College can come with a lot of stress and emotions that we are unfamiliar with. It comes with rigorous pressure to achieve while beginning to experience the world as an adult and a functional member of society. Needless to say, it can be difficult to handle all the different stressors that come at us daily. Here are five strategies I have learned over the years for how to deal with this phase of life:
- Take a deep breath. It will all be okay. When life gets stressful, it is vital to allow yourself space to breathe. Remember that you’ve made it this far, and no matter what happens, you will survive.
- Don’t judge yourself based on your perception of others. Sometimes it may seem like everybody else is thriving, but in reality, nobody has it all figured out. We are all going through something, and your perception of other’s success is just that: a perception. Your success is not quantified by those around you.
- Take time for yourself. Self-care is crucial to a balanced life, and it looks different for every person. You can work out, watch your favorite show, journal or even just take some time to reflect. There are no instructions for real self-care; it just requires taking time for yourself, appreciating how far you’ve come and recognizing how well you’re doing.
- Connect with others. We all get overwhelmed sometimes. It can be difficult to get out of a funk alone. If you open up to others about your struggles, it can relieve a lot of stress and help you see things in a new light. Be vulnerable with some close friends. Real friends will always be understanding and want to help you grow. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your friends, therapy is another great alternative for talking through your problems.
- Stay positive. As cliché as it seems, trying to remain positive in tough times can have a huge impact on your perception of struggle. That doesn’t mean ignoring problems or pretending everything is okay. Just know that everything has a positive side, and you will always find it eventually. Take whatever situation you’re in and flip it on its head. Use that negativity to push you, turning it into a force for good.
This list isn’t perfect, but a start — and a reminder to enjoy your life, because you only get one.