As many may know, college can be a stressful time. According to a survey sent out to University of Idaho students from the American College Health Association, only 1.6% of students claim to be stress-free.
For some, college consists of juggling studying, working a job, being a part of an organization or club, managing a healthy social life, finding time to sleep, and experiencing the struggles of adulthood all at once. It has not been helpful that 2020 has been a year for the books when it comes to unfortunate events.
With all the craziness going on in life, it might be difficult to find effective stress management skills to help cope with different areas of your life. It is important that you find time to de-stress as effective stress management can lead to a happier, healthier, more productive, life.
The American Heart Association recommends three tips to help manage stress. The first step in effective stress management is to change your attitude in life. We all talk to ourselves internally, so it is important that we do so in a positive way. Instead of telling yourself, “I am going to fail,”, consider rephrasing to “I will try my best.”. Changing your outlook on life and the things you tell yourself can actually contribute to your overall wellbeing.
According to the research completed by Dr. Lisa Yanek from Johns Hopkins Medicine, people with a positive temperament were “13% less likely than their negative counterparts to have a heart attack or other coronary event.” The next time you catch yourself practicing negative self-talk, try to think of a positive alternative. There is no harm in a positive outlook.
The second stress-management tip provided by the American Heart Association is to practice emergency stress-stoppers. These are quick techniques used to reduce stress in the moment. An example of this is to take 10 seconds to focus on purposeful breathing. This technique can help clear your mind before reacting to the stressor at hand.
Taking a quick walk, even if it is just to the bathroom, can also help. Some other emergency stress-stoppers include taking a minute to listen to music, exercising, quick meditation, or simply just taking a break from the activity. During a stressful moment, it is valuable to clear your mind and relax, even if it just for a minute.
The third stress-management tip presented by the American Heart Association is to try to fit stress-reducing activities into your schedule. With the many assignments and responsibilities students face, this can be a daunting task, but it is not impossible.
Examples of stress-reducing activities are exercising, creating art, reading a book, hanging out with friends, or picking up a new hobby. According to Kettering University, hobbies can boost confidence levels, improve mental health, expand social circles, and promote creativity. Many of us could use a boost in one or more of these areas, so why not try to make time for a hobby in your busy schedule?
Everyone experiences stress in their lives, but too much stress can negatively impact mental and physical health. With all of the changes and events happening this year, it is especially important to check on your stress levels. Practicing these three stress management tips can help promote a healthier and happier life.
It is important to know you are not alone in your stressful experience of college, and there is help available if needed whether that be tutoring, counseling or career services. The University of Idaho Counseling and Testing Center is currently offering remote services, and you can schedule an appointment by calling 208-885-6716. There are also multiple resources such as events, live well classes, and more on the UI Vandal Health Education websitE