| Change of environment, juggling subjects with other | | | | TIPS: Create a 'To Do list' or a planner and keep track |
| workload, coping with deadlines, family expectations, | | | | of deadlines and schedules and learn to say 'No'. |
| over-commitment, expenses, etc. are common issues | | | | 2) Get Organized: Have a system of organization for |
| that often put pressure on college students. It goes | | | | note-taking, keeping track of assignments, and other |
| without saying that attending college is in itself | | | | important papers. Create a good study environment |
| inherently stressful. However, mild amounts of stress | | | | where you can concentrate, focus and get things |
| for college students can be advantageous or | | | | done. Being organized can bring you the peace of |
| necessary to challenge them. Stress can motivate or | | | | mind that comes from knowing where everything is, |
| stimulate, which may actually improve performance. | | | | remembering deadlines and test dates, and clearing |
| However, too much stress begins to interfere with | | | | your mind of some of the mental clutter that |
| their functioning. Stress levels tend to build over time | | | | disorganization brings. |
| that when not managed effectively can result in | | | | TIPS: Keep a calendar, a schedule and a filing system |
| various physical illnesses such as anxiety and | | | | for your school stuff. |
| depression. Only in identifying the stressors and | | | | 3) Exercise, Nutrition and Sleep: Eat a healthy diet and |
| conquering them can students maximize their | | | | get enough sleep. If you want to perform at your best, |
| opportunities and college experience. | | | | you need to be well-rested. Physical activity is also a |
| Common Causes of College Stress | | | | great stress reliever. |
| In order to identify an effective stress management | | | | TIPS: Work your schedule so you get enough sleep or |
| technique, the stressors specific to college students | | | | exercise. |
| should be determined. It's also important to distinguish | | | | 4) Don't sweat the small stuff: Always be conscious if |
| between sources of stress that are within your control, | | | | the issue at hand is worth getting upset about. If it isn't |
| and those that are not. | | | | affecting your goal achievement, it may not be worth |
| Common college stressors: | | | | fretting over. |
| 1) Academic stress - increase in workload over | | | | 5) Develop Optimism: It's been proven that those who |
| insufficient time, new responsibilities, difficult exams, | | | | more easily shrug off failures and multiply successes -- |
| challenging classes, low grades, deadlines to meet, | | | | are healthier, less stressed, and more successful. The |
| scheduling issues to coordinate and a more | | | | habit of optimism and positive thinking can bring better |
| independent nature of the college learning structure | | | | health, better relationships, and, yes, better grades. |
| 2) Social stress - creating a new social network, | | | | 6) Maintain your sense of humor and positive thinking: |
| separation from home and finding less parental | | | | Laughter is one of the best stress-busters there is. |
| support, living with a roommate, balancing school work | | | | 7) Communicate: Talking to a person who you trust |
| with friends or part-time jobs and dealing with the | | | | like a friend, family member, or professor about issues |
| demands of young adult relationships | | | | of concern is helpful. Although most college student |
| 3) Other stresses - daily hassles (commuting and | | | | related stress is self-manageable, there are situations |
| waiting in line), financial crisis, studying long, hard hours | | | | that may be serious enough to require counseling. If the |
| and waking up early for classes, logistics of living | | | | stress in your life is overwhelming and/or you feel |
| independently (i.e., laundry) new students deal with | | | | helpless, ask for help or share your concerns with a |
| abrupt change from high school and more seasoned | | | | counselor or your teacher. |
| students wonder if they're in the right major | | | | TIPS: Use the phone or email to stay in touch with |
| Tips for Managing Stress | | | | family and friends at home and get involved with |
| There are a number of techniques to help college | | | | groups and clubs at school can be an excellent |
| students minimize the stress they are feeling. | | | | remedy for college loneliness. |
| 1) Time management: Develop a schedule to manage | | | | College students who can deal with stress effectively |
| your time indicating your goals and priorities. Learn to | | | | maintain their health and well-being, are able to focus |
| plan ahead and avoid procrastination. When you're | | | | during classes, and get better grades! Remember, |
| stretched too thin and running behind, it's hard to stay | | | | college is supposed to be enjoyed, not endured -- it's |
| calm and focused. | | | | important to keep college stress under control. |