10 Effective Strategies To Deal With College Stress And Anxiety

Well, when I was a freshman, trust me; I had no idea that college would be full of roller coaster rides! I always dreamt of a college with chill, fun, and full of enjoyment. When I entered college, everything turned out to be the opposite. After some time, college started to be stressful as I got nervous about my performance, studies, tests, and whatnot!

Due to ongoing stress and anxiety, unfortunately, my grades went down. After having a small discussion with my friends and mates, I got to know that I was not alone! Do you know around 51% of college-going students struggle with stress and anxiety? If you’re a freshman struggling with stress or anxiety during or after college hours, try effective strategies to manage college stress and anxiety.

Let’s get started! 

10 Ways to Deal with College Stress or Anxiety

1. Keep moving your body and mind. 

If you are feeling depressed or stressed due to homesickness, avoid keeping yourself constrained to the books or bed, instead move your body. You can go for a quick nature walk, explore different spots around the campus, or read a book of your favorite genre. The idea is to keep your mind and body activated to easily adjust to the transitioning phase of your life. 

2. Switch to healthy caffeine alternatives. 

Are you having cups of coffee to beat the study or grade-related stress? Well, high caffeine intake not only affects your physical health but your mental health too! Herein, you can switch to healthy alternatives such as green tea, detox waters, or other alternatives that might help you keep fresh throughout the day. 

3. Focus on getting an adequate amount of sleep and nutrition.

Ongoing college stress, homesickness, financial struggles, or academic pressure can make eating or sleeping unhealthy. In order to maintain the right balance, focus on following a strict routine wherein you religiously follow a sleep routine and eat nutritious meals. 

4. Set healthy and realistic goals. 

If you’re constantly thinking about your next steps, know that post-graduation stress disorder can drain you out emotionally, mentally, and physically. Therefore, practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment right now. Set short-term goals instead of long-term goals so that you can also maintain the motivation levels throughout. 

5. Work on your emotions.

Relationship issues, financial struggles, homesickness, academic pressure, or conflict with mates are some of the common causes of stress or anxiety in college-going students. During the process, avoid suppressing your emotions, instead, you can write down your emotions in a journal for reducing signs of stress or anxiety or you can practice positive affirmations. 

6. Disconnect to relax and refocus.

Sometimes, the best solution to fight anxiety or stress is to disconnect to relax or gain focus again. If you’re using digital devices a lot lately… unplug and meanwhile, practice activities that enhance your creative thinking such as dancing, reading books, and others. 

7. Learn from your mentor or supporters.

If you’re facing a lot of challenges in college due to studies, financial pressure, or others, connect with your mentors or supporters and talk about your emotions openly. Learn from their shared experiences and reflect accordingly. 

8. Learn to say “No” and keep your support system close.

When students step into college life or hostel life, they meet people with different personalities, outlooks, and perspectives towards life. Herein, learn to maintain your sanity by connecting with people you feel positive with and avoid being friends with people who might be harmful to your future or career. Keep your focus intact towards your goals and surround yourself with people who support you. 

9. Connect with a mental health professional for proper diagnosis.

If you’re not able to overcome challenges or stress related to college, stop considering yourself as a weak person and instead opt for connecting with a mental health professional for proper diagnosis.

Research shows that regular stress or anxiety may lead to the development of mental health conditions such as depression, sleep disorders, substance abuse, and others. Therefore, connect with a mental health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

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10. Practice self-compassion. 

Self-compassion is one of the best and most effective ways to deal with stress in college-going students. Allow yourself to express your feelings, and think about your actions, goals, focus, or motivation levels. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself to regain mental health, strength and resilience. 

I hope this blog helps you with effective ways to deal with college stress or anxiety. Comment down and share your pick from the list. For more such content, connect with us through all social media platforms. 

Thanks for reading!