Now that students have returned to college and university; it is important to stay healthy and manage the stress that so many students endure. Many students are working part time jobs after classes to pay for their expenses. This can cause a lot of stress, and the reality is, worry will not make it better. Here are some tips to help you mentally and physically manage your anxieties and live more stress free.
Sleep
Sleep is important to help eliminate stress. This is important so you can not only stay awake during your classes, but it helps with your memory! Your brain transfers information over to long term memory while you sleep. Staying up all night to cram for a test is a bad idea. As you well know, 7 – 8 hours is an ideal amount of rest.
Limit the technology
Turn off technology equipment 30 to 60 minutes before planning to go to bed. I know; this is a tough one! During your studies when you are doing your homework or projects it is also beneficial to turn off your cell phone to eliminate the constant distraction. It is better to take a break and check your phone for 5 – 10 minutes every hour as a reward for good studying than letting it be an interrupter of your focus. Refocusing is a time waster. I tried to teach this to my daughter all through high school.
Limit sugary foods
Try to minimize or ditch sugar foods. They are an energy booster but followed by a crash. Protein is much better because it lasts longer. Almonds are a great high protein snack you can bring to the library with you while you study. Try starting your day with eggs or have chicken or lean beef for lunch.
Some foods are particularly good for stress relief
Some important foods to include in your diet for stress relief and to help enhance cognitive function are green leafy salads, vegetables such as kale, spinach and broccoli.
Blueberries and strawberries are the two top brain berries. Studies show that they may help prevent memory loss, which is helpful for your academics!
Salmon, herring and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Not getting enough in your diet has been linked to mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
Mixed nuts, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate are excellent snacks. Nuts are high in protein, while pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate are rich in antioxidants.
Coffee is a brain booster as long as you don’t drink the whole pot. Drinking more than 1-2 cups will give you the jitters and increase your heart rate. Then you will start to feel anxious and actually lose focus.
Citrus fruits are loaded with Vitamin C and potassium. They will help you fight off colds and other viruses, which really, really, make it hard to get out of bed for class.
Keep hydrated
If you weigh 100 pounds you should drink 5 – 6 eight ounce glasses of water per day. The water in a healthy smoothie and sugarless juice can be included in your daily count.
Eat breakfast
You can manage your stress and worries better if you start your day with a healthy breakfast. Grab a bagel or whole wheat toast, piece of fruit and some juice if you are in a hurry.
Pack snacks
You may be out of your dorm from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm. You’ll need some snacks to keep you going, so pack some in your bag! Pack some dried fruit, plain popcorn, whole wheat crackers and cheese for some quick go to snacks between your classes. People in their teens and early twenties need to be building up stores of calcium in their bodies; so drink milk, eat ample amounts of yogurt, cheese and green leafy vegetables in your daily routine.
Coffee is a brain booster, as long as, you don’t drink the whole pot. Drinking more than 1-2 cups will give you the jitters and increase your heart rate. Then you will start to feel anxious and actually lose focus.
Surround yourself with laughter
You can eliminate negative energy from your circle by surrounding yourself with laughter. It might not be easy to eliminate negativity since you don’t have complete control over your surroundings in college, but it helps to look for people who are smiling and laughing more than they are complaining.
Meditation
Meditation for just ten minutes helps calm the mind. Wake up and take a few minutes to tell the universe three things you are grateful for today. It starts your day in a place of happiness and love.
Keep a desk or wall planner
If you need to work part time in addition to classes, or if you are heavily involved on campus, managing your day by writing it down in an agenda or in your phone will help to keep you on track. Take a half hour on Sundays to schedule your whole week ahead of time. Then you’ll easily be able to tell when you’re getting your assignments done, or how to squeeze in some type of exercise.
Make your money online
Many students are now discovering ways of making money without leaving the dorm. This is where the world of on line or internet marketing can come into play for the right candidate!
Avoid synthetic smart drugs
During those stressful study periods before exams; avoid consuming synthetic smart drugs. If you need a memory booster then try an all natural dietary supplement with no harmful side effects.
Reach out
Every college and university have reach out services for you if you need to talk to someone about your anxieties. Sometimes just talking about your concerns helps to eliminate them!
Don’t worry about what you can’t change
Try not to worry about the student debt that you are accumulating. When you are finished your studies you will find a way to pay back your loans. Remember knowledge is power and it gives you many choices in life. What you are learning now will give you the skills to fix those things later, so don’t spend so much time worrying that you miss out on those lessons.
By following my tips above, we can eliminate stress in college students! Concentrating on positive and healthy solutions can go a long way in self-management. College and university can be a wonderful and creative experience for you. Focus, live a healthy lifestyle and love life during these important years while finding out who you are.
Carpe Diem
