College life can be overwhelming and stress is just a part of it. For many of us, dealing with college stress is not such a big issue, however, for others, their academics may be at risk just because of the stress. Here are some tips which can help you in lowering stress.
How to Deal With Stress at College
1. Improve your sleeping and eating habits
When you are in college, it is very likely that your sleeping and eating habits are far from being ideal. You can help your mind recharge, refocus, and rebalanced by getting sufficient sleep. By healthy sleeping habits, we mean a night when you go to bed early, a quick nap whenever you are feeling stressed and tired; in short, you need to stick with a regular sleep schedule. Similarly, your eating habits also need some of your attention. Just think about when was the last time you had a complete and healthy meal?
Amidst this stressful time, we often unknowingly start compromising with our diet which takes a further toll on our health. When it comes to stress, most of the people are of the opinion that it is psychological, however, the fact is that stress can even be physical and it happens when you are not fueling your body appropriately. Concentrate on a balanced and healthy diet which contains all the necessary minerals and nutrients. Make sure that your diet contains at least 3-4 servings of fruits and vegetables. Carefully pick your diet plan thatâs right for you, you can take the help of a dietitian for this.
2. Manage your time properly
Whenever it comes to spending quality time, the first thing that comes into our mind is the company of our loved ones, be it our friends, family or girlfriend/boyfriend. But what we forget is that we also need to have some ‘alone’ quality time. For students in college, personal space is something that rarely exists. During an average day you may be sharing your room, classrooms, bathroom, bookstore, dining hall, and gym, etc. Even if there is no one with you, then also you’ll be having your cell phone which is more than having a bunch of friends. Just find a few moments of peace and quiet â with no crowds, friends, roommates, or cell phones around you.
However, cutting yourself completely from your social circles can also contribute to an increased level of stress. You need to manage your time carefully. It may happen that you are being too much focused on getting things done and that is why you could be stressed. For instance, you may have been working on that Chemistry paper for 3 days straight, and in these 3 days, you may not have spoken a single word to your friends and roommates. You need to understand that even your brain needs some break. Just take a break and go to a movie with friends and youâll definitely feel better than ever.
3. Exercise regularly
It is for sure that when you don’t have time to sleep and eat properly, then how can you take out some time from your busy schedule to exercise. Fair enough, however, if you are feeling stressed, then you have to somehow manage some time for exercise. Donât get under the impression that you need to get yourself involved in some intense workout schedule, even 30 minutes of listening to your favorite song can do the trick. The bottom line is that you need to get yourself moving. Other physical activities such as cycling or swimming can also do wonders for you.
4. Have some fun
It may happen that you are stressed just because of one particular thing, for instance, a class presentation due Monday, or a final paper due Thursday. If this is the reason behind your stress, then try to divert your attention towards something which makes you feel happy. You have to figure out how can you make it little enjoyable. Just get out of the room, have some fun talk with your friends, walk with them to your favorite off-campus restaurant, get something to eat, grab the cell phone and have some chat with some of your old friends with whom you haven’t talked in a while. Just imagine how much better youâll feel.
5. Get some distance
College life can be overwhelming, you may be handling your own problems and at the same time others around may be expecting some help from you. Saying no to your friends can never be easy, but many times it happens that your helpful demeanor is the main reason behind stress in your life. Well, your supportive nature can be nice for the people around you, but at the same time, it is taking a toll on your psychological and physical health. If you are stressed and your academics are at risk, then there is nothing wrong with taking a step back and focusing on yourself for a while. Obviously, you cannot help others if you are not even in a state of helping yourself.
6. Differentiate between the virtual and real world
Addiction is the serious concern of teenagers because in the college-going students it persists for long, whether that addiction is of Facebook or drugs. So, to tackle the situation when you know you are addicted and want to come out, first of all, give time to your family, go for an outing and make it your routine, be always busy, try to live in real-world, not in the virtual one, and last but not least pay attention to what your parents say.
7. Explore the things around you and see the beauty of their working
Here comes the actual issue which not only disrupts the mind but takes away its reasoning power in its lap. College going students are its worst sufferers. Actually what they think love is crush and they get so much indulged in it that they forgot everything else, which results in the stress of an extreme level. If you are facing this kind of stress or going to face, then wake up it will only result in your downfall. If you are not able to stop all this, just step into a nearby music classes or you can learn to repair a car from a nearby mechanic shop. Well, it is far better than all the other rubbish things.
How to Deal With College Rejection
Any kind of rejection is hard to accept. Things become more difficult when the rejection comes in the form of a letter from the college that you had dreamed of attending. Nevertheless, it is not the end of the world. Here are a few tips on how to deal with college rejection.
1. Do react
Cry, if you want to cry or squeeze a stress ball if it helps you get rid of stress. React the way you want to. You can also speak to your parents or your best friend. But before you do that, make sure that you are completely rejected. There are chances that you’ve picked up the wrong words and assumed things. However, do not take rejection as a judgment against you. Never take rejections personally. In fact, accept it as a new learning experience. Be happy that you tried and gave your 100 percent. Consider rejection as an opportunity to gain something better. Analyze the rejection letter, consult a counselor, and try to figure out the reason for your rejection. Make sure that your reaction to this problem is short-lived and doesn’t hinder future prospects.
2. Be positive
Always remember that everything in life happens for a reason. Do not get depressed and stray away from your goals. Learn to face every situation with a smile. Be determined and work hard to achieve your goal. Accept the fact that being successful is not easy and you might require to put in some additional effort at times. Your rejection in a particular college might eventually turn out to be a positive event in the long run. If you are confident about yourself, you will never face a shortage in the number of opportunities coming your way. Bear in mind that failure is never permanent. Believe you are worthy of your desires and that you can achieve them. Remind yourself of the famous college rejects who went on to live amazing lives. They can play an inspirational role in your life.
3. Make a new plan
An event that has occurred cannot be averted. Use this rejection as your tool to develop a plan. Decide what exactly you want and how you want it. Having a proper understanding of what you want in life will enable you to make a perfect foundation. In fact, it would be better to formulate a new strategy and execute it to perfection. Make an appointment with an admission counselor and seek his help. You may also apply to other colleges, which were your alternate preference. You would feel very bad about attending a college that was not your top choice, but it is still an amazing achievement. However, if you are continually rejected, it might just be the right time for some self-assessment. Consult a professional in a particular field, who might show you the right path. Whatever decision you make, do it as fast as possible, without any delay.
4. Move forward
Take complete responsibility for the condition of your life. Your career and happiness are under your direct control and blaming others for your failure would make the situation more complex. Donât let rejection affect your academic or social life. Moving on in life is the best way to deal with rejection. Do a detailed analysis of future prospects and discard the negative feeling in you. Accept your rejection. Learn from your mistakes and commit yourself to a newly devised strategy. Gain motivation from people who have faced similar problems in life and have come out successfully. If possible, take their help to create a feasible strategy. Be realistic and face the situation rather than running away from it. Do not let rejection affect you.
5. Rejection is not the end
Your rejection from college is a mere delay and not the end of life. Life provides many opportunities provided you are attentive enough to grab them. Do not put too much of pressure on yourself. Stop regretting the past. It will only make you feel worse. If you are able to carefully design a plan and learn from minor mistakes, there is every chance that you can become successful in life. Do not underestimate yourself and the talent you have. Rejection is not regarded as a failure but a stepping stone to success and prosperity. You must know that rejection is just one of many obstacles that you might face in life. It can be easily countered with firm dedication and hard work.
6. Don’t get dejected
Before you conclude that you are rejected, read the rejection letter completely without rushing and then if you are indeed rejected, don’t get dejected. Use this as a weapon in molding your future plans. Find out the reason for your rejection from the college authorities and then work with a high school counselor and your parents to get things right. Try to meet them in person or if the distance is a matter, try to get them on the telephone and know the reason. There is a chance that they might reconsider your admission for all these efforts.
7. Find out if there is an alternative
If you find out the reason for your rejection to be lack of seats, find out if you can join another course. Tell them you are ready to take up any course as a freshman to join the undergraduate program.
8. Summer probationary basis
A summer probationary based educational program is not a bad idea. Request the college authorities to consider your admission on this basis. You can take a few classes in the summer, improve your grades and then there is every chance that they might consider you for fall. Who knows!
9. React however you want to
In case if nothing goes right and everything falls apart, react in whatever way you want. If you feel like crying, cry as much as you can. If you feel like talking to someone, talk to them. Hang out with friends, parents or whoever you are comfortable with. Make sure they do really care for you!
Keep in mind that this is not the end of the world. You never know, may be you will many better things to deal with in the future.
10. Act fast
Now that you have very few options left, make sure you act very fast. Don’t feel bad that you did not get a chance to go to the college of your choice. Apply for the next available options as soon as possible. I understand that it is very unpleasant to miss a chance that would have set your career on a golden path, but it is never too late to achieve your goals. Don’t be put of!
