Whether you’re a college freshman or it’s your last semester, one thing’s for certain: Stress is imminent. Worries prevail, especially when it comes to paying for college expenses and cramming for big tests. That’s why learning ways to ditch stress is important. Here are some tried-and-true tips that you can use to your benefit.
Get Organized
Lack of organization can create stress by making things cluttered and impossible to find. This can contribute to problems with concentration and finishing tasks on time. Get organized to improve your productivity and live a happier and easier lifestyle. So where do you start?
- Have a tidy desk or another dedicated area to work from in your room.
- Block out chunks of time to do everything, including eating and studying.
- Create a spreadsheet of things to do.
- Install an app reminder like Remember the Milk or Evernote to notify you of when to study and what’s due.
- Use a calendar to track important events and dates.
- Carry and utilize a planner if you need visual reminders.
- Keep your room and vehicle clean, organized and free of clutter.
This may seem like a lot at first. But once you get into the routine of college life and it starts working for you, organization will come more naturally.
Keep Procrastination Under Control
Do you love to wait until the last minute to get things done? If so, you know how stressful it can be. And the time crunch can cause you to miss important deadlines and turn in subpar work to your professors.
End procrastination now. Adhere to your pre-planned schedule and try to get your work, studying and other tasks done way ahead of schedule.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Has life become just a tad overwhelming for you? With new responsibilities, a heavy workload and barely enough time to think, you may find your stress levels spiraling out of control. This is when to ask for help.
Reach out to family, friends or even a professional at your school. Get help with cleaning, studying and shopping. Even small efforts of incoming support can help reduce stress levels and get you back on track.
Stay Healthy
All that homework and cramming can make it easy to justify stuffing your face with junk food all day. It’s convenient and delicious — and also ridiculously bad for you. It can lead to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, digestive issues, depression and a variety of other health-related problems.
Drink lots of water, make healthy meal choices and exercise every chance you can. Park in the back of the parking lot and opt to walk the stairs instead of taking the elevator. You’ll have more energy to devote to your studies when you’re at your best.
Practice Positive Self-Care
Stress in college can also stem from a lack of self-care. This includes taking care of your physical and mental health. Reach out to campus counselors if you feel depressed or overwhelmed.
Take time out to pamper yourself and de-stress. Make a spa appointment or get a 30-minute massage once a week. Look forward to something. Plan a little getaway every Saturday to your favorite park or hang out with friends and family who have a positive and encouraging outlook on life.
Stress is inevitable. Finding ways to cope with it is the best way to keep it from affecting your life — especially your studies. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Study hard, ditch stress and look forward to successful graduation.
~Here’s to Your Success!
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