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The first time we leave home and start preparing for adult life, college presents intense pressure to achieve high grades and shape successful careers. Students tend to push themselves to the limit both in their academic performance and in their recreational outlets. Yes, being a student can be tough. With the transition to adult life, making new friends and busy schedules for studying college stress is commonplace for most students. 

Stress is your body’s response to uncomfortable or unfamiliar situations and can surface through a range of physical, emotional, or mental symptoms. The situations that lead to stress can be either negative or positive. Yes, even a high exam score can cause stress among college students, piling on the pressure to maintain the high average!

The important thing to remember about stress is that it should only be temporary; otherwise, it can lead to burnout, or physical and emotional exhaustion. If you find yourself stressed for long periods, first of all, take some time off and do something to distract from the pressure. Here are some other tips on how to reduce it.

One of the most important lessons you can learn during college is to ask for and accept help. Whether from a friend or a professor, being surrounded by a strong support system will help ease the transition into some of the best years of your life!

Admitting what you don’t know and studying with a friend could be the difference between a 60 % and 80 % on your next exam. Asking your professor for an extension on your next paper might give you the time you need to write that last page. Try not to put so much weight on every situation and remind yourself that college is a time for clarification and exploration and should be enjoyed!

The next vital tip is to manage your health. Eating healthy food can make a huge impact on alleviating stress and positive thinking. Make sure you avoid fast food and energy drinks as the fix will be temporary and will cause you to crash. Instead, eat lots of stress busting food. Green leafy vegetables like spinach contain folate that produce dopamine, a pleasure inducing brain chemical that will help you feel calm. Protein foods like eggs and meat help produce serotonin that regulates hunger and feelings of happiness and well-being. Omega 3 foods such as salmon have anti-inflammatory properties that help counteract the negative effects of stress hormones.

Other foods such as blueberries, seeds, dark chocolate, avocado, nuts, yoghurt and oatmeal also help counter stress.

Many daily strategies also can help you keep stress at bay. Try relaxation activities, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, breathing exercises and muscle relaxation. Programs are available online, in smartphone apps, and at many gyms and community centers.

Stay positive and practice gratitude, acknowledging the good parts of your day or life. Accept that you can’t control everything. Find ways to let go of worry about situations you cannot change. Learn to say “no” to additional responsibilities when you are too busy or stressed.

Finally, stay connected with people ‘who keep you calm, make you happy, provide emotional support and help you with practical things. A friend, family member or neighbour can become a good listener or share responsibilities so that stress doesn’t become overwhelming.

Yes, college can be a scary and overwhelming time in a person’s life, but it can also be one of the most rewarding. Stress that college students feel can often affect their academic achievements as well as their personal life. However, everything is manageable if you tackle it wisely.