[PDF] Stress and Difficulties at School / College

What strategies can be used to help college students manage their stress?

Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, and breath awareness are proven to reduce stress. These practices help shift the nervous system from the fight-or-flight response into the relaxation response. Many colleges offer yoga and/or meditation classes.

How can college students identify and manage stress?

Experts suggest a range of specific actions and positive shifts that can help mitigate stress in college students: Notice the symptoms of heightened stress. Build and maintain social connections. Sleep, eat well and exercise. Seek out help. College students can start by learning to identify when normal stress increases to become unhealthy.

What are the most common causes of stress among college students?

According to CompareCamp.com, heavy workloads, poor sleep schedules, not enough downtime, and poor time management are factors that may lead to academic stress. Academic stress is not confined to college-age students. 55% of juniors feel stressed and anxious about tests even when they are prepared.

How do college students cope with stress?

In addition, college students can ease exam stress and other moments of acute stress by using breathing exercises. Here’s one called Square Breathing: Sit comfortably in a chair, with your feet on the floor and hands in your lap. Inhale slowly through the nose for a count of four, allowing the air to fill your belly.