10 Kickass Tips for College Students to Beat Stress Blues

College Students Beat Stress

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In 2013, a survey was conducted by the Nightline Association which revealed that 65 percent of students feel stressed during their college life. The students are juggling between their studies, assignments, part time jobs, and are loaded with stress about their future. Managing all these things at once leave college students overwhelmed and over stressed about even the minutest issues in life according to a BU health report.

Amidst all this, they are struggling to have a stable social life as they need to spend time with friends and catch up with their families. Despite the fact that the younger generation has the least responsibilities, the pressure of the existing ones overpowers them and makes it impossible for them to prepare for more serious issues in the future.

Here are some quick tips for such university students who are fighting stress in their college to let go of it and come out strong and positive:

1.      Take A Varied And Healthy Diet

Incorporating fresh ingredients and fruits is very important for your health. Fresh fruit juices like orange and grapevine juice are filled with Vitamin C which not only cause your immune system to boost but also act in relieving stress. It is very tempting to grab a quick meal like a pizza or a burger while you are busy but the way your health and mental capacity is compromised by doing so is unimaginable.

2.      Exercise Regularly

Going for some physical activity 3-4 times a week helps in reducing stress considerably. It causes your body to release endorphin which make you feel great about yourself. If you cannot go for extensive training then daily walks of 30 minutes will also do the job for you. You can even indulge in any of your favorite sports to enjoy some leisure time while staying physically active.

3.      Meditate

It sounds simple but is very productive. Sitting silently for 10 minutes every day brings down stress levels and makes your concentration better. It brings the required peace of mind which is necessary to perform well and this is because of the distinct and beneficial breathing techniques. They cause the oxygen to surge through your bloodstream which helps in calming down your mind. About peace of mind, the ancient Greek fabulist and story teller Aesop says, “A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.” Make sure that your space promotes some good vibes for your body to absorb. Burning a white sage smudge stick may just be the thing to shake off the blues. Known to be used by Native Americans for purification purposes, this smudge stick may help cleanse away all the stress from schoolwork, your part-time job, and interpersonal relationships.

4.      Have Ample Sleep

People spend so many hours on social media especially Facebook before going to sleep and this cuts down the number of their resting hours. Social media is definitely an addiction but one needs to find a way out of it in order to take a good night’s sleep. Switching off all devices will be your best way out of this situation because they will definitely make you more stressed and restless about the assignments, tests, and projects at hand.

5.      Take Breaks Regularly

“For fast-acting relief, try slowing down,” says Lily Tomlin who is a famous American actor, comedian, and writer. There is no denying the fact that it is absolutely the right thing as one needs to calm down, relax, and take frequent breaks in order to retain productivity and efficiency. Keep the weekend for relaxation and friends so that you are energized enough for Monday.

6.      Quit Smoking Or Any Other Addiction

Most of the time, we hear people saying that they smoke in order to become more calm but the researchers on the European Research on Nicotine and Tobacco have something else to say. According to this report, nicotine suppresses the hormone serotonin which is responsible for combating stress. As a result, your anxiety levels are increased because of smoking.

7.      Stay Positive

Maintaining positive thinking by reading motivational books and  sustaining a positive attitude through rough and smooth times of life is necessary because that is what takes you forward. Dean Smith says, “If you treat every situation as a life and death matter, you’ll die a lot of times,” and he has put rightly so. Worrying and negative thoughts never take anything away except for your happiness and well-being so it is better not to let them have home in your mind.

8.      Organize Your Routine

It is very important to have a fixed routine because that helps in organizing your life. Following a fixed schedule means that you’ll be done with the tasks on time which will save you from unnecessary stress. “Stress is caused by being ‘here’ but wanting to be ‘there’,” says the famous German-born Canadian author Eckhart Tolle and he has explained why we become stressed when we don’t follow a schedule. Staying organized will ensure that all the assignments and projects are finished on time before the deadline making us free from anxiety.

9.      College Students Who Talk to Someone

“There are thousands of causes for stress, and one antidote to stress is self-expression. That’s what happens to me every day. My thoughts get off my chest, down my sleeves and onto my pad.” These are the words of famous American playwright and director Garson Kanin. There are certain stresses and worries which need closure and one cannot progress beyond a point without talking about them to someone. It is better to seek help from a counselor in this regard who can guide you out of the situation.

10. Listen To Music

Listening to different kinds of music helps in enhancing the cognitive abilities of the brain. It also helps in reducing stress as music can uplift your spirits and thoughts. As William James the famous American philosopher and psychologist puts it, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”

One in ten college students think of committing suicide because of the excessive stress. The mtvU Associated Press survey for 2009 reveals that almost 60 percent of students reported severe stress and anxiety hindering their academic performance. These statistics show the shocking truth that a number of college students are struggling in their lives because of the increased stress and are in a dire need of help so that they can come out of the situation. These tips can help them overpower their negative thoughts and worries making them stronger, more focused and positive in their academic lives.

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