More than half of the students in America proceed to college after they finish high school. College is meant to be an educational institution to broaden your knowledge. If you continue college after your first degree, you will eventually earn a “major” which is focused on a particular subject more in-depth. College is supposed to help you learn the studies for your future job and help you see which direction to go in life. Throughout my three years of college so far, I can tell you that it has been a major learning experience. College has taught me the basic class knowledge and specific course knowledge. I have met new friends, moved to my own apartment, and am now working three jobs… it is OVERWHELMING! Anyways… I thought about this and then did something… (keep reading to find out what I did)
University and College Stress
If you have time, type in Google “University makes me” and don’t push search yet. Just look below at google’s options that it gives you. While reading these you will realize that most of them are pretty depressing… They read off: “feel anxious, feel like a failure, feel stupid, and happy”
Check Out These 40 Simple Steps To Feeling More Positive
Well
Throughout my years in a university, I can share that it doesn’t make me feel like this all the time. But, yes it does make me feel like this at other times. The amount of stress that is put on students today seems so crazy to me. Yes, education is one of the most important things in life. But, do we really have to put this much pressure all at once on one another? University should be a new and exciting experience for many. But when it comes to meeting new friends, a whole new place to live, and schoolwork. It can all seem so OVERWHELMING! Throughout my time so far in college, I have realized how overwhelmed I can be. I have had my fair share of mental breakdowns, rivers of tears, and “oh no I don’t know how else I’m going to survive” moments. College CAN* be stressful. We do feel pressure on us as students. I have heard so many different problems and fears in college. Whether it be studying for an exam or trying to get enough money to pay off rent. There are also problems with not knowing what to do after college and being away from your parents for the first time. This can all be difficult.
Exercise
In October of 2017, I began to exercise with a goal of releasing my feelings of being overwhelmed. I can’t even explain to you how much this has helped me over the last several months. Each time that I do a workout I release all my anxiety and stress. In the moments of exercising, I am no longer thinking of all the worries. Instead, I am focusing on my health and improving my body. After I finish, even if it is just a quick workout, I always feel like I am in a much better mood.
Studies have shown that students who reported to exercise at least 3 days a week (30 mins each) have felt to be happier and less stressed. But since there are a large number of students stressed out and even depressed. Why don’t we encourage more physical activity?
Being physically active can benefit students in multiple ways. Not only does it help with feeling less stressed but they will feel better about their body image and health too! Body image is a big cause of stress for some people in college. They are constantly comparing themselves to others and not realizing how special that they are. But by staying healthy and getting enough exercise, you can work on parts of your body that you want to lose weight in or strengthen. Also, making exercise a habit will put students in a better position to strive for that healthiness and goal. It also can be a good way to stay out of trouble. I remember I used to use the gym as a way to stay away from bad influences. The gym can be a good time-consuming activity that can actually help lead someone in the right direction. I know several people that replaced their addiction drug-use with the gym. Learn From These7 Common Mistakes Keeping You From Reaching Your Fitness Goals
Exercising is like its own little drug because when we workout, our bodies release chemicals known as “endorphins” giving off a positive feeling and reducing pain. Along with working out, students have several other ways to help reduce stress.
Diet, Sleep, & Talk!
I am working on this myself because sweets are my favorite ever. But eating a well-balanced meal is important to staying healthy. I have a habit of eating junk food more than I should. From experience, I can say for myself that I do notice a difference in my energy levels and mood depending on what I eat. This relates to how long I sleep the night before too. When I don’t get enough sleep, I can be moody or even miss out on what is really going on. Communication is another important factor in keeping stress levels lower. If you are experiencing any problem or feeling that you want to talk about then share with a friend, family member, therapist, etc. If you don’t like talking to people, share your feelings with your pet, they always want to listen! Sharing emotions instead of keeping them in can make you feel better, I know it helps me! Letting your feelings and thoughts out is essential to staying healthy, especially since we are constantly changing. Read These 10 Reasons To Start Accepting Change It is also important to share with others, as we try to reach our psychological needs and our social needs.
Staying Healthy
You got this! You already made it this far… Do you know anyone stressed in college?… Or are you that student? Maybe you are someone not in college and still stressed… this can apply to you too! If not, what are your tips for living the stress-free life? Do you mind sharing? I would love to hear in the comments below!
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34 Comments
I agree 100%- diet, exercise and sleep are very important for stress at any age. Good luck with college!
ANY AGE FOR SURE !!! Just has seemed to hit me and come into realization throughout my college experience. & Thanks !!
Great post! I totally agree, and if people would spend more time exercising they would feel so much better, not only college age people. Great tips and enjoyable to read.
Yes this definitely can apply to anyone !! I am glad you enjoyed it, thanks.
Working out is a good stress reliever and way to release those endorphins! And when you exercise you are way more productive when doing homework. At least that is how it worked for me.
Girl, I totally agree with ya on that one !! I am glad staying fit has helped you with productivity.
I started exercising in college too, and I haven’t stopped since. I probably didn’t realize it at the time (like 20 years ago), that it was helping me to release that stress.
Heck yaaa !! Keep it up(: I am happy that it has helped you and you haven’t stopped. Exercise is beneficial for anyone and everyone ! Thank you for the read.
I was that student. I always kept the “light at the end of the tunnel” in the forefront of my mind. I knew the stress wouldn’t last forever! Stay strong!
Yess, just taking life 1 day at a time. Thank you for the encouragement !
Insightful post from a young woman…kudos to you! I agree that exercise and healthy eating habits can be a huge benefit to us at any age.
Thanks so much, that means a lot to me!
I love the concept of exercising to release to the stress and anxiety. I am well over college age, but need to focus on exercising for this purpose, and not as a task to be completed.
There ya go… that is a good mindset. Exercising isn’t just good for looks but for feelings too! Thanks for reading.
I agree with all of these tips. They really will help stress.
Thanks !!
Eating healthy and reducing stress levels is so vital to college students. Thanks for inspiring!
Happy that you agree, thanks !!
This probably would have been better for me than the “freshman 15.” It’s great to share this info because so many people just aren’t prepared at this stage to maintain or start healthy habits.
I agree, they do not understand the importance of it and the benefits that come along with exercising.
What a great post – so insightful and it will be helpful for so many people, and not just college-aged.
For everyone for sure, thanks :))
Great post!!
Thank you Amanda !!
Great post! I agree completely, college is stressful! I wish I lived a healthier lifestyle while I was in college????
I am glad exercising has helped me in many areas throughout my life especially during times of stress, like college !! Thanks for reading.
These are good habits for any stage in life! 🙂
Agreed for sure !!! People should make it a habit.
Wow, I did do the search. In addition to most of the results in your screen shot, what also came up was university makes me cry. What a sad thing. I do agree, though. Physical health can have an impact on mental health — and affect many areas of life. ????
Wow, thanks for going out of your way to research some more! I agree, it is stressful and has even made me cry! Staying healthy is great for anyone and everyone, especially with stress. Thank you for reading!
I was so stressed my first semester in college I barely ate, which says a lot. I ended up going to the gym almost every day. It did help relieve a lot of my stress and anxiety.
I am sorry to hear that you didn’t eat much in college but I am glad that the gym helped you at times! Happy to hear that you agree(:
I read an article about sleep recently and the effect it has on sooooooo many things is astounding. Definitely something I need to work on!
Yes… sleep is my biggest downfall right now, I haven’t been getting enough lately. It is very important!
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