BY: Kaleria Jackson
From the moment we got accepted in college we knew we would have the time of our lives. We could not wait to go party, stay up all night, and create memories that would last a lifetime. Those were just some of the glorious aspects that were well known about college. No one told us that college would be so demanding. College is stressful and can get extremely overwhelming at times. When experiencing stress it can become hard to cope or deal with. So here are a few tips when it comes to handling stress in college:
Get Enough Sleep
It can be hard trying to get enough sleep while you are in college. Staying up until 2 a.m. to type that paper you have been procrastinating on, then staying out all night to hang out with your friend can take a toll on a person. Getting enough rest is important because it can put you at risk for serious illnesses, such as obesity, depression, and diabetes. Be mindful of your body’s need for rest and get at least eight hours of sleep.
Get Exercise 
I know exercising is the last thing most people want to do, but it can be beneficially to resolving stress. You would not have to do a hard workout where you are dripping sweat unless you want to. Just 30 minutes of moving around can reduce your stress levels. Taking a walk to relax yourself is very calming, especially during the afternoon or early morning. It can even be other fun things such as roller skating, dancing, or swimming.
Doing the Most
Going to your classes and being involved on campus can be time-consuming, and on top of that, having a job can be stressful. I know you want to be involved in everything, but a line must be drawn when it comes to doing the utmost. Try not to overload yourself because that can bring tons of stress when trying to navigate multiple activities. Pick between the most important things and what will benefit you in the long run.
Talk to Someone
Whether this is your first semester or your fifth semester adjusting into or out of college is hard. Talking to someone can help ease your mind. A trusted friend or family member could be the perfect person to talk to. If you would rather talk to a professional, try going to the AUM Counseling Center. If you have questions about the counseling center feel free to visit them in the Taylor Center on the third floor.
Breathe
When dealing with stress it can feel like you are holding your breath. Stop for just a minute and take a deep breath. Doing this can make you feel as if you are getting rid of all your built-up stress. Do a deep inhale then release it all.
Your health should be one of your main concerns. Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Exercise even when you don’t want to. Do not overload yourself, in other words do not do the most. If anything, talk to someone about what is going on with your stress levels. Lastly, breathe and take care of yourself. Doing these simple things can make a world of difference. Try it out for just a week, you’ll be glad you did.
