Do you remember what it was like to be in College? It is a really distant memory for me that for the most part make me smile but there are a few worries that I remember having. My worries consisted of things like..”are they going to serve chocolate cake again for dessert in the cafeteria”, “how can I get back home from a party” and “how can I get across campus in 5 minutes for my next class”? Well, in retrospect I had it pretty good and clearly times have changed.
Where Does the Stress Come From?
College students today feel pressure and stress coming at them from all different levels. They have stress from:
• Their own feelings and internal barometer on how they are fitting in socially and academically. For many students this is the first time away from home.
• Expectations placed on them whether real or perceived from parents or loved ones to perform and succeed.
• Relationship stressors from dating and also from building social networks while learning to maneuver around the cliques and gossip.
• Financial stressors cause excess worry and anxiety. Many students wonder how they are going to pay for college and some even work fulltime to help support themselves. Students are also being hurt by economic slowdowns and realize that they may not get the job of their dreams out of school.
Statistics on the stress levels of students in college reveal that 25% of students are poor at managing stress, while 58% report feeling worried about their grades. Additionally, 71% state that their grades have a direct affect on their level of stress.
What Can I Do to Alleviate Stress?
With 1 out of 4 college students suffering with depression it is imperative that colleges institute classes on how to handle stress as part of their orientation program. Simple ways to handle stress include:
- Recognizing the signs of stress that is building such as a headache or shoulder and neck tightness. Once these signs are identified then a stress reliever must be used before the symptoms intensify.
- Develop a routine where you factor in down time for yourself in between classes and studying
- Incorporate exercise and or meditation into your daily routine.
- Get plenty of sleep so that your body and immune system stay healthy and don’t get compromised
- Volunteer your time for a worthwhile cause. This will help keep you well rounded with a different perspective and sense of self.
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