Going to college is stressful, but there are several steps students can do to try to avoid the seemingly never-ending pressure.
“Students need to evaluate what is important and do that first. Planning ahead always helps,” said Michelle Walburn, a counselor at Mount Carmel.
Sometimes it feels like no matter how hard you try, however, there is no way everything can get done.
Students are expected to work, go to school, study, have a social life and still have time to look good while doing all of this.
“Students need to learn how to say no. Do not feel bad about saying no to something, because nobody can say yes to everything. The student may get it done, but the stress and lack of sleep can have negative results for the body and mind,” Walburn said.
Not only is there many things a student has to do, there are always issues and problems that need to be taken care of.
Financial problems make students nervous. It is hard to study for exams when worried about paying rent or making a car payment. Money problems cause anxiety. It can be frustrating to want to go out, have fun, and relieve stress, but not be able to afford it.
Too much stress can lead to a breakdown, emotionally and physically.
“A student will get sick more frequently because their immune system is worn down from stress. It is very important for students to get as much sleep as possible, especially during exams,” said Ronald Glaser, a specialist at Ohio State in molecular virology, immunology and medical genetics.
Glaser encourages students to smoke less, exercise, and have a good network of family.
In addition to personal problems that can affect everyday life, there are always relationship issues, too. Nobody can do homework with a crazy boyfriend/girlfriend yelling down his or her throat. Just finding time for that other person can be a challenge.
Everyone needs some time alone to think out their thoughts. Everybody needs time to unwind and settle down. Take breaks to meditate, pray, listen to music, relax in the bath or talk to trusting friends. Writing about struggles in a daily journal helps.
Dr. Neal Newman has designed a three-session program at the Younkin Success Center. Mental Skills for Stress Management and Self Hypnosis starts Jan. 17, at 5 p.m. There are three different sessions students can attend, but it is encouraged to attend all three if possible. There is no need to sign up and anybody can go.
“It is a helpful program that helps students compose themselves and get a foundation of tools for their world,” Newman said. “Students learn to coach themselves with life situations and find their inner calm. Students work on mental skills and practice them.”
Students need to learn how to cope with stress and relieve the tension of a busy life. Students can sign up for yoga classes in the spring quarter and actually fulfill a GEC requirement. The Student Wellness Center will also help students with stress management. They will provide stress management presentations for groups of people. Just remember that it will be OK and try to have some fun. This is supposed to be the best times of our lives.
Nicole Baker can be reached at [email protected].
