It’s no secret that college can lead to some major cases of stress. Between academics, extra-curricular activities, friends and family, college life can feel like one giant juggling act. Whether you’re an underclassman looking to make your mark or an upperclassman planning your next move, you’re bound to feel the heat at some time or another.
While midterms are finally over, classes are kicked into high-gear, and the last half of the semester’s race can be even more difficult than the first. With Thanksgiving break approaching, keep in mind that even though the college experience isn’t always the easiest, these breaks are a time to regroup, refocus and enjoy a little vacation from Stress City. Here are some tips from fellow students to help you refresh over the upcoming holiday breaks.
Realize that stress isn’t always a bad thing
Julian Pino, senior psychology major, said, “Stress hurts, but stress can also help.”
As awful as it sounds, sometimes it can be hard to find motivation to do school work. Some stress can benefit students by giving them that extra push to accomplish a task.
Know when to take a step back
Sometimes, sitting in front of a textbook or computer screen can really drain a student’s will to move forward. One effective strategy to dealing with this can be to take a small break.
Pino said that during times when he’s feeling stressed out, he’ll pause whatever he’s doing, read some articles online and decompress.
Everyone needs a little bit of “me” time, even if that time only lasts ten minutes.
Shawn Stricker, junior sport and recreation management major, said, “Obviously, if it’s something due the next day, then you have to power through, but once you get it done, take a step back.”
Do what you love
What should you do during that “me” time? Whatever makes you happy. Anything from laughing your lungs out when talking to your friend on the phone to treating yourself to a trip to Starbucks can suffice as the balance students need.
Kelly Raza, sophomore pre-nursing major, suggested getting involved in the arts when you need a break from science.
Raza said, “I usually dance. I’ll freestyle a lot.”
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Sometimes, the emotions that we feel can be so consuming that we forget about all the other people who’ve once been in our shoes. If you feel like stress may be getting the better of you, remember that there are always sources for help. Besides moral support from friends and family, NSU offers several resources to help students manage stress.
The Office of Undergraduate Student Success offers workshops on array of subjects from test preparation to stress management.
Raza attended a stress management workshop, where she learned different ways to cope with stress. She said that instead of using the word “stress,” we should say that a situation is “overwhelming.” This idea helps us look at a situation as something we can conquer, even if it is overwhelming.
“And, with that, I just go, ‘This is overwhelming, but not stressful,’ and I walk away.”
It’s also important to remember that all part- and full-time students are given 10 free counseling sessions from the Henderson Student Counseling Center.
It’s important for students to learn how to cope with the overwhelming feeling that comes along with college. Somewhere along the line, any student may need a little extra help. There is no shame in seeking it.
Spoiler alert: It’s going to be alright
Author John Green once said, “Every year, many, many stupid people graduate from college. And if they can do it, so can you.” Nobody came to NSU because they weren’t capable of handling whatever gets thrown their way. So go ahead ― crack open the textbooks, chug the energy drinks, and tackle any obstacle in your way. No matter how high your stress levels are or will become, you’ll make it through.
