Stress Management Techniques For College Students

There is no doubt about it: many college students feel the effects of stress. Here are some easy to use stress management techniques to help you with your stress and health.

For many this is the first time on their own away from home. Often the college is far from home and nearly everyone is a stranger.

On top of that, there are often financial struggles, relationship issues, academic challenges and just the day to day problems of young adulthood in general.

Not all stress is bad

If we had no stress, not much would ever get done! That adrenaline boost you feel when you need to perform in sports, or that helps you finish a paper, or meet any challenge is a positive form of stress.

Once the challenge has been met, the short-term burst of energy subsides and you return to a more balanced state. This is healthy and helps you cope with life.

Chronic stress is a killer

Chronic stress is when you are not able to return to a relaxed state once the challenge has been met. This drains your hormonal system and weakens your immune system. Now the stage is set for mental and physical health problems.

Chronic stress occurs in primarily two ways:

1. The stress is relentless. A bad relationship, a class that is just too difficult, or a schedule which is too demanding can all cause chronic stress.
2. Poor ability to manage stress. Have you ever noticed how some people just fall apart under stress while other people glide right though? Often the difference is knowing stress management techniques, even if it is not a conscious thing.

A holistic approach to stress management

A holistic approach means that you take every aspect of your life into consideration when seeking a solution. Rather than merely taking an anti-depressant to treat symptoms, effective stress management techniques will enable you to live a more balanced, healthy and productive life.

Some of the components of a holistic approach are

• Good attitude
• Healthy diet
• Adequate exercise
• Learning to relax your mind and body
• Getting enough sleep
• Having healthy relationships
• Good time management
• Alcohol and drugs
• Money management
• Tobacco
• Healthy spiritual life