No college student is free from stress, whether its from finals, family, or friends, every college student has to deal with stress some time. What they don’t always know, is that stress does not have to rule their lives. Here are a few ways to deal with the stresses life throws at us:

1. Exercise. Even if it is just a leisurely stroll around campus, the fresh air can really calm your nerves.

2. Yell it out. It may seem odd, but yelling your problems can really relieve a lot of stress and relieve a lot of anger as well.

3. Nap. If your going for five days strait with no sleep, stress can build up rather quickly. Remember that sleep is just as important and studying.

4. Organize. Having a messy room or desk can really add to peoples stress levels. Just take a minute to clean up all the clutter, it can really make a difference.

5. Grab a snack. Having a small, healthy snack while studying can really help you stay focused and energized.

6. Take breaks. If your working for seven or more hours strait, all the facts can really start to blur together. Take a ten minute break and go for coffee or just a walk to clear your mind.

7. Avoid stressful people. You may think studying with your friends is the best idea but if they are over-stressed and anxious about the test, that anxiety can rub off on you. Try just taking some time to study alone and see how much more you get done with much less stress.

8. Be confident. There is only so much studying that can be done, so once its time for the test just relax and tell yourself, “You CAN do it.” having confidence in yourself can make a big difference in how you do on the test.

Published in : Lifestyles, Volume 101: Issue 31