Tips On Dealing With The Stress Of College

[Lady of Longbourn]

College started a month ago and I love it. Really love it and my grades are perfect so far which makes me feel really great. I go to school twice a week and those days are long ones. By the time I get ready, go to school, actual classes and come home, it's about a 6 hour day. Before college started these kinds of days were rare.

I am hoping that I will get used to it after awhile. But I do need some tips on learning how to handle it. I do have one break into between my classes. I worry about it causing to much stress or contributing to depression.

I have noticed that during the week I will isolate more. I normally get my nails done but I haven't this month becasue I don't feel like going out around people and getting them done. Grocery shopping is stressing me out more. College is taxing my social patience.

Does anyone have any tips? I want to keep my well being healthy, with no depression and a good quality of life.

 

[kahlan]

One: good for you!!!!

Two: maybe have some calming music you can listen to during your break...and if you don't want to socialize have a good book with you. That's what I do anyway.

 

[arfie]

Carry high energy snacks to keep your blood sugar balanced during the long days. Keep your fluid intake up. Sodas don't count. Address the small issues while they are still small. Don't let them accumulate.

Be proud of yourself. It is good stuff you are doing.

 

[therisa]

Ayesha, I can relate to this, as I am finding my art therapy sessions are draining me, especially having to take transit home. Have you thought of spending this free moment, doing some type of meditation, to ground yourself, before the next class? Or giving yourself, the permission to do something funny but stupid, to get your mind off of things, like playing a game on your cellphone? Just a couple of thoughts, for you.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

My school days are similar to yours, two days a week and about six hours long. I find that when I have a long day out like that, it often helps me to make the next day simply a stay at home day with nothing planned. I'm also working ahead as much as I can because that gives me breathing room if I should have a downturn.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

working ahead as much as I can because that gives me breathing room if I should have a downturn.

Yes, I am doing this too. It helps a lot.

Have you thought of spending this free moment, doing some type of meditation, to ground yourself, before the next class?

I will actually spend my breaks in my car. I will get something to eat and watch Neflix on my iPad. It helps but I am still out of the house so my anxiety doesn't leave, it lessens but doesn't leave.

have a good book with you

I normally take my kindle with me or reread my next class work. I take a lot of gadgets with me. :D

 

[kahlan]

I have a reader, for some reason though I really enjoy the tactile sensation of the paper when I turn a page lol. I'm sure once you get into the routine of it all it will become easier for you! Until then keep up the good work :)

 

[Deleted member 19804]

Congrats on your amazing progress! Be proud :)

I definitely know how you feel with the social interaction tax. It's something I'm struggling with, too.

A few tips that seem to work well for me:
- when you feel like isolating yourself for a longer period of time, go outside and just take a walk. Perhaps listen to some music or the radio on the way. It keeps me from getting stuck in the self-isolation.

- work out after a long day if possible. I find it helps me put my mind at ease and "burn up" my stress by using it as fuel for my body.

- when studying: write your own summary. For me, writing things down makes me process the information very thouroughly, so that I don't need to study very hard at once. This way I can spread the studying and still have some energy left.

- cut out any lists and difficult topics from your summary or write them down on post-its and hang them throughout your whole house. I know it sounds silly, but your subconscious processes a lot without you even noticing. For example, I can learn all of Freud's stages of development while doing the dishes :)

Of course, everyone has different things that work for them. I hope my tips will help you out a little.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

work out after a long day if possible.

This one I really need to start doing. I have a gym membership and a trainer who makes me set lists and everything. Before school started that was my plan- to go to the gym after school. I actually enjoy the gym, it doesn't stress me out like I thought it might and I don't see it as a chore either.

write your own summary

This is a good idea.

write them down on post-its and hang them throughout your whole house

Another good idea. I love post-it notes.