Ways to Help College Students Overcome Anxiety and Stress
Introduction: What is Anxiety and How Does it Affect College Students?
Anxiety is a common mental health issue, especially among college students. It can manifest in different forms, such as physical symptoms, fear of social situations and constant worrying. Anxiety can have a significant impact on college students’ academic performance, social life and overall wellbeing.
College students often experience anxiety due to the stress of balancing their studies with other activities such as part-time jobs and extracurriculars. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm and difficulty concentrating on their studies. Additionally, the pressure to succeed academically can further exacerbate anxiety levels in college students.
The good news is that there are ways to manage anxiety effectively. Understanding the causes and effects of anxiety is an important first step in helping college students cope with it. By learning about the different techniques for managing anxiety, college students can take back control of their lives and make positive changes for their future.
1. Self-Awareness & Mindfulness Practices
Self-awareness and mindfulness are two important aspects of personal development that can help us to live a more meaningful life. By being aware of our thoughts, feelings and actions, we can better understand ourselves and make more conscious decisions. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga and journaling can help us to become more self-aware and mindful of the present moment. By incorporating these practices into our daily routine, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
2. Healthy Eating & Exercise Habits
Eating healthy and exercising regularly are two of the most important habits that you can adopt to maintain your physical and mental health. When combined, these two habits can help you reach your fitness goals, boost your energy levels, reduce stress, and even improve your overall mood.
Eating healthy involves making sure you get the right amount of nutrients from different food groups. It also involves avoiding processed foods and opting for more natural options instead. Exercise is an important part of any health plan as it helps to strengthen muscles, improve cardiovascular health, burn calories, and reduce stress levels.
By developing good eating habits and exercising regularly, you will be able to maintain a healthy weight while also improving your overall wellbeing. With a little bit of effort and dedication, you can make these two habits part of your daily routine and reap the rewards in the long run!
3. A Support System of Friends & Family
Having a strong and supportive network of family and friends is essential for emotional wellbeing. Friends and family provide us with a sense of security, comfort, validation, and understanding. They are our cheerleaders who help us to stay motivated, cope with difficult times, and give us the courage to pursue our dreams. By surrounding ourselves with positive people who have our best interests at heart, we can create a strong support system that will help us thrive in life.
4. Time Management & Organization
Time management and organization are essential for students. It is important to understand how to prioritize tasks, plan ahead, and stay organized in order succeed at college. It's also important to have good time management skills so you also have time for leisure and rest. Without sufficient time to relax our nervous systems can go into overload and bring on anxiety symptoms. Time management allows us to have a study - life balance that leaves us feeling productive and calm.
4. Reach Out To a Mental Health Professional
Mental health is a complex issue that affects everyone differently. If you are struggling with mental health issues, it is important to reach out to a mental health professional who can help you manage your symptoms and develop strategies for coping. A mental health professional can provide support, resources, and guidance to help you better understand and manage your condition. They can also provide referrals to other professionals who may be able to provide additional assistance. Reaching out for help is the first step in taking control of your mental health and improving your overall wellbeing.
Kimberly Schildbach M.Ed. MFT LMHC
I'm passionate about helping anyone with anxiety, depression, family of origin trauma (adverse childhood experiences) and relationship struggles learn to set healthy boundaries in their relationships and be okay with who they are. Offering online therapy all across Massachusetts. LGBTQ+ affirming.
Please contact me to see if I might be able to support you as you journey forward.