Tips on managing college stress

It’s that time of the year where things start getting a bit overwhelming. There’s huge end of the year tests, projects, the holidays and the general end of the year shindigs. Here are just some helpful tips to relax and not feel so overwhelmed by college stress.

1. Just Breathe
Shallow chest breathing, by contrast, can cause your heart to beat faster and your muscles to tense up, exacerbating feelings of stress. To breathe deeply, begin by putting your hand on your abdomen just below the navel. Inhale slowly through your nose and watch your hand move out as your belly expands. Hold the breath for a few seconds, then exhale slowly. Repeat several times.

2. Laugh
It is proven to lower tension, and at the same time, improves blood flow and the health of your heart. Rent a funny movie or hang out with that wannabe-comedian pal, and forget about your worries for a while.

3. Kiss and Tell
You’re more likely to do something if you tell a bunch of people what you have to do. It’s kind of the social pressure behind it, and if you don’t do it, you seem a bit unreliable, even to yourself. Plus then you’ll get extra motivational support from people!

4. Walk It Off
No, really, go for a walk. Or any kind of exercise. Blowing off some steam with some cardio and energy gets rid of the feelings of stress. Plus you help kick start the lose of all calories you will gain during the holiday season.

5. Find the End of the Internet
Sites like tumblr, stumbleupon, and reddit definitely help me when I’m feeling college stress. You find either really funny, cute or inspirational things. These boost your spirits and give you a little more faith in humanity.

These are a few tips I personally use to relax myself and let myself know everything is going to be okay. I also play a country music while doing all of this, just to keep my spirits up. Leave some tips that you use and others can as well in the comments down below and clickety-clack these links for a good time! Tumblr Twitter

If you feel completely overwhelmed and need help managing your college stress levels, visit Counseling and Psychological Services(CAPS), which is available to Florida Tech students, faculty and staff. CAPS offers for various issues affecting Florida Tech students including:

• depression or problems with mood
• difficulties with anger or conflict management
• bereavement or unresolved issues
• anxiety, panic attacks or excessive stress
• social isolation or limited social skills
• test anxiety
• academic pressures or fear of failure
• unassertive behaviors
• perfectionism
• eating and dietary behaviors
• sleep disturbances
• gender differences
• cultural issues regarding adjustment and adaptation
• communication problems
• financial stress
• de-individuation from family
• loss due to unemployment, divorce, custody, death, changing partners, physical illness and life transitions