BYU-Idaho Approved Student Housing Explained
June 13, 2024
College is full of the unexpected. New relationships, getting to know roommates, the reality of cooking for yourself, class assignments, jobs, and a host of other things can cause you to feel overwhelmed.
Stress is a normal part of life. Some even say it’s a necessary, healthy part of life. The key is understanding what to do when you feel the regular stresses of student living. Here are seven simple ways you can manage stress in college:
1. Get enough sleep
Sleep can quickly become a second thought when the stresses of college life hit. It might be because your list of assignments seems more important. It could be because your social life comes first. Maybe it’s because you never realized that 7-9 hours of rest a night is a good idea. Whatever the reason may be, to most college students, this recommendation is laughable. Midnight due dates and late-night social gatherings are too compelling.
Still, finding and sticking to a reliable sleeping schedule can make life seem a little more manageable. This might mean taking a nap during the day or going to bed earlier on weeknights. The goal is to find what works best for you and stick to it.
2. Eat healthy
Ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese, and frozen pizza. Eating healthy is another underrated college practice. With expensive tuition costs, it may seem hard to allocate enough money to eat three well-rounded meals a day. But this practice doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult.
Using time on the weekends, when you’re not busy running to classes, to meal prep can save you time, money, and stress later in the week. Keeping healthy snack options on hand can improve your mood and give you the energy to finish a hard assignment.
3. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can increase your energy, strength, and positivity. Exercise can also give your immune system a boost. All these things can contribute to a better environment, which can lead to better stress management.
4. Time management
You heard it in high school, and now you’re hearing it in college: Time management is incredibly important. Tracking your time can help you understand yourself, your limits, and your expectations, which can reduce stress.
5. Keep your space organized and clean
Maintaining a clean and organized space can do wonders for your mental health. It’s easy to feel as if tasks are piling up when you haven’t done laundry, cleaned your desk, or made your bed. Keeping up with daily simple tasks will make you feel capable and confident, which will help you cope with college stress.
6. Make time to do what you enjoy
Making time for yourself in college is crucial. While it’s easy to get caught up in work, school, and relationships, it’s important to take care of yourself too. Go on a hike, study outside, watch a movie, read a book that has nothing to do with school, or call your friends back home. Taking the time to do something that you can label as fun or enjoyable can take the pressure off for a bit and allow you to breathe easier when stressful times hit.
7. Find comfortable student housing
Your living situation can greatly affect your level of stress. Factors such as safety, comfort, reliability, and relationships are all tied to your housing. For many students, a bad living situation can also affect grades and social life.
At Cedars Student Housing, we do our best to provide the ideal environment for college students. With plenty of amenities and a responsive onsite property manager, we are here to help you enjoy and make the most of your college experience. For more information about our available units, contact us today!
At the end of the day, stress is just a normal part of life. This guide isn’t about preventing or avoiding feelings of stress; it’s about learning to cope with and manage the inevitable stresses that come your way during college so that you can succeed in anything you set your mind to.
