Whether you are a freshman or a senior in college, if you have found yourself anxious about the upcoming semester, there are many ways to get over it. In this article, we will discuss three tips for overcoming anxiety in college.
Relaxation
Managing stress and anxiety in college can be a daunting task. There are multiple pressures to consider, such as academics, extracurriculars, and work responsibilities, not to mention a myriad of stressors that could take the ol' brain to the brink. Fortunately, there are a number of stress management tools to choose from, from a simple mindfulness exercise to a more comprehensive approach, such as medication and medical support.
Aside from medication, medical support, and other nefarious activities, a number of factors can go a long way toward managing stress and anxiety. For instance, a healthy diet and exercise plan can go a long way in reducing stress. Other stressors include work deadlines, traffic jams, and caring for an elderly relative. In addition, the stress of a coronavirus or two can wreak havoc on your brain, leading to a litany of problems.
Proper eating habits
Getting a quality night's sleep and eating more fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards keeping you on the right track. The right dietary choices can help you live longer and better.
Getting a good night's sleep is not always the easiest thing to do. A good night's sleep is also the best way to boost your productivity. To ensure that you get your Z's, you might want to consider using the sleep tracker app. A sleep tracker app allows you to track your sleep patterns and get alerted when it's time to hit the sack.
Eating more fruits and vegetables is a no brainer. A good way to ensure that you eat well is to eat at home. This allows you to control what you eat and how much you eat. You will also have a better idea of how much calories you are consuming. Eating at home also helps keep you on track with your diet and exercise plans.
Laughter
Laughing can be a great way to relieve anxiety. In fact, research has shown that it is a natural antidote for depression.
When we feel stressed, our body releases stress hormones like cortisol. Stress also affects the endothelium, a cell that promotes blood flow and vasodilation. These stress hormones can increase the risk of coronary artery disease, and can also increase blood cholesterol levels. Laughing can lower those stress hormones, and also relieve pain.
Laughing releases endorphins, which promote a sense of well-being. It also increases oxygen intake, reducing the risk of coronary artery disease. Laughing can also improve your immune system, which is responsible for protecting your heart and other organs.
Laughing can also strengthen relationships. Sharing a laugh with someone you love can help make them happier and more relaxed.
Talk to someone who is not in your inner circle
Whether you're in a college that offers a prayer room, or a college that doesn't, if you're worried that your anxiety is causing you to want to commit suicide, you should seek help right away. According to the Healthy Minds Network, which conducts an annual survey on the mental health of college students, the prevalence of anxiety disorders among college students has risen dramatically.
This increase is particularly prevalent among young adults and women. According to the Center for Collegiate Mental Health, the rate of anxiety disorders among US college students doubled from 2008 to 2016. Rates of anxiety disorders among female students rose by 92%, while rates among male students jumped by 67%.
The rate of depression among college students is also high. The Healthy Minds Network reports that a quarter of college students have a mental health disorder. Combined with anxiety, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts.
Overthinking
Using tools to help your brain step back can be a great way to alleviate your anxiety. When your mind isn't being flooded with thoughts, you'll be able to think more clearly about the problem.
You can start by taking a few minutes each day to think about positives in your life. You should also remember to smile. A smile can help reduce stress. Try reading a motivational book or listening to a motivational speaker to boost your mood.
You can also find new friends on campus. This can help reduce anxiety and help you feel more sociable. Also, you should look into the campus health center. You can get advice on how to cope with your anxiety from a counselor or therapist.
You can also start by trying to recognize when you overthink. You may want to use a timer to limit how long you spend thinking. If you can't stop yourself, try talking to an outsider.