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Feeling stressed? You’re not alone. The students of the U.S. are wrestling with college choices, taking classesor preparing entrance exams , all amid the fear of a pandemic. We’re here for you. This week, you can try one of these 7 easy methods to ease stress for college students.
1. Practice Mindfulness
It is about being present in the present. If you consistently practice the practice of mindfulness, it can provide mental health gains: “It can reduce your anxiety, feelings of hopelessness and stress of constantly fretting about the future or contemplating the past,” reads the CNN article. Try taking a break for 10 mindful minutes:
- Consider an app like Headspace which provides discounts to students attending college to master the art of coding.
- Try this basic exercise for meditation that can help you get back on track after an exhausting day, or help you manage anxiety during tests.
2. Exercise
It’s sometimes difficult to find time to exercise when you’re cramming for tests. But not only is exercise key to improving your mood, but it can even improve your brain’s function.read about it trans4mind from Our Articles Here are three effective ways to weave the gym into your life:
- Learn to do yoga at from home with these instructional videos.
- Take advantage of this six-minute workout that is full-body.
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Go for a walk in the park or in your neighborhood. (Just keep in mind to wear a mask if it’s areas that are crowded, and be sure to stay at least 6 feet away from people.)
3. Get a Spa treatment at home
Bring the spa to your home by engaging in these relaxing activities:
- Rub calming essential oils on your wrist.
- Create your very own soothing face makeup by mixing two tablespoons of raw sugar and an oil tablespoon from coconut. Then, let it sit on the face for 5 minutes, then wash your face for 30 second and rinse it off.
- Create a relaxing, lavender-scented bath bomb with this guide on bath time essential oils.
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Make your home into an relaxation zone by listening to peaceful music, dimming harsh overhead lightsand hugging the glow of candles.
4. Get Creative
Connecting with your artistic side is an effective way to unwind. Here are a few suggestions to get you off to a good start:
- Read poems. (We’ve been enjoying “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver.)
- Print one of the free Crayola templates.
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Start that creative project you’ve been thinking about for years. It’s not about getting it right: It’s about creating something that speaks to your inner self. Be open to playing with new styles of art regardless of whether you’re writing or painting lyrics.
5. Unplug
With friends on FaceTiming as well as online classes browsing through Twitter and Facebook, it’s now more difficult than ever to unplug. But limiting screen time can help reduce anxiety.
- Utilize apps like the Apple Screen Time or Google’s Digital Wellbeing for a better understanding of how much time you’re spending on your smartphone.
- Try to limit yourself to no more than 30-60 minutes on social media per day.
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It is important to engage in activities without screens like playing with your pet or reading your favorite book.
6. Learn to practice self-compassion.
Whatever you’re going through today (worry over the next few years; stress over your recent test scores or uncertainty about college options) Learn to practice self-compassion.
- Feel free to express your emotions: “I’m really stressed right at the moment.”
- Consider what you would like to tell your BFF should they find themselves in the same circumstance. What advice would you give them? Reverse the situation and offer your self those kind words.
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Take a moment to hug yourself. You can say to yourself “Stress is a normal part of life. You’re not alone.”
7. Find Help
In these stressful times our lives, we can all benefit from the support of friends, family members, and professionals:
- Speak to a trusted friend about what’s going on.
- Make contact with an online therapist.
- Find out what therapy options are provided by your college in the event that you are currently enrolling.
We know the world feels intimidating right now, but USF is ready to support you. Reach out to our Office of Admissions online to find out how we can assist you in achieving your goals.