Stress Management

Stress is a normal part of life that can motivate students to complete their work and accomplish their goals. However, high stress for a long period of time can lead to reduced motivation, academic burnout, and worse health and mental health outcomes. In fact, college students often report stress as the number one factor affecting their academic performance (American College Health Association).

Common sources of student stress:

• Academic deadlines / pressures
• Finances including housing and food access
• Relationships
• Familial expectations
• Post-graduation plans

Signs that you may be impacted by high stress include:

• Constantly feeling worried or anxious
• Fatigue
• Procrastination and missed assignments
• Difficulty concentrating in class
• Repetitive negative thoughts: “I’m going to let everyone down.”
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Headaches
• Difficulty relaxing
• Stomach aches or digestive distress
• Feeling overwhelmed or like giving up
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Using substances, screen time/social media, food, or more to avoid stress

Thankfully, the regular use of effective stress management strategies can help students cope with stress and overcome challenges. We’ve attached a handout with stress management strategies that you can use to help you get through the last few weeks of the quarter. Give these tips a try to see what works well for you!

If you’re engaging in stress management and still experiencing the symptoms listed above, it may be helpful to speak to a mental health professional. You can reach out to the Counseling Center for help getting connected to a counselor. If you are in a crisis, please use a crisis hotline: call 866-427-4747 or text HOME to 741741. For help with housing, food, or emergency funding, reach out to the Benefits Hub.