An unchanging fact is that life is stressful. As college students we have lots on our plate between classes, homework, work, spending time with friends, family, and church responsibilities just to name a few. Balancing these things can cause stress and frustration, but there are a few simple things you can do to relieve that stress.
1) Go for a walk
Getting out of your apartment and exercising regularly can help lower-level stress hormones. It can also improve feelings of confidence and improves the quality of sleep.
2) Connect with Nature
Spending time outside, and immersing ourselves in the beauty of the world around us helps us be grateful. The fresh air can help change our perspective to look outside of ourselves.
3) Journal
Journaling is a good tool to improve mental health, to get our overwhelming thoughts and feelings down on paper.
4) Listen to Music
Listening to calming music can help reduce an elevated heart rate from anxiety or stress. Listening to music that we relate to can also help us work through our feelings.
5) Laugh
Find humor in the craziness that is life. Laughter triggers endorphins, so find what makes you laugh. Whether that is calling a friend, or watching funny animal videos online, you can find various different resources.
6) Spend time with friends and family
Connecting with friends and family helps us feel less alone and supported in our struggles. Reach out to them whether it be just a quick call or facetime.
7) Meditate
Meditation helps promote mindfulness which eases mental stress. A free resource we have as BYU students is the Sanvello app. This app provides on-demand support for mental health with clinically validated techniques. It has many guided meditations, peer support groups, and goal-making tools that are so helpful. Check out how to get it here!
8) Make time for you
Sometimes we feel guilty to take some time to relax and focus on ourselves, especially when we have lots of items on our to-do list. It is important to check-in and do something you enjoy. Whether that be watching a movie, doing a spa night, or working on a hobby, the possibilities are endless.
9) Plan what you need to do
Something that helps me relieve stress is making a list of what I need to do. This relieves my stress as it reminds me that I do not have to remember everything. Because it is on a physical list that I can check off items and work on making it smaller. Also making a schedule and following it can really help--for example setting certain times aside for studying.
10) Make a list of things you can change and a list of things you can't change
"God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference."
(The Serenity Prayer)
Analyzing what we can and cannot change through action help us to put worries to rest that may cause stress about things that are out of our own control.
As I said before, life is stressful. You are not alone. You are loved. You belong here. Stress and mental health need to be taken seriously. Do not hesitate to reach out for help. Check out BYU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) website where you can get resources or schedule to meet with a therapist to talk through additional ways to cope with stress.