COLLEGE ANXIETY MANAGEMENT There are several stressors that college students deal with on a daily basis. Every college student comes from a distinct background, and this, along with other things, means that every college student has various responsibilities. The stresses of daily life can cause anxiety or make it worse for many people who feel that it all is too much. The American Psychological Association reports that anxiety affects 41.6% of college students, making it a top concern for them.
ANXIETY MANAGEMENT ADVICE You might be wondering, “What can I do?,” keeping in mind the proportion of college students who experience anxiety. You can take care of your mental health while attending school, which is important. In college, try these suggestions for reducing your anxiety:
PUT SLEEP FIRST According to research, simply missing out on 1-2 hours of sleep increases your chance of being involved in an automobile accident. Lack of sleep can have a number of negative effects, including but not limited to mood swings, sadness, anxiety, irritability, and a lower GPA. Adopt good sleeping habits by:
alcohol restriction. reducing caffeine intake, particularly later in the day. sleeping in a cozy, cool space. avoid using electronics right before bed. Establish a peaceful bedtime routine. It is also advantageous to go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
MAKE A SCHEDULE THAT SUITS YOU. To the best of your abilities, make a schedule that works for you rather than someone else. Particularly for college students, it is simple to become distracted by comparisons. Keep in mind your needs and how you work best while planning your quarter’s schedule. Some people choose to schedule their classes for the morning, while others choose to schedule them for the afternoon. This is true whether you’re planning your week’s agenda or just one day. Use time management techniques, and never be embarrassed to ask a lecturer or staff member for assistance or accommodations when necessary. It’s important to maintain a work-life balance whether you’re in school or working while you’re there to focus on your studies and other school-related activities.
FORMULATING A KIND INTERNAL VOICE There will be moments when things will be very stressful, such as finals week, and it is crucial to practice extra self-care during those times. It is beneficial to develop a kind, encouraging, and compassionate inner voice, and it is well recognized that positive self-talk can frequently be helpful for anxiety control. You might think of your own sayings that are specifically helpful to you or use mantras like “I can only do what I can do.” Overall, practicing having a compassionate, forgiving inner voice that aids in perspective-setting and helps you work through cognitive distortions like all-or-nothing thinking may be immensely helpful. You will utilize this talent throughout the rest of your life, not just in college. It will enable you to accomplish things and navigate life while maintaining self-compassion.
INTERVIEW YOURSELF Make it a habit to regularly check in with your body, mind, and spirit to determine what you need. each and every day. It is crucial to take care of your own needs, especially since some college students have a lot of commitments and may overlook self-care practices like getting enough sleep, drinking water, eating regularly, scheduling time for social interactions, turning in an hour earlier that night, or scheduling some alone time. Don’t be afraid to make changes in your life if they are necessary for your health if something in your life is beginning to negatively affect your wellbeing emotionally or physically. It might be a toxic friendship or something else entirely. Since you are unique, your demands might not be the same as those of your peers. Everyone should remember to take care of their needs, but it’s more important if you have an anxiety disorder or are going through something else that others aren’t.
KNOW HOW TO CONTACT PEOPLE When discussing mental health and gaining access to resources, the phrase “reach out” is frequently used, but it is crucial to understand how to do so. Whenever you require assistance, whether it be with stress management, anxiety management, or anything else, make sure to ask for it. As a college student, using the services available on campus is frequently a great way to gain support. On-campus counseling services are available, or you can look for assistance in other ways. If you have health insurance, you can get in touch with your provider to find out what mental health therapies are covered, or you can visit your primary care physician to get a recommendation. Another choice is to receive counseling or therapy online. In the absence of health insurance, online therapy provided by a reputable website is a great method to receive the help you require while remaining in the comfort of your own home. It is frequently less expensive than traditional in-person care. No matter what you are going through, remember that you have the ability to reach out and that you have nothing to be embarrassed of.
Since over ten years ago, Marie Miguel has specialized in writing and research on a range of health-related subjects. She is currently working with MyTherapist.com to develop and grow a free online mental health resource. She continues to focus on issues relating to anxiety and depression with a passion for eradicating stigmas surrounding mental health.
