For many, the college years often supply some of a student's most memorable times in life. While the independence and new horizons can be exciting, college can also be anxiety provoking for students. In fact, research has shown that up to 60 percent of U.S. college students are struggling with symptoms of anxiety. High course loads, being away from home, sleep deprivation, social pressure, and figuring out your major and career can all be anxiety triggers. On top of this, there is the very real concern about student debt, getting used to living on your own, and building friendships and connections in your new environment.
Throw in a pandemic that is affecting all of us, and college life can be more confusing than ever. As a time of major change, lots of students experience anxiety in college. With the serious amount of stressors students face, here are some ways you can manage your anxiety:
Get Enough Sleep
It’s no secret that sleep is integral for optimal cognitive, behavioral, mental, and emotional functioning. Since college students usually spend all day in classes and study into the late hours of the night, it can be hard to get enough sleep, especially with social activities and extracurriculars. Getting enough sleep is important to avoid burnout, which can lead to stress, which can lead to anxiety. Your brain can’t function properly without enough sleep, which can leave your mental health to suffer.
Eat a Nutrient Rich Diet
Always on the go, the last thing college students often think about is food. When you’re cramming for finals, it can be hard to think about making something nutritious. Eating enough protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates are important for not only your body, but your brain! Make sure to drink enough water to stay hydrated, too.
Take Deep Breaths
Fight or flight is your body’s natural response to anxiety. When this kicks in, it’s important to take deep breaths. Focusing on deep breathing can alleviate anxiety by helping the body along with its natural relaxation response. The best part of deep breathing is that it can be done anytime, anywhere!
Practice Self-Care
When balancing what seems like an infinite amount of duties in college, it can be hard to practice self-care. Simply doing things like taking a bubble bath, reading, watching your favorite show, or meditating can allow your body and brain to wind down and enjoy the moment. Practicing self-care and taking a moment to wind down can help you avoid burnout and high stress levels.
Talk to a Friend, Family Member, or Loved One
If you’re feeling the weight of college taking a toll, remember you’re not alone. Talking to a friend, family member, or loved one can help provide good insight and quality advice. Chances are if you’re experiencing it, someone else you know has to.
Get Organized
Organization can prevent procrastination. Setting aside time and prioritizing organization can help you workload and social commitments become more manageable. This can be as simple as making a to-do list or time blocking. Getting organized helps you to succeed and avoid bouts of anxiety.
Go to Therapy
At Therapy Cincinnati, we believe in the power of therapy to get your life back on track. An anxiety therapist can work with you to healthily process, deal with, and tackle the emotional exhaustion and mental burnout that lead to anxiety. We know anxiety is a powerful feeling, but we believe that you’re more powerful than it. You deserve help, reassurance, and confidence, and anxiety therapy in Cincinnati can do exactly that. Reach out today, and we would be happy to help you get back on track to creating the life you deserve.