Stress is a normal part of life that can be managed. Stress can manifest as anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues in college. There are many reasons why students experience stress in college, including intense workloads, managing complex family relationships, and financial challenges. This article will explore some common sources of stress for college students today and how to manage them effectively.
Intense Workloads
Students have more work than ever, and they’re working harder than ever. But they’re not learning more. As per the calculation by Reynold’s Sandbox, students spend between 82.5 and 92.5 hours between school and work. There are 168 hours a week, leaving students with about 10 free hours a day. This is time spent sleeping, commuting, or trying to have a social life.
In addition to this increased workload, college students are also under the pressure of completing long assignments within short deadlines. Moreover, they also have to go the extra step and study even from external resources to keep themselves ahead of the competition.
Managing Complex Family Relationships
One of college students’ most complex aspects of life is managing their family relationships. Family members can be a source of support or pressure. It all depends on how you deal with them. Other stressors, such as financial issues and academic performance, affect family dynamics.
It’s essential to keep everyone involved in the loop when something important is happening in your life or career. Letting out what’s happening inside your head will help relieve some stress, allowing you to focus better on schoolwork.
Financial Challenges
The cost of higher education is increasing at a rate that outpaces increases in the cost of living. While tuition and fees have reached record highs, so have student loan debts, putting additional strain on students to find ways to pay for school. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, 62 percent of students who graduated from nonprofit colleges in 2019 had student loan debt. Data shows that they owed an average of around $28,950 as debt for the student loan they took for studying.
Students often work to support themselves through school by working as many hours as possible each week. It is also common for them to work part-time jobs during the school year and full-time during the summer months to help cover living expenses.
Unrealistic Expectations
The first and most important thing to consider when assessing stress on college students is their expectations. Students need to be realistic about their capabilities, and they should know what they are capable of. They should set achievable goals and allow for growth and improvement over time. It’s also essential for students to have a good idea of what constitutes success in college because this will help them develop better habits for dealing with stressful situations.
Finally, when all else fails, and it probably will at some point, students need to know when they need help from professionals such as counselors or psychologists who specialize in student mental health issues. Ezra Counseling is a professional organization that provides counseling services to help students manage their stress and improve their mental health. They offer individual therapy, group therapy, and workshops on topics such as mindfulness meditation, yoga and breathing techniques, and more.
Lack of Sleep
Sleep deprivation is a common problem for college students. It has been shown to lead to poor performance in school, work, and sports. Getting enough sleep can help you focus on your studies and improve your overall health. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
However, this might be difficult if you have a part-time job or other responsibilities outside of schoolwork, especially when maintaining a social life. If this sounds like something that describes you, then there are ways that you can increase the amount of time spent sleeping:
- Set up an alarm, so you know when it’s time for bed
- Avoid caffeine after noon
- Take short naps during breaks between classes or long projects
- Keep electronics out of the bedroom
Social Pressures and Peer Pressure
Other social pressures are less noticeable. Students often feel pressure to be involved in many activities, so they don’t have time for themselves or their friends. A study from the American College Health Association has shown that 49.3% of college students in the United States experience moderate stress.
It’s essential that you take time out of your day (perhaps before class) to think about how you’re feeling and what you need to do to stay physically and mentally healthy.
It’s also important not to feel pressured into doing things because it’s the cool thing right now. For example, if you don’t want to use emojis or wear snapback hats, don’t. You shouldn’t have to do something because other people are doing it. Listen instead of talking (or vice versa), and keep your opinions out until they’re ready for public consumption.
Lack of Exercise and Bad Eating Habits
College is when many students feel they have less control over their lives. They may be required to take classes that don’t interest them and be forced to work at jobs that pay less than minimum wage. This can lead to increased stress levels, but there are ways you can reduce these feelings of stress.
One way is through exercise. Physical activity has been shown to improve mood and lower anxiety while also improving mental health. A healthy diet should also be incorporated into your lifestyle. Eating well-balanced meals will help keep you alert and energized throughout the day, which will help you stay focused on your schoolwork instead of being distracted by hunger pains or fatigue.
A study of undergraduate students at a university in the United States found that healthy eating habits lead to higher academic performance. Eating right can also improve your sleep quality at night. A good night’s rest is essential to reducing stress.
Conclusion
If you’re a college student, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges. However, there are some ways to handle stress and live a healthier life on campus. First off, always remember that there is no shame in asking for help when you need it, and there will be times when this is necessary.
Whether talking over issues with a friend or family member, taking time away from schoolwork by going out, or exercising more often than usual, these are all good options for managing stress levels without letting them get too high.
