5 Stress Management Tips for College Students

     If we are all being honest college is the act of balancing a million things at once. With exams, projects, papers, internships, job searches, research and a social life, the stress eventually begins to eat away at you. How do you manage all of this and maintain your sanity?

Here are 5 simple tips to manage your stress – and keep you from pulling your hair out.

1.  Eat Healthy Snacks
One of the first sacrifices made by someone stressed is their diet. When there is no time, or no sleep, a bag of chips starts to look pretty appetizing. However, ask yourself, “do I ever feel physically good after eating a whole bag of greasy chips?”  Probably not.  Do yourself a favor: skip the chips and reach for some fruit or a salad. Physically, you will feel better – and will begin to feel balanced mentally as well.

2.  Take a Nap
Sleep doesn't seem to exist for many college students.  How can you expect to get a decent amount of sleep during the week when homework, evening exams, internships, maybe a job and club meetings all keep you up late?  The reality is, however, sleep is a great stress reliever.  Studies have shown that even when you take a 20 minute power nap, your brain can work through problems and reorganize.  Think of naps as a reset button for your brain!

3.  Take a Walk
Exercise, even in the form of a short walk, can relieve the stress you’re feeling.  Even if you feel like you don’t have time to do so take a break from work and take a five-minute walk outside. Your brain will thank you for the mental break; your body will thank you for the physical activity.

4.  Plan It Out
If you take the mental chaos of what you have to do and write it down, your head is clear and you can focus on one task at a time. Plus, it feels REALLY good to cross something off your list when you’ve finished. Old-school or not, to reduce stress start a to-do list!

5.  Change Your Scenery
A change of scenery can help – and get you motivated to get your work done. Take your work to a coffee shop, outside somewhere on campus, or to the library. You’ll focus better outside of your normal workplace, get out of the rut you’re in – and greatly reduce your stress.

Remember… breathe deep, stay organized and keep a positive attitude.  It won’t be this crazy forever… you can do it!

What is your favorite stress management technique?