I could think about were the problems I was facing, this is called “tunnel vision effect.”

When you’re looking in a tunnel, you can’t see what’s around the tunnel or what’s on the outside of it, you just see darkness and the problem ahead of you. So that saying “light at the end of the tunnel” isn’t really a positive one if you think about it.

Now that I’m on the other side, I can share some helpful tips to help you see around the tunnel.

Disclaimer: Blogs are a great place to get helpful information but they should never replace mental healthcare and this blog is no exception. These blog posts do not replace mental health care and are not medical advice.

Breaks and Rest

Take regular breaks while studying to prevent burnout. Short breaks help improve focus and productivity. Ensure you get enough sleep to rejuvenate your body and mind.

Healthy Lifestyle

Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated. Physical activity helps reduce stress and promotes overall well-being. One of the things that helped me most when I was super anxious was going to the gym and literally working it out of my body.

Breathing Exercises and Meditation

Deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation can help calm your mind, reduce anxiety, and improve concentration. Practice these techniques regularly so that when you really need them it’s second nature to you.

Social Support

Connect with friends, family, or support groups. Talking about your feelings and experiences can provide emotional relief and help you feel understood. I connected with my campus Christian group, this helped me immensely because I was able to connect with people who get it and share my values.

Seek Help

Don't hesitate to reach out to counselors, therapists, or mental health professionals if you're feeling overwhelmed. Many colleges offer support services for students. One of the challenges I faced in college was social anxiety, I met with a local psychologist about this and my school covered 6 sessions (insurance covered the rest). She helped me a lot because she helped me realize my fears were irrational and deep-seeded in past experiences. This helped me overcome the anxiety.

Limit Caffeine and Sugar

While caffeine and sugar might provide temporary energy, excessive consumption can lead to increased anxiety and difficulty in managing stress.

Positive Self-Talk

Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. Developing a resilient mindset can help you cope better with stress.

Instead of saying, “I'm going to fail,” try saying, “I’m going to try my best and if I don’t do well, I’ll meet during office hours for help on the material.”

Visualization

Imagine yourself successfully handling a challenging situation. Visualization can boost your confidence and help you manage stress better.

Creative Outlets

Engage in creative activities like writing, drawing, or playing a musical instrument. These outlets can help you express your emotions and reduce stress. I had a blog in college (actually a couple of blogs) and this was a great stress reliever/outlet for me.

Nature and Fresh Air

Spend time outdoors, go for a walk, or simply enjoy some fresh air. Nature has a calming effect on the mind and can reduce stress levels.

Remember that stress management techniques vary from person to person. It's important to experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you. If you find that your stress levels are becoming overwhelming, consider seeking professional help.

Talk to you soon,

Carmelita

Tips to Manage College Stress