College ain’t easy. A student is loaded up with assignments, homework, projects, extra-curricular activities, sports, and organizational tasks. It’s hard to keep everything balanced on the boat, in this ever-changing world. Stress may arise easily under these circumstances. Stress leads to a substantial decrement in the performance and hence the declination of grades.
- Attend all classes
Attend classes regularly. I know it’s kind of hard to wake up and do it on a daily basis. But when you look at the bigger picture, it’s going to make you feel content about yourself. When you don’t miss any of your classes, you understand that nothing is slipping and the most important tasks are being completed by you consistently. In the end, you can pat yourself on the back with that great attendance percentage and extra marks.
- Complete tasks on time
Mostly, stress homes the mind when tasks are not being done as per the schedule, so timeline matters a lot. Complete all your tasks on time. Don’t entertain excuses for yourself. Follow the 5-second-rule and wake up as Mohammad Ali did and never gave up. College is easy, being consistent is hard.
- Every once in a while, go offline
Hundreds of research studies have confirmed that technology induces stress among people. The ‘Instagram Generation’ is crippling the peace of mind. There comes this feeling of comparison when you see the vibrant life of people on social media. That comparison is the killer of happiness. So it’s important to take a break from technology when you’re stressed. Visit green places, call your friends, plan a trip and have some good time.
- Exercise everyday
Get the blood rolling down to every organ of the body, at least once a day. The brain needs blood flow all the time, it’s important to feed it with fresh and flowing blood. So beat your nerves each day. Not important to hit the gym, basic exercises can help the process. Normally, any exercise which is good for the heart is automatically good for the brain. And yes, drink lots of water.
- Take a deep breath, count to 10
This technique is quick and efficient. All you have to do is take deep breaths and count slowly to 10. You can adjust the pace as you want it to be.
- Take a shower
When feeling low, take your soft dry towel, shower gel and hit the shower. The heater up there inside the skull needs some real contact with the coolant. Keep the water mildly cold. I personally like to stand under the shower and take 4-5 deep breaths. Breath carefully, you don’t want the water to go in via nostrils.
- Slow down the present task
Stress can give you headshots anytime, even when you’re in the middle of something. When that happens, don’t freak out. Just slow down what you’re doing presently. As slow as you can, and let the brain realize your surroundings and minimize the information coming in.
- Listen to relaxing melodies
Take your EarPods out, push them in and play your ‘high-on-life’ playlist. Upbeat music helps, make sure you’ve got such songs. I love to listen to EMINEM. Specifically the song ‘Lose Yourself’. Michael Phelps admits that he used to listen to this song before his Olympic races. Trust me this will pump you up, like lightning!
- Ask: What’s the worst that could happen?
Yes, think about what could be more wrong than the present cause of stress. When you think from this perspective, you realize that it’s not that bad. You will empower yourself from within, and the stress will be reduced for sure.
- Manage time effectively
Time management is a must, create a routine, make your bed in the morning, stand up and do what’s the call of the hour. Stop procrastinating things, make the most of your time. Fill yourself with motivation. Read newspapers, the experience of knowing things makes one feel content.
- Never hesitate to ask for help
Yes, understand the difference between stress and regular stress which leads to depression. Always share your state of mind, when there is a ‘system crash’. Share them with your friends, family, and teachers. Don’t let the things accumulate. Keep the stack clear. Depression is a real disease, not a condition. You can always consult the psychiatrist here in LPU, fix an appointment from UMS and tell your issue completely. I’m sure you’ll be alright at the end of the week.
“Life may be hard on you mate, don’t worry you’re a diamond, the hardest thing on the planet!”
