College is an exciting time in your life, but it can also be a source of high stress for students. From keeping up with academic demands to maintaining a social circle to managing other responsibilities, campus life can get hectic and overwhelming.
Finding balance in everything is the key to enjoying college while keeping your stress levels in check. Here are seven effective stress busters to help you manage your mental health during your college years and create the perfect balance for a variety of experiences!
1. Stay organized with a schedule
One of the most significant sources of college stress comes from managing your time. Juggling classes, assignments, work, and internships with personal time can feel overwhelming as a college student, but you can get organized and stress less by doing a few key things, such as:
- Creating a weekly schedule: Don’t just make a schedule for your classes and study sessions. Include social time and self-care hours in your weekly routine for better time management.
- Using a physical or digital planner: Use tools like Google Calendar, Notion, or a physical planner that can help you track your assignments, deadlines, and events.
- Prioritizing tasks: Break down your tasks into smaller sections and focus on dealing with the most urgent tasks first.
Related: Top 6 Apps You Need to Download for Academic Success
2. Exercise regularly
It’s no surprise that exercising is a powerful stress buster. Physical activity releases endorphins, a natural mood booster that can clear your mind and make you feel better instantly. Committed workout routines aren’t necessary either; with limited personal time at hand, college students can even benefit from short, daily movement.
Start small with a 10–15-minute walk around campus or a quick workout in your room to help increase your blood circulation. You could also join a fitness class like yoga, Pilates, or dance, which offer both physical benefits and an opportunity to socialize. Alternatively, finding some friends to join you for a day-long hike or workout sessions at the gym can make exercise more fun.
3. Practice mindfulness and meditation
Along with exercising your body, it’s also important to exercise your mind to reduce stress. Mindfulness and meditation can keep you grounded and make stress management easier by keeping you focused on the present. Mindfulness practices don’t take much time but can positively impact your stress levels greatly.
Try meditation apps like Headspace and Calm for guided meditation that’s designed for stress relief. Taking even just a few moments between classes or during study sessions to do some deep breathing can also help you relax. Finally, be mindful and pay attention to your surroundings during your everyday activities, like walking to class or making coffee. This practice can help you feel more grounded in the moment.
Related: 7 Easy Ways to Make Your Semester More Mindful
4. Stay connected with friends and family
Having a support system in college is very important. Connecting with like-minded people who care about you provides a lot of emotional support, making stressful times easier to handle. Here are a few important things to make time for in your busy schedule:
- Calling or video chatting with family members: Talking with your favorite family members can boost your mood during intense periods of stress.
- Enjoying social time: Have some kind of fun social activity planned each week, whether it’s just hanging out with friends or attending a campus event.
- Participating in extracurricular activities: Joining student clubs and organizations is a great way to find people with similar interests and make new friends.
5. Get enough sleep
With a demanding college schedule, sleep is the first thing students tend to neglect—but good sleep is crucially important for stress management and academic success. Set yourself a designated time to go to bed and wake up every day, and avoid screen time an hour before bedtime. Practicing good sleep habits is essential to getting quality sleep. You should also create a restful environment and make your room comfortable so you can make the most out of your rest time—even power naps!
Related: Top Sleep Hygiene Advice for Tired Students
6. Practice self-care
Self-care is one of the most essential factors of a balanced life. Activities that nurture you mentally and physically will help you handle stress better. Consider the following ideas to take care of yourself:
- Engage in your favorite hobbies: Find time for things you enjoy, especially if they’re relaxing like painting, reading, or cooking.
- Take breaks: Take short breaks every hour during your study sessions to avoid burnout from studying continuously.
- Eat nourishing food: A healthy diet fuels both your brain and body, making you more immune from getting sick and contributing to a more positive attitude.
7. Seek help when you need it
Rather than suffer alone, don’t be afraid to seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. You can explore mental health support and wellness resources on sites like Amber, but college campuses also offer various mental health support services for students that can make a big difference.
Inquire whether your campus has a counseling center and professionals who specialize in managing student stress and mental health. For academic support, getting a tutor or joining a study group can help if you’re struggling with your course material. Just talking through your negative feelings with someone you trust can also be beneficial, whether it’s a friend, mentor, or professional. They can help you relieve stress while offering new perspectives.
Related: When and How to Seek Mental Health Support on Campus
College is a period of exciting growth and intense transformation, but it also brings some challenges. By trying out these stress-busting strategies, you can navigate your college life with resilience and comfort. Forming good habits like these will not only help you manage your stress but also make your college experience more successful and enjoyable. Just remember, balance is key when creating the life you want!
Feeling a little bit more than stressed? Stay calm and use resources like How to Recognize and Prepare for a Life Crisis in College to find and pursue the help you need.
