Ways to cope with college stress during the pandemic

Navigating through college can be a stressful venture. It’s a juggling act that’s often filled with constant pressures such as school deadlines, messy roommates, and financial burdens. Throw into the mix a pandemic and it’s understandable for any college student to feel overwhelmed.

Strada Education Network recently conducted a survey and found that fear of the unknown and self-doubt has become the reason for the increase in students’ stress, anxiety, and loneliness. It has also caused an increase in depression among college students.

As college campuses and mental health experts are currently developing ways to help students overcome their new realities, there are some recommendations that college students can adopt now to help with stress management.

1)      Talk to someone

You don’t have to go through this time alone. Reach out to a close friend or family member and tell them how you’re feeling. Holding on to your worries and stresses will only make you feel more isolated. Talking it out will help ease the burden and make you feel more connected with those around you. There also may be student groups available within your school. Being among your peers, especially those who are attending the same school as you, will help you feel less alone. Contact your college counselor for more information about student groups or mental health information in general. They’ll be happy to help you through any difficult phases within your college experience.

2)      Practice self-care

Take some time out of the day to focus on yourself. Exercise. Get enough sleep. Try out a new recipe. Walk around the neighborhood. Work on a puzzle. Find something that you enjoy and helps to engage different senses of your mind and body. Whether it’s just five minutes of meditation in the morning or treating yourself to a meal from your favorite take-out spot, you are worth the time and attention.

3)      Help others

When you help others, it not only helps the recipient but it helps your mental psyche as well. The simple act of generosity helps shift your mind off of your own stressors and focuses it on solving things you can control. Volunteer at your local food bank or call up a friend you haven’t talked to in a while and see how they’re doing. Whatever your outreach method is, the person or cause you’re helping will be grateful and you will feel a lot lighter in your own burdens.

4)      Stick to a routine

It may seem monotonous to develop a routine if your days are mostly confined indoors, however it may provide a sense of control and help reduce anxiety. Wake up at the same time everyday (even on weekends) so that you’re not dragging yourself out of bed to get motivated. Write down important deadlines for each class, and before you go to bed jot a few realistic things to accomplish the following day. Try not to eat during odd hours, and get plenty of rest. Your internal clock will be impacted if you decide to have one too many Taco Tuesday runs or movie marathons. Your schedule should be disciplined enough to get your to-do list finished, but also make it a priority to do things that make you happy. When your days and nights are balanced to help you physically, mentally and socially, you’ll feel better all around.

5)      Seek professional help

If the level of stress and anxiety hinders your ability to conduct normal daily activities, therapy can help. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for it. Seeking out professional help is like checking in with your primary care physician when you have a cold. Our mental state of mind deserves care just as much as our physical needs. When you seek out professional help, you’re actually helping yourself and those closest to you. Being your best self means having the ability to show up to help those who you care about and also being able to take on any challenges with confidence. More importantly, it allows you to fully experience the good moments and enjoy life around you. Some resources are the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or the crisis line of the Mental Health America of Hawai‘i at 808-832-3100 (O‘ahu) or toll free at 1-800-753-6879 (for neighbor islands).    

The most important thing to remember during these stressful times is that you are not alone. Your feelings are valid and deserve time and attention. Take things slow, give yourself some space to feel and vent, and remember to breathe. There is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.