The new school year is upon us, and college students are facing a whole new world. With this new world comes stressors, challenges, and a level of decision-making they’ve not had to face before. Stress-related anxiety is very common among students as they focus on academics, a new communal living situation, extracurriculars, and other life-management demands, so focusing on self-care is especially important, and setting up a healthy routine now rather than when situations become too difficult, should be a priority.
College students, this article is for you, but really, self-care and wellness is important for everyone, so read on!
Beginning any new endeavor, whether it’s a new job or entering into college life, requires a readjustment that can be difficult to navigate. Studies have found that the steepest increase in stress and anxiety usually occurs during the initial transition to college and during the first few semesters. After that, those stress levels typically remain elevated, so it’s important that a focus on self-care begins right from the start. Does this mean that if you’re well into your college experience that it’s too late? No! Paying attention to self-care has its benefits, no matter when you start, so begin now. The human body can withstand occasional stress, but long-term or chronic stress can impact not only mental health, but physical and behavioral health too, not to mention how much it impacts the college experience and quality of life. Paying attention to self-care can help to manage stress, lower risk of illness, enhance self-confidence, boost productivity, and increase energy and feelings of happiness as well. Even small acts of daily self-care can have a big impact.
Recognizing stress symptoms is key to maintaining wellness during college years and beyond. Red flags include increased number of headaches, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, feelings of restlessness, anger, irritability, sadness, depression, problems with focus, unhealthy substance abuse, over/under eating, social withdrawal, lack of energy for exercising or other physical activity, and a general feeling that your life demands far outweigh the resources that you have to meet those demands.
So where do you start?
Healthy eating, adequate sleep, and daily exercise, to begin with. It’s good, not only for the body, but for the brain as well.
Practice good time management and keep a structured routine. Set and protect study time and personal time as well. Use alarm clocks to get to class on time (or early!) and make to-do lists to complete academic work as well as personal chores.
Surround yourself with people who are supportive. Maintaining those relationships are important while you juggle the demands of college life. They can be a good source of motivation, and can help with problem solving as they too are moving through the challenges of their college experience.
Stay connected with friends and family, for they can cheer you on during hard times, they can remind you of the reasons why you’ve chosen to follow this path, and reaching out to your supportive circle will help you avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness while at the same time, help you feel grounded.
Make yourself a priority by occasionally checking in on your work-life balance. With so much on your plate, it’s easy to slip away from self-care, and that balance is important to your over-all wellness during college and beyond.
Take time for relaxation and “escape.” Listen to music, read a book, practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, video chat with an old friend, get coffee with someone and don’t talk about school at all, take a walk in the woods, or join a club,. These activities are vital when trying to maintain a good life balance and help you to avoid burnout.
If you need additional help from a trusted person, go get it! Talk to your advisor, find a mentor, reach out to the school’s counseling center. All of these folks can help guide you and are there for you.
The college years can be exciting, but they’re also demanding and require a great deal of you. Be patient with yourself as you navigate your way. Taking the time and learning self-care skills now will benefit you, not only during your college years, but well into the future.
