Stress and pressure, whether societal, financial or some other, have become regular parts of our lives in the modern day and age, especially if you are a college student. It is a well-known fact that the years spent in college can be the most stressful and overwhelming years of one’s life. Whether the stress regards deadlines, papers, expectations from self and others, relationships or the giant books and pressure to pass exams and graduate, it inevitably causes much more harm and damage than the majority of the students can handle.
Luckily for you, there is one way to lower the pressure, for example, paper and essay writing. If you are wondering what kind of sorcery that is, you can receive essay help you probably never knew you needed. You can thank me later!
However, essays are just a needle in a haystack of college pressures and stress-inducers. The types of pressure a regular student experiences are numerous: pressure to fit in, the pressure to be sexually active, to be at the top of the class or year, to pass exams, graduate, find a well-payed job and satisfy their parents’ expectations. Some people can’t handle that much pressure and simply drop out, just like Bill Gates did. Even though all of this may sound discouraging and depressing, there are ways you can make pressure your friend, and not a foe.
Stop Comparing Yourself To Other Students
There is always that one person that seems to be perfect at everything; they are a walking Wikipedia and seem to pass all exams with incredible ease. If you are that person, then how on Earth are you doing that? If not, then join the club. We all compare ourselves to those seemingly perfect people and wallow in the ‘truth’ that we will never be as smart or as successful. Well, it’s high time we stop doing that.
According to Psychology Today, the comparison game is the one we all lose. Instead of comparing, we should try accepting ourselves and the way we are, for starters. Some people are simply talented academically, but that doesn’t mean anything if they don’t develop as personalities, or if they don’t work hard. Therefore, live your life as the unique flower that you are, and stop comparing yourself to other flowers in the field. Just because it takes a bit longer for you to blossom, doesn’t mean that you won’t blossom at all. Accept yourself, your talents, unique ways, imperfections and always know your worth.
Nonetheless, if you still want to go on and compare yourself to others, at least do it as a motivation to improve what matters in life.
Take Care Of Your Health
If you are emotionally burned out, and you feel like crushing under the ‘weight’ of books, exams, and due-to papers, chances are your health is in bad shape. So, what can you do to improve your immune system, overall health and relieve the pressure? Here are some tips:
• Go For A Balanced Diet
I know, that Top Ramen package is a definition of a quick, satisfying meal and a simple pleasure. And that pizza from last night; an excellent breakfast. Well, yes, if you want to decrease your body’s energy level to a bare minimum. Lower energy means lower mental and physical capacity to deal with pressure and stress. If you don’t eat well, you will, naturally, always be tired, irritable and moody. Therefore, make sure to follow a balanced diet, rich in veggies, proteins, fruits, fat, and whole grains. Not to mention, a healthy diet also helps with learning and memory, so think of that next time you reach for junk food.
• Get Some Sleep (Some=Enough)
We have all been there; partying until 3 am, attending class at 8 am, looking and feeling like a zombie. So, this part is pretty self-explanatory; get enough sleep in order to reduce your stress level, irritability, moodiness, as well as to increase your concentration, patience, and memory. Set your priorities straight and learn to say ‘no’ from time to time. A good night’s sleep can do miracles for your mental and physical health.
• Hit The Gym
Physical activity is a great way to relieve the pressure and stress of college life. So, when you feel like your brain is melting, go for a long, quiet walk, a run, hit the gym for a 30 minute-cardio workout or simply meditate in your room. An exercise session can lighten stress, relieve pressure, improve concentration and boost creativity. Not to mention the good looks you will get too.
Stay Away From Energy Boosters And Alcohol
Okay, it is hard to imagine a studying session without an energy drink, tons of coffee or even caffeine pills (unless you have a caffeine allergy as I do). All of these are energy boosters and they ‘help’ you stay awake for an extended period. However, they also reduce the energy levels of your body and make you more susceptible to stress. If you do need that caffeine hit to be more productive, make sure to go for green tea; it is definitely more healthy and more efficient in the long run. Tea is also known to reduce stress and helps you stay focused much longer.
Alcohol, on the other hand, you probably won’t be using during your studying session, but definitely as a form of relaxation. It may seem like a logical thing to do, but alcohol will only make matters worse over a longer period of time. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, college drinking can cause academic problems, mental health issues, alcohol dependency, cognitive impairment, and much more damage throughout years. So, learn to be above peer pressure and make sure to remember that there are many other ways you can relax or have fun.