There are many different causes of stress in college students today. It seems like students today are do not get a break! Many of them are forced to attend class and work as well. Here are some other reasons why stress is caused in college students.
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1. Not Being Organized
One of the most common causes of stress in college students is not being able to organize their work and priorities. Many new college students find it hard to be organized. Since being on their own without teachers and parents keeping you on your toes, new college students sometimes can't seem to get it together. I know this first hand! File folders are my best friends. I have a folder for everything. One for each class, important school documents (like financial aid, tuition bills, and registrar paperwork), important personal docs (like birth certificate, social security card, passport) and whatever else you may need to keep organized. Try it... I promise it will help!
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Other common causes of stress for college students include financial worries, relationship issues, balancing work and study, and feeling overwhelmed by the workload. College students also experience stress due to the pressure to perform well academically and make friends. Additionally, the transition from high school to college can be challenging, as college students need to adjust to a new environment and lifestyle. College students also face the challenge of managing their time and energy, as they juggle classes, study, work, and social activities. All of these factors can lead to stress and anxiety for college students.
2. Poor Eating Habits
We've all heard of the "freshman 15." This is no myth! College students are either too busy with their friends or studying for exams, and many of them do not have the time or the means to eat a well-balanced meal. College freshmens' diets consist of take-out, ramen noodles and candy bars. Many are not aware that sticking to a healthy diet can really aid in their stress levels. Foods like avocados, yogurt, salmon, asparagus and oatmeal are good mood foods that help reduce stress.
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Poor eating habits are a major cause of stress in college students. In addition to the notorious “freshman 15”, many college students are too busy to eat a well-balanced meal, opting instead for take-out, ramen noodles and candy bars. Eating unhealthy food can lead to feelings of guilt, fatigue and irritability, all of which can contribute to stress levels. On the other hand, eating “mood foods” like avocados, yogurt, salmon, asparagus and oatmeal can help reduce stress by providing essential nutrients and vitamins. Eating a healthy diet with a variety of nutrient-rich foods is one of the best ways to manage stress in college.
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3. Competition
Whether your trying to get into the best nursing programs, graduate or law school or other specialized programs, the competition can really get you in over your head. Try not to allow this to take over your mental process. Trying making studying and getting good grade fun. study with a friend or get a tutor, but don't forget to be a young adult as well. its important to stay connected to
who you are socially and give your brain a break.
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Competition can be a major source of stress for college students. With the increasing number of applicants for college programs, the competition can be overwhelming. To cope with the pressure, it is important to make studying and getting good grades enjoyable. Studying with friends or getting a tutor can help break up the monotony and provide an opportunity for social interaction. Additionally, it is important to take breaks and make time for leisure activities, such as sports, hobbies, or spending time with friends. Doing this can help reduce the stress of competition and provide an opportunity for self-care.
4. Work Load
Once again many college students don't realize that this is not high school. You're on your own now and the work load is going to be much greater. It's important to do your work little by little and don't plan on doing it all on the same day. Trust me, you will not get everything thing done as well as you could have! This was a huge problem for me when I was a new student. I didn't expect to be so overwhelmed with work. Don't let it get you down; learn from it instead.
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In addition to the work load, college students also face other sources of stress. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, the top stressors for college students include financial concerns, time management, and academic performance. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even physical symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches. It's important for students to prioritize self-care and seek support from friends, family, or counseling services on campus. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can also be helpful in managing stress. It's crucial for students to be aware of these potential stressors and develop healthy coping mechanisms to maintain their mental and emotional well-being.
5. Social Stress and Relationships
I know, I know, it's easier said than done, but balance is so important to prevent stress. You need to know that school comes first and social situations second. I can't tell you how many times I told myself "I'm just going to go out and will be able to wake up to go to class in the morning," and just couldn't. Now I'm not saying don't make time for friends and boys, but make sure that they respect you and your educational endeavors. Go to the party, but have a little self control and get home early! Don't take that last drink! Trust me it isn't worth it. You'll have plenty of time to party after you graduate!
6. Financial
College is expensive. Between books, tuition, fees, boarding or commuting expenses, the typical low paying jobs that students have just aren't enough. Even if you get help from your parents or some kind of financial aid, financial stressors along with other obligations can be tough to handle. I suggest that if you are having trouble paying for college maybe you should consider looking into a work-study program at your college.
7. Time Management
Ahh, time management! This is a big one! I know you want to do everything but its very hard to do that when you don't have any time! You don't want to miss out on all the fun but you have to work and go to school! Make a schedule! I find that a planner or calendar have helped me so much. It's almost impossible to remember all my appointments or assignments' due dates off the top of my head! By the time remembered (if I remembered), it was too late. You can lose a lot of sleep like that!
Today's college student face issues and stressors that threaten their academics and mental health. Can you think of any other common causes of stress in college student? How can we prevent these stressors?
Comments
Tia: Totally agree!
Mary: Very true!
Heidi: Nice!
_greenie_: agree!
Kim: It's difficult for me to study when it's the only thing I have to do. It stresses me out when no one has anytime to do things when I have too much time. Feeling like I don't have friends available is also stressful.
Julia: Love this
Paula: Haha I'm reading this in my study break :) It's really difficult to balance study with friends... so I make sure my friends now about this. It's not that I don't wanna hang out with them, I really want, but I don't wanna have bad grades! I have ADHD so it takes me a lot of time to concentrate and really study! And my friends respect that :) And you can always celebrate your good results with them!
Olivia: Lots of good tips. But for someone who graduated college this article has too many grammatical errors
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