Your Opinion Matters Most: Are You Stressed About College?

To stress is human. This would be the general sentiment of college students, who have different reasons for getting stressed out. (Freshmen students are eager for deep friendship while senior students worry about job prospects.) The very thought (of tertiary education) could lead to anxiety, and this won't be an exaggeration. Students must juggle the coursework, errands, and their social life, which can be a delicate act. A change of mindset might make it manageable for everyone, so let us take a closer look.

Are you stressed about the deadline to your assignments? You're not the only one, and your professor would feel it. (They have crossed that path, but they a have a job to do.) Are you stressed about your place? It's an unfamiliar territory, and you might not have been chummy with your dorm mates (or you're overthinking about it). On the other hand, you may not have settled down. (The untidy bedroom would sum it up.) Are you stressed about you inability to achieve a school-life balance? You're trying too hard, so you need to back off. It's time for a thorough examination.

7 Causes for Getting Stressed Out

You expect to excel at every aspect of the coursework. If you're a freshman, then you must be warned about the early symptoms of burnout. If you're an older student, then you should keep in mind that you can't be good in everything. You need to know your specialization, which will lead you to your first job. (If you're a BA English major, then you know what you want to pursue later in life. An outstanding communication skills will open several doors, but you're looking at an academic career. It can give you ample time for your true calling, which is authorship.)

You're anxious to find a part-time job during your first year. This is a huge mistake, as you're unfamiliar with the course program. Furthermore, you don't have a clue about the time you'll devote on paper writing. (Studying for examinations and reading are different from each other.) You'll have to make some adjustment, and it may take you longer than the others. Do what you're good at.

You're homesick. Social media should solve the problem, but there's nothing like meeting familiar faces. You haven't found your circle of friends. Yet. Perhaps you must calm yourself down. Show some interest in your course mates, as well as your roommates. Listen to them.

You lack sleep. You're unable to turn down an invitation (to attend a party), which doesn't put you on the wrong (side). However, you should think about your priorities. If you keep on doing it, then it will affect your focus (on the coursework). On the other hand, there must be a deeper reason behind it. You may not be able to handle solitude, if not there's a gnawing need to please other people. Talk about it. (The Guidance Office could be the proper venue, as your tutor might be too busy.) Another reason will revolve around your routine. You may be looking at the computer screen (or cell phone) a bit too often. Studies show that it decreases Melatonin, which regulates sleep and wakefulness. Read a book, as you might have to catch up on your reading list.

You're thinking about the next term. You must concentrate on the present situation, as you might be dealing with too many tasks. (Don't forget your errands.) It will be better if you can take it one day at a time. This won't overwhelm you. (And you haven't reach the part where you must learn how to write research methodology in thesis.) On the other hand, summer is not over. You're tempted to do a research on the upcoming semester. Your intention may benefit you, but it will be short term. Make the most out of your vacation, and loafing will be one of those things. You'll go back to the grind soon, so don't fret about it.

You keep on comparing yourself with your course mates. You have a problem with self doubt, but you'll have a bigger problem with envy. You didn't get an offer from your tutor by chance. There's a bit of luck (along the way), but think about the effort you put into your application process. Remind yourself of your best traits. You got talent, and you want it to take you farther.

You're in dire need of money. If you're spending way beyond your means, then you need a reality check. Try self control. A delay gratification can help you in the long run. You might have an addictive personality, so you need help on this one. Drop by the Guidance Office.

3 Tip-Top Tips to Avoid Stress in College

Do organize yourself. There are many app that will help you stick to your routine, but Listastic won't teach you the virtue of self discipline. Try to figure out which tasks must be done immediately. Your roommates might tease you for being squeaky clean (or you're too obsessive about a tidy room), but it will remind you about keeping your priorities straight. (And the coursework must be on the top of your list.)

Go for a walk (to relieve the stress). If you don't have time for exercise (or you're too lazy to do it), then take a hike. You'll forget about your troubles relating to your assignments. (If not your essays, then your inability to study for an examination.) You'll be refreshed (and recall what you have studied a while ago).

Someone will lend a sympathetic ear to you. Aside from the Guidance Office, there's a pastoral team that is trained to listen to your problems. And these people can give you good advice. Don't be frightened to tell anyone (in the university) that you need help. To stress is human.