It can be hard to balance work and play in college. You want to make the most of your newfound independence but the volume of assignments can be overwhelming. College stress is a serious issue that can lead to poor academic performance and even failure to graduate. Here are some ways you can manage your stress and have a more enjoyable time in college.
1. Create a Study Space
It can be a struggle to concentrate on school work when you live in a dorm or a shared house. With so much going on around you all the time, you need to create a space that is conducive to your studies. If you share a room with others, try to arrange a study schedule where you each have the room to yourself for an hour or two a day. Alternatively, try to find a quiet and secluded café that allows you to sit and study for several hours on end.
2. Set a Schedule
When you have a well-organized schedule, you do not have to think about what to do next or worry if you are spending too much time on one activity. While planning your schedule, be sure to prioritize the essentials first: sleep, meal breaks, and study hours. Be generous with your study hours as it is better to over-estimate the time you need than have to catch up with your coursework or studies at the last minute.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep might be very low on your priority list as a college student. But, despite how invincible you may feel in the evening, the next morning is usually a different story. If you want to perform at your best, you must allow your brain and body to rest and recharge. This is why you should plan for a solid eight hours of sleep daily. Should you not be able to do this overnight, try to find time for a quick power nap during the day.
4. Eat Well
Food is fuel for your body. College students can easily fall into the bad habit of eating convenient junk food. If you feel like you are low on energy and that your thoughts are sluggish, it could be your body signaling for help. Try to eat a balanced diet with whole grains and vegetables as much as you can. Students who do not have access to cooking facilities or healthy dining hall meals can stock up on whole food protein bars and fresh fruit instead.
5. Stay Active
Exercise is essential to the proper function of your body. It is also a great way for your system to burn off all the stress hormones that you have been accumulating and it will guarantee you a good night’s sleep. Chances are, if you are finding it hard to sleep and eat well, you probably do not have that much spare time to exercise. Luckily, you can get a good HIIT workout or relaxing yoga session in only half an hour. So, there are no excuses!
6. Unplug
When college life starts to get too much, it can help to turn off your devices and just unplug. Meditation can be a wonderful way for you to calm your thoughts and refocus your mind. If that seems a little too spiritual for you, take a long shower or go for a walk in a nearby park. The change of environment will give you a break from the stress of school and help you to gain perspective.
7. Socialize
Friends are a big part of having a memorable time in college. Studying is important but so is maintaining some semblance of social life. Too much stress can prevent you from absorbing what you learn so allow yourself to have fun on occasion. Spend quality time with your friends and be young and carefree. Stay away from excessive drinking or partying though!
8. Get Some Support
Asking for help is hard, but if you are feeling buried under coursework, you should reach out and seek support. Talk to your friends or a school counselor if you feel like your stress is too much to manage. It is best to talk about your problems before they balloon out of control. If your issue is not emotional or psychological but simply too much work, consider outsourcing some of your work to professionals to maintain your mental wellbeing.
Introducing EssayWriters.ca
EssayWriters.ca is a professional essay writing service from Canada. They aim to help students have a more enjoyable and stress-free time in college or university by taking care of their demanding writing assignments. Instead of sending their essay requests to random freelancers, EssayWriters.ca only uses quality essay writers with relevant knowledge and experience in your subject matter.
College is one of the best years of your life. It never hurts to have extra support as you learn to navigate your responsibilities. From application essays to research papers and theses, a professional essay writing service like EssayWriters.ca can help bear your burdens and free up more of your time for self-care and studying.