How to Handle Stress during College

Stress is simply a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs our physical or mental equilibrium. In other words, it’s an omnipresent part of life. A stressful event can trigger the “fight-or-flight” response, causing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol to surge through the body.

College students face a host of stresses. University-level homework may be more challenging than anything you’ve ever faced before, and final exams can bring a whole new meaning to the term ‘crunch time.’

The difficulties also don’t typically end with academics. Romance and social lives can be as much a source of anxiety as they are of fun, and many students struggle to stay on top of the newfound freedoms of living away from home, from cooking to laundry to managing a budget.

Time:

School work may not be your favorite thing to do, but is a must-do in order to graduate from college! For every hour of lecture per week, you should set aside 2-3 hours to study outside of classroom. While studying, eliminate distractions so that you can stay focused. Pick a place that you are comfortable being at, whether it’s in the library, a coffee shop, or the student lounge. If studying for 2-3 hours per unit in not realistic for you, try to schedule yourself with a combination of some less challenging courses with difficult ones in the same quarter/ semester. This will allow you to avoid feeling overloaded. Of course, if you enjoy a particular subject, studying for it won’t feel like an obligation.

Juggling between your social niches and school work can be a challenge, but spending all your effort only on school work could be draining. Make use of the college environment to find  a work-life balance. Being in college is the best time and setting for you to build life-long relationships, as well as expand your social and professional networks. Use social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and Tumblr. Join social and professional groups; attend activities and have fun at the same time. This will allow you to relax and see things in the real world.