It’s not that serious, besties. Remember to calm down, breathe, and give yourself space from school.
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College can be some of the best times of your life. New opportunities and experiences abound in what can be considered a trial run for being in the “real world”. However, the combination of academics, student life, and other personal responsibilities can also make college a real burden that feels all-consuming. Such is school and it’s a feeling many students, including us, have been through.
The struggle is real to just make it through the week without having a breakdown. But there are also ways to get through those down days because college isn’t meant to be just an anxiety-inducing four or so years of your life. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired, or unmotivated, here are some ways to destress and relax.
SET BOUNDARIES
Yes, for many of us, school is a whole week thing (and even on Saturdays). But we all deserve breaks. If you find school overwhelming, you may want to set boundaries between academics and your personal life. Allowing school to take every minute of your day doesn’t do you any good, so set clear boundaries and put those readings away when it’s finally me-time.
USE SCHOOL RESOURCES
Stress comes in many forms, but even when you’re on campus, there are ways to alleviate stress. From talking to a counselor, pausing in designated rest zones, to even staying at your favorite spot in the school library and playing board games with friends, school can help you deal with stress from, well, school. You’d be surprised at the resources schools offer to students dealing with their mental health. All you have to do is ask.
HAVE YOUR SAFE SPACES
When your world, aka academics, feels like it’s crashing on you, emotional support can serve as an ally when you need an ear to listen and a shoulder to vent on. These safe spaces come in many forms, from friends, family, classmates, and even teachers. What matters here is that you have a support network that cares for you, because keeping all that pent-up emotion inside isn’t healthy. Sure, interpersonal relationships can also be the cause for drama, but as long as you surround yourself with relationships based on genuine intentions, you’re on the right path.
REST (AND WE MEAN IT!)
It seems simple on paper, but a lot of students fail to take this to heart. Your life should not be 100% school, homework, and papers. This doesn’t mean you should neglect your academics, but also remember to put the phone down and get some rest, whether that be eight hours of sleep or scheduling quick breaks in between study sessions.
It is not a flex to work late nights every day and run on iced coffee for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sleep and success are not mutually exclusive, you don’t have to pick one over the other. Take care of yourself because a recharged and refreshed mind makes for greater motivation in school. There’s no crime in giving yourself space to breathe, bestie.
DO HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL
Extra-curricular activities aren’t just things offered after class, they also can be a great avenue to redirect your energies. We all deserve a little distraction from school every now and then, which is why finding an outlet could do you favors. From taking up a sport, painting, or even keeping a journal, find that creative outlet where you’re free to put your mind to something other than school. And regardless of what you decide to do, do it because you like it and are doing it for fun, not because you’re pressured to take it up.
DON’T MAKE SCHOOL A PERSONALITY TRAIT
A little hot take, but basing your life on how you do at school is not the vibe. While it is one thing to want to do well in school, it is another to base your worth on your test scores and academic achievements. We all want to do a good job at school, but that conviction can sometimes lead to putting too much of yourself into what you do.
The problem with that is that when something isn’t received well or there’s criticism, we take it personally, which then affects our mental health. Who you are as a person is not determined by whether or not you have academic honors or are at the top of your class. As BINI says, “Huwag mag-alala, buhay ay ‘di karera.” So, don’t beat yourself up just because something didn’t go your way. There’s so much more to school life than obsessing over grades.
KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES
College can pull you in several directions, and if you’re not careful, it can be overwhelming to the point where you’re overextending. So, why not manage the student stress in your life by finding ways to cut that stress? Time management and organization aren’t just things you read in self-help books, they’re actual tools that can help you prioritize your time and energy on what’s important. From acads to org life, learn to prioritize and divide your time and attention on what deserves it so you aren’t constantly tired and overburdened. While it might be challenging at first, prioritizing yourself and your mental well-being is always worth it.
Continue Reading: How I Use The 5 Love Languages To Keep Myself Sane In College
