How to Handle Stress While in College

College is always full of exciting opportunities and new experiences. Grand Canyon University offers so much to everyone. They give students a way to get involved in the community, a Christian lifestyle and quality classes with professors who want you to succeed.

That being said, with everything going on around you, it is easy to get stressed every once-in-a-while. It happens to everyone. What is important however, is how you deal with it and overcome the stress. Here are some of the best tips around to conquer your stress.

Exercise

Besides the physical benefits, exercise also helps you mentally! Studies have shown that exercising aids in reducing tiredness, increasing your alertness and concentration and helps your brain overall!

Exercise and physical activity gives your brain endorphins. By working out, you can release all negative emotions and stress through physical activity and become more relaxed. Having a regular exercise routine will help your anxiety decrease and health improve. The American College of Sports Medicine and American Health Association recommends that college students exercise at least thirty minutes, three days a week.

GCU offers many different sports facilities on campus which include gyms, golf courses, a tennis facility, track and field, volleyball and more! Students are also able to join an intramural sports team. Flag football, ultimate Frisbee and sand volleyball are just a few of the sports that are offered to everyone.

Practice Good Seep Habits

Sleep is very important to having a healthy lifestyle. Stanford reports that the “average sleep requirement for college students is well over eight hours.” Without getting the proper amount of sleep, the stress can increase and you will feel tired and sluggish the next day.

Try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. You will feel much better the following morning and be ready for the day of classes and friends ahead.

Journal Your Thoughts

Journaling can be a very therapeutic way to let out stress. Whether it’s just doodling in a notebook or writing about your day in a fancy diary, it all helps reduce stress. You don’t need to have good handwriting or an expensive journal to do it either; just buy a small notebook and write or draw whatever your heart desires.

Get into the Word

Sometimes, all you need is a little bit of Jesus when you are stressed. Get your pens and highlighters and open up your Bible when you feel the panic creeping up on you. There are plenty of passages to ease your anxiety and remind you of God’s love. Some great ones include: Philippians 4:6-7, James 1:2-4, Matthew 11:28-30 and Psalm 16:8.

Listen to Music

Everyone loves music! Next time you start to get anxious, plug in your headphones and play some soothing music. Mercy Me, Casting Crowns and Francesca Battistelli are great artists to listen to.

You can also download Canyon Worship albums from iTunes, written and sung by Grand Canyon University students themselves!

With these tips, you are well on your way to decreasing your stress overall! A little bit of music, God’s word, and sleep, can go a long way.

Located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, Grand Canyon University has unique campus community and would love to host visiting prospective students. To learn more visit our website or click on the Request More Button at the top of this page.

References:

• Dement, William. “What All Undergraduates Should Know About How Their Sleeping Lives Affect Their Waking Lives.” Standford University, HOPES Huntington’s Disease Information, web.stanford.edu/~dement/sleepless.html.
• “Spring 2014 Reference Group Executive Summary.” American College Health Association: National College Health Assessment, Apr. 2014, pp. 1–18.