6 Tips to Help You Not Totally Lose it in College:
To stress or not to stress… that is the question many college students face on a daily basis. Whether it’s concerning a huge paper due in three days or finding a roommate that won’t murder you in your sleep (but will wash their own dishes), one of the most important things to keep in mind is to not let stress get the best of you. But like most things, that is much easier said than done. So, how can you cope with such an ambiguous, abstract feeling while in a college environment? There are plenty of “How to Relieve Stress NOW” articles swimming around the internet but a majority of them are a bit vague or do not pertain to college students very much. So here’s one for the kids attending/planning to attend Middle Tennessee State University, the following are six tips and resources for how you, a college student can manage and thrive under these perpetual circumstances:
Tip One: Get movin’ !
One thing that can be found in pretty much any stress management article out there is an emphasis on exercise. Exercise releases endorphins, which make you feel like a million bucks and has been proven to reduce stress levels. The campus rec center is the perfect place to start. From group fitness classes such as yoga and cycling to intramural sports like soccer and volleyball, the rec center has got it all! And if group work-outs aren’t your thing, there is a full gym facility equipped with weights, ellipticals, and much more, as well as an Olympic sized pool. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better than that, all these services are included in your tuition already so there is no reason not to take advantage of them. The resources offered at the campus rec center are great ways to not only get active and get connected with students with similar interests as you but they are a perfect outlet for relieving stress.
Tip Two: Strive to understand.
Picture this, you sleep in too late on a Monday and miss your 8 a.m. (don’t worry, we’ve all been there) and now you’re completely lost in that class AND you’ve got a test coming up in two days! No need to fret, there is hope for your stress levels yet! Another great resource that MTSU offers is free tutoring services in over 180 courses. These people are happy to help and they know what they’re doing so don’t hesitate to ask for some help if you’re struggling in a subject or two. The tutoring center is conveniently located in Walker Library and open Monday thru Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Getting help in the classes you can’t quite get the hang of can lift a significant weight from your shoulders and reduce your stress levels greatly!
Tip Three: Treat yo’ self.
Okay so, maybe we don’t all have the time or money to wind down at some boujee spa but there are many alternatives you can try at home (and in your dorm room) to blow off some steam, and nothing says “stress relief” like a bonafide self-care day. Every now and again you have to remember that it’s okay to treat yourself and take a little break. So break out that face mask, brew a nice cup of tea, and put on some soothing tunes. It’s very important to make time for the things that help you relax and not to feel bad about taking a mental health day here and there… just maybe try not to do it during finals week.
Tip Four: Get connected.
Developing a solid support system is key to managing stress. In college, forging those friendships is essential. Lucky for you, getting connected is pretty easy on a campus like MTSU. There’s always something going on, and one of the best ways to get in on the action is to go to Connection Points. These events take place over the course of August through October every school year and are a phenomenal way to meet new people, get involved, and have a blast! With events like “Dinner and a Carnival”, “Crash the Commons”, and “Hispanic Cultural Night”, MTSU Connection Points have something for everyone!
Tip Five: Learn to say “no.”
While it is very important to stay connected with your friends and allow yourself to have some fun and relax every now and then, it is just as important to know when you’ve gotta say “no” if you are feeling overwhelmed or spread a little too thin. Know your limitations and stick to them, try not to take on more than your can handle, academically as well as socially. This can be difficult, especially in college because it may seem as though there’s always something going on and you don’t want to miss a beat, but you have to keep in mind that there will always be more football games and late night Taco Bell runs. Sometimes saying “no” is necessary for your mental health just as it is for your academic success.
Tip Six: Get some help.
If the stress becomes more than you can manage on your own, MTSU provides personal counseling services available to all students for a variety of things such as balancing your life and managing stress. Everything you talk about with these qualified professionals is confidential so you can get the help that you need. Sometimes one of the strongest things a person can do is admit they need some help, don’t wait. For more information on these services, visit Keathley University Center, room 326.
