Stress is a normal part of college life. A certain level of stress can be beneficial and motivating, but when it goes beyond this level, it can become a problem (click here to read more about good stress vs. bad stress). When stress becomes too much to handle, your health, school performance and social life can all suffer. Furthermore, if left unaddressed, high levels of stress can lead to unhealthy and potentially serious physical and emotional consequences.

That’s why it’s so important to manage and maintain your stress at healthy levels. The key is learning to recognize the causes and signs of stress within yourself, and to be proactive about combating stress before it starts to feel overwhelming. Adequate sleep, exercise and nutrition can improve your ability to handle stressful things in life, as can relaxation techniques, such as:

• Deep breathing
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Writing
• Listening to music
• Playing an instrument

How we each respond to and manage stress varies, so try a few different techniques until you find something that works best for you. Check out this article for more tips on managing stress.

If you’ve tried various stress management techniques and your stress level is still too high, counseling may be the answer. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, contact your school’s health center. The health center can offer additional tips on stress management, or connect you with a therapist or group counseling.

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