7 Main Causes of Stress in College Students Today ...

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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?