It is no secret that studying at a university brings lots of opportunities. It seems like a brand-new stage begins with college admission. Firstly, it’s a chance to get an excellent education and develop skills for a future career. Secondly, lots of people meet friends for a lifetime while getting a degree.
Meetings and events unite undergraduates together. Members of clubs and societies lively discuss topics that excite them. There are creative projects to join and parties at the dorm, too. But college life is not that carefree. Students have to work really hard to deal with academic tasks and many other issues.
Numerous tests and exams are nerve-wracking since they drain a lot of energy. If you often find yourself burnt out and exhausted during the semester, this article is for you. Here are four tips to avoid unnecessary stress. Enjoy your college life to the fullest!
Change Your Attitude
To stay healthy both physically and mentally, one needs to realize that it’s fine to have difficulties. Once a school graduate enters the university, there is a completely new environment. New challenges arise.
Students have to build a circle of contacts and get used to the new rules. Misunderstandings with classmates, staying away from the family, not getting enough rest – all these things are inevitable.
Some worry about not meeting the lecturer’s requirements. They are not sure their level of knowledge is enough to write an outstanding paper. Fortunately, students can always pay for an online essay writing service and be certain of a great result. Turning to professional assistance is a perfect way to avoid unnecessary tension.
If you can’t influence the situation – then change your attitude towards it. It’s absolutely normal to be vulnerable and face problems.
Getting used to new surroundings takes time and doesn’t happen overnight. Look at your group mates – they are probably having the same feelings. Go online – students often open up about their experience. There are definitely lots of people who can share some college tips with you!
Begin Writing in a Diary
Psychologists claim that it is very useful to transfer experiences, thoughts, and emotions to paper. This allows you to get rid of negativity. Diary is life-saving when it comes to coping with emotions.
The process of keeping a diary feels like a conversation with a good old friend. This silent friend will never show criticism or judgment. Here you can be one hundred percent sincere about all joys and sorrows.
Journaling has a positive effect on your body too. Sleep and blood pressure will get normalized, the immune system functions better. The stress level will be reduced. The process of writing down your own thoughts is calming and may be considered as a sort of meditation.
The diary allows you to not only improve writing skills but also learn more about yourself, too. How? When we write down everything that worries us without analyzing it, we can reveal what is stored in the subconscious. Later we can sort out suppressed feelings and insights.
Focus on Your Health
Physical exercise allows you to feel much better mentally and physically. Workouts in the gym, jogging, dancing – everyone can find something for themselves. Such activities release excess energy and help you to distract from everyday tasks.
Don’t forget about the proper daily routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time, sleep at least eight hours a day. Take breaks from classes during the day, cut back on coffee and tea. Try eating products that reduce stress, such as:
- green leafy vegetables such as spinach contain folic acid, which is important for dopamine; this hormone helps you to stay calm:
- salmon is rich in omega-3 acids and vitamin D which does improve health;
- blueberries strengthen the immune system and body resistance to external influences, which also helps in fighting stress.
Some students practice aromatherapy. To forget about worries for a while, psychologists advise lighting aroma lamps with essential oils of soothing herbs. Aromatherapy creates a peaceful environment that facilitates learning. Scents like lavender relieve anxiety and enhance productivity.
Yoga is gaining more and more popularity these days. It has a wonderful effect on muscles, digestion as well as blood circulation, and the immune system. When students are unable to study due to a lack of energy and tiredness, they can try doing yoga asanas. It keeps the mind relaxed and focused.
Plan and Prioritize
Imagine the situation: all your tasks and assignments are finished on time. It may sound too good to be true. However, with proper scheduling nothing is impossible. Use the 1-3-5 rule.
First, spend 5 minutes in the evening planning your day for tomorrow. Then you need to make a list of 9 things that have to be done. You need to prioritize:
- one most important task;
- 3 minor matters;
- 5 little things.
Once you have decided what is the main task for the next day, divide it into stages. This helps to achieve the goal more effectively. Three minor matters take less time. 5 little things are usually daily tasks (household duties, for instance) that don’t require much concentration.
Another well-known principle of planning is to eat the frog first. It means dealing with a difficult matter before it becomes a serious problem for you. It’s better to make this matter your top-priority. Tasks become “frogs” if you put them off until the last moment.
Final Thoughts
Of course, student life is not as free and easy as it seems at first glance. But lots of things can be done to eliminate stress. Some students manage to stay disciplined and organize everything in detail. This gives them confidence – they feel that everything is under control.
Others are great at communicating. They honestly talk about the matters that worry them so that their group mates can relate to this experience. Thus, negotiating is the key to staying calm.
Some recommendations don’t lose their value over time. Healthy sleep, an active lifestyle, and staying true to yourself fill every day of college life with delight.
