Transitioning to college can be as scary as it is exciting. Living away from home, prioritizing responsibilities and parting with lifelong norms can all be pretty stressful. According to a survey of more than 93,000 students at 108 colleges by the American College Health Association, more than half experienced overwhelming anxiety, while 85.6 percent of students felt overwhelmed by all they had to do.
The pressure is real, and self-care should be prioritized right up there with academics and social life. To help cope with the transition, here are 13 helpful back-to-school pointers, resources and tips to manage self-care:
1. Be honest with yourself
Feeling overwhelmed is nothing to be ashamed of, and you’re definitely not alone. There are tons of resources and professionals available to support you. Take full advantage.
2. Find your student wellness center
3. Drink plenty of water
4. Unplug
5. Locate your counseling and psych services
6. Get Sleep
7. Exercise
8. Go outside
9. Volunteer
Nothing provides a guaranteed pick-me-up like helping others. Get involved in community service. Organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and The Boys and Girls Club are always looking for mentors.
10. Get centered
Whether it’s prayer, meditation or praise and worship, your spiritual practice is a powerful tool in maintaining a healthy balance. If you’re missing your home church, the HaloLoop app allows you to livestream and participate virtually in your hometown service.
11. Journal
Relationship issues, that class you might not pass, financial woes…don’t keep it bottled in. Take a few minutes and write in a journal to prevent the buildup of stress and anxiety.
12. Kick back
Schedule downtime to kick it with friends, clown around or just Netflix and chill. Always make time to recharge.
13. Celebrate
Take a look at what you’ve already accomplished. You’re doing it. You are adulting successfully! Just keep giving it 100 percent.
