Change of environment, juggling subjects with other workload, coping with deadlines, family expectations, over-commitment, expenses, etc. are common issues that often put pressure on college students. It goes without saying that attending college is in itself inherently stressful. However, mild amounts of stress for college students can be advantageous or necessary to challenge them. Stress can motivate or stimulate, which may actually improve performance. However, too much stress begins to interfere with their functioning. Stress levels tend to build over time that when not managed effectively can result in various physical illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Only in identifying the stressors and conquering them can students maximize their opportunities and college experience.
Common Causes of College Stress
Stress Management
In order to identify an effective stress management technique, the stressors specific to college students should be determined. It's also important to distinguish between sources of stress that are within your control, and those that are not.
Common college stressors:
1) Academic stress - increase in workload over insufficient time, new responsibilities, difficult exams, challenging classes, low grades, deadlines to meet, scheduling issues to coordinate and a more independent nature of the college learning structure
2) Social stress - creating a new social network, separation from home and finding less parental support, living with a roommate, balancing school work with friends or part-time jobs and dealing with the demands of young adult relationships
3) Other stresses - daily hassles (commuting and waiting in line), financial crisis, studying long, hard hours and waking up early for classes, logistics of living independently (i.e., laundry) new students deal with abrupt change from high school and more seasoned students wonder if they're in the right major
Tips for Managing Stress
There are a number of techniques to help college students minimize the stress they are feeling.
1) Time management: Develop a schedule to manage your time indicating your goals and priorities. Learn to plan ahead and avoid procrastination. When you're stretched too thin and running behind, it's hard to stay calm and focused.
TIPS: Create a 'To Do list' or a planner and keep track of deadlines and schedules and learn to say 'No'.
2) Get Organized: Have a system of organization for note-taking, keeping track of assignments, and other important papers. Create a good study environment where you can concentrate, focus and get things done. Being organized can bring you the peace of mind that comes from knowing where everything is, remembering deadlines and test dates, and clearing your mind of some of the mental clutter that disorganization brings.
TIPS: Keep a calendar, a schedule and a filing system for your school stuff.
3) Exercise, Nutrition and Sleep: Eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep. If you want to perform at your best, you need to be well-rested. Physical activity is also a great stress reliever.
TIPS: Work your schedule so you get enough sleep or exercise.
4) Don't sweat the small stuff: Always be conscious if the issue at hand is worth getting upset about. If it isn't affecting your goal achievement, it may not be worth fretting over.
5) Develop Optimism: It's been proven that those who more easily shrug off failures and multiply successes -- are healthier, less stressed, and more successful. The habit of optimism and positive thinking can bring better health, better relationships, and, yes, better grades.
6) Maintain your sense of humor and positive thinking: Laughter is one of the best stress-busters there is.
7) Communicate: Talking to a person who you trust like a friend, family member, or professor about issues of concern is helpful. Although most college student related stress is self-manageable, there are situations that may be serious enough to require counseling. If the stress in your life is overwhelming and/or you feel helpless, ask for help or share your concerns with a counselor or your teacher.
TIPS: Use the phone or email to stay in touch with family and friends at home and get involved with groups and clubs at school can be an excellent remedy for college loneliness.
College students who can deal with stress effectively maintain their health and well-being, are able to focus during classes, and get better grades! Remember, college is supposed to be enjoyed, not endured -- it's important to keep college stress under control.
Stress Management For College Students
Hi, I'm Phil Gabbard and I created this site to help other degree seekers complete their college degrees in the shortest amount of time.
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I accomplished this while assigned in foreign countries. Working far from the resources we take for granted, I have learned techniques for goal setting, motivation and efficient study that any one of you can use to accelerate your education.
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