Most people are made to believe that college life is one of the exciting periods in anyone’s life, but what if the glamor of college life wears off?
Initially college appears as a promising new narrative with many open possibilities and no restrictions.However, with increasing workloads and expectations, fun can easily turn into stress and anxiety during exams. The main problem arises from efforts to balance academic obligations, social life, and personal well-being.
Where mental health in college used to mean, at best, knowing how not to become a burnout, it is now about flourishing. There is always one problem or the other whether it is examination stress, homesickness, and so on, and it is necessary that the mind is in a healthy state to get the best out of college. This is not only about passing with good grades but also about being able to manage time and other aspects of life.
Managing Stress and Anxiety During Exams
The preparation for exams often involves intense studying, and it is natural that the pressure of great expectations contributes to the development of anxiety symptoms. This can hinder concentration and worsen stress and anxiety during exams. To avoid this stress, it is important to ensure that time is well managed.
This means that you should develop a study timetable which will help you to spread your syllabus in small phases instead of cramming in a few days. This is why it is advisable to take short breaks, for instance the Pomodoro technique involves studying for 25 minutes and then taking a 5 minute break. This structured approach helps keep stress at bay while preventing the buildup of exam-related anxiety symptoms.
Relaxing is also another feature that can be of immense benefit; hence integrating relaxation techniques into your daily schedule can also help you to reduce stress levels.
Examples of relaxation techniques include: deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, meditation and so on have a way of putting the mind at rest while at the same time focusing on an object or an idea. For instance, before starting a study session, an individual may for a few minutes blow air out slowly in order to reduce stress, and enhance focus.
Last of all, if you need help, make sure not to delay it. Universities provide psychological services like counseling offices and relaxation seminars where students can go if they are stressed or worried. It is good to talk to other students in a study group; they will be able to offer you more ways of dealing with stress and reinforce to you that being in stress during this time is completely normal.
Building Healthy Relationships and Social Connections in College
Thus, college is a period where one can develop healthy and helpful social relationships for his or her mental health and academic accomplishment. To expand the circle of communities you may attend campus events, or get involved in clubs and organizations with people of similar interests. Coping with social anxiety begins with small interactions and in contexts where there is low pressure, and mindfulness relieves anxiety. Counseling and peer mentoring are important resources for confidence building and enhancing extended social networks. Building these connections reduces feelings of loneliness and can help manage anxiety symptoms, particularly in low-pressure social contexts.
It is always important to have a social life alongside your academic working schedule, make proper time plans to cater for both. Taking part in campus activities and designing a comfortable space can help alleviate homesickness and feelings of loneliness. By focusing on developing good relationships, you will be able to establish networks of friends that add value to your college experience.
Coping with Homesickness and Loneliness
Many college students experience homesickness and loneliness, which can amplify anxiety symptoms. Calling family and friends or even scheduling a video chat can give comfort and keep some of your support network around. Finally, a number of practical tips might help one adapt to the new living environment: bringing personal belongings to one’s dorm or an apartment, such as photographs or favorite blankets and pillows, to make one feel at home. From participating in a student club to watching a play or a movie on campus, these pursuits not only occupy your time but also help you make friends, making the college feel more like home. Most importantly, remember that feeling stress and anxiety during exams is entirely normal and manageable.
Balancing Academics and Self-Care
Balancing academics with self-care is crucial for managing stress and anxiety during exams. To be able to perform well in the course, one cannot afford to leave out self care since this will only reduce productivity and increase the rate of burn out. In an article in the Journal of American College Health, (2021), the results showed that mindful self-care and resilience strongly correlated with flourishing in first years of university. McGuinness & Nordstokke’s research showed that mastery, relatedness and supportive relationships increase engagement and success in college.
To achieve this balance, come up with a study timetable whereby you incorporate break time and relaxing time. Begin inculcating healthy practices into the lifestyle slightly, say taking a balanced diet, sleeping, regular exercises et Incorporating stress-reduction techniques like journaling or guided meditation can help manage both exam stress and anxiety symptoms. There’s no ‘either/or’ when it comes to balancing school work and personal well-being – it’s about finding a beat that will enable one to do school work best while at the same time taking care of his or her self.
Where to Turn When You Need Help
If you are struggling with stress and anxiety during exams, Here are some valuable mental health resources for college students:
- Campus Counseling Services: It is advisable to seek counseling from the institutions, as most colleges provide counseling services for their students, and in most instances, it is cheaper or even free. All these services assist students with stress, anxiety, depression as well as other issues related to mental health.
- United We Care: United We Care’s Stella, AI-powered virtual wellness coach, is designed to support mental health and wellness. Stella offers personalized guidance, mindfulness exercises, and coping strategies tailored to each individual. With 24/7 accessibility, Stella provides a confidential, judgment-free space where students can talk through their challenges and receive immediate, supportive support. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, or just need someone to talk to, Stella can be a helpful resource on your journey to thriving in college.
- Active Minds: It is a student organization that promotes the well-being of students by creating awareness about mental health in college. Active Minds offers help and information as well as resources and support to students throughout the United States of America.
- The Jed Foundation: An organization which has been established to promote the welfare of college students’ emotional well-being, and to fight against suicide. The Jed Foundation provides the information and programs to support students successfully in emotional health.
- BetterHelp: An online therapy service that offers low-cost, convenient, text, video or phone-based counseling with licensed therapists.
- Talkspace: Yet another online counseling service that allows students to connect with therapists via text and video in compliance with college timetables.
Conclusion: Thriving, Not Just Surviving
As Seneca once said, it is not enough to merely exist, but to exist well.
Managing stress and anxiety during exams is part of thriving in college, not just surviving it.
As a social issue, self-care means that one should make positive lifestyle choices which includes getting adequate rest, participating in exercises and taking balanced meals. Seek social support from friends, relatives and classmates to enhance social support to have a healthy relationship.
It means that when going to college, a person should take an active approach to maintain one’s mental health, thus being prepared for everything that is going to come along the way. Therefore, follow through on these commitments and make the most out of your college years: and do not only endure them, but prosper from.”do not just survive them, but thrive.
