Top 5 ways to manage stress as a female college student!
College… the best 4 years of our lives. Great friends, interesting classes, new clubs, and crazy parties. But what about the endless homework assignments, stressful exam weeks, study groups, and all-nighters for homework? While college is an amazing time full of new experiences, it can also be extremely hard to balance it all.
My name is Lauren Crumbaugh, and these are the top 5 ways I manage stress as a college student!
Use a planner: I have found that my life is much more organized now that I own and use a daily planner! Currently, I take 16 credits, work a part time job, and have an executive position in my sorority. To say I’m busy is quite the understatement. I bought my Ivory Paper Planner from Target, and it has completely changed the game for me. It has plenty of room to write my daily, weekly, and monthly tasks, and it even has super cute stickers that I add to each page! Using a planner helps me feel in control of my many tasks, which decreases my stress. I highly recommend running to your local Target and grabbing a Ivory Paper Planner!
Exercise: I believe that moving your body is so important, even if it’s just 20 minutes a day! Participating in some type of exercise is sure to help you manage stress, because it releases endorphins. If you complete a workout, you will feel proud of yourself for finishing and confident in your ability to complete more tasks, like completing a homework assignment. Exercising always makes my day better because it helps me clear my mind and feel healthier! I personally like to go on long runs outside and use the Nike Run Club app. It is convenient and free, and keeps me motivated because it has daily workouts and personal coaches. If you enjoy running, check out the Nike Run Club app. If not, find a workout that you enjoy, or go for a walk with a friend. Your mind will feel clear and ready to complete the next task.
Decrease screen-time: One of the best ways to manage stress is by decreasing the amount of time you spend on your phone. personally, I find that the more time I spend scrolling social media the more stressed I am throughout the day. Phone use distracts you from what you need to get done and can be a big stressor, especially for college students. I recommend setting limits on your apps such as TikTok, instagram, Snapchat, and more to ensure you are not spending too much time on your phone. I implemented this into my own life, and it has made a huge impact on my stress levels. Social media is linked with many mental health issues like anxiety and depression, so we must prioritize the things that matter over phone use.
Use a meditation app: Meditation apps are a great resource for people looking to decrease their stress levels. Currently, I use the Headspace app. I usually get on the app about once a day and find a quick meditation video to go through. These usually last about 5 to 10 minutes, but some go up to an hour. Since using this app, I have found that I am much more calm on the days I do meditation because it allows me to slow down and realize that I will get everything done. To use the Headspace app, simply go to the App Store on your phone, search Headspace, and download! Make sure to use it once a day and really focus on the meditation while you're doing it. It may sound silly but you will see a sudden improvement on your mental state and it will help you manage your stress throughout the day!
Eat good food: Maintaining a healthy diet is very important when trying to manage stress. As a college student, it can be difficult to eat healthy and fulfilling food, however, with the right resources it is possible! Look at the options provided by your school and decide what will make you feel best after eating it. Nothing is wrong with sweet treats or fried food, but having fruits and vegetables will decrease brain fog and laziness. Personally, I buy groceries at Publix because they offer a student discount. This is super helpful for me and allows me to buy healthy foods on a budget. Research the grocery stores around you and see if any offer a discount to college students- if so, utilize it.
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