Stress Management Strategies

Here are some practical strategies for coping with the day-to-day stress of being a college student:

  • Eat right. The healthier you are, the stronger you are- and the more able you will be to weather through situations like all-nighters, illnesses, and challenging academic work. Try to eat a balanced, low-fat diet and avoid overloading on junk food.
  • Exercise. Physical exercise will help you manage your stress. Find a type of exercise you like and make it a regular part of your life.
  • Get sleep. Avoid the system wide dysfunction that sleep deprivation can create. Figure out how much sleep you need and do your best to get it. When you pull an all-nighter, make sure you play catch-up over the next couple of days.
  • Think positively. Try to think of all you have to do as challenges, not problems.
  • Seek balance. A balanced life includes time by yourself- for your thoughts, hopes, and plans- and time for relaxation, in whatever form you choose.
  • Address issues. Try not to let things lie too long. Analyze stressful situations and us problem-solving strategies to decide on a specific plan of action.
  • Set boundaries and learn to say no. Try to delegate. Review obligations regularly; if you evaluate that something has become a burden, then consider dropping it from your roster of activities.
  • Surround yourself with people who are good for you. Focus on friends who are good listeners and who will support you when things get rough. Friendships and humor go a long way towards reducing stress.

For more tips on how to manage stress in college, visit: http://stress.about.com/od/studentstress/ss/college_stress.htm

Last Modified: 3/26/24