It's pretty much inevitable that you are going to feel stress at some point in your life. College students are especially susceptible to higher levels of stress just because they have to manage class, class work, work, errands, exercising, etc. Sometimes it is because they have to fit things into such a busy schedule and therefore, they will start experiencing anxiety.
This happens because many times these stressors (the things that give you stress) can trigger anxious feelings in the brain. When this happens, your brain is on constant alert and the body prepares itself to "fight or flight" since it thinks it is threatened. Biologically, the amygdala, that is responsible for communicating signals within the brain, is interpreting these signals and triggers a fear or anxiety response.
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Now how do you get rid of it? You can't get rid of it permanently because anxiety is a totally normal response to certain situations (within moderation). There are ways, however, to control the amount of anxiety you feel on a daily basis. Here are some ways that might help you kick some of that anxiety to the curb!
1. Become an expert of how to relax.
What best works for you is going to best benefit you. If that means spending an hour in the shower singing at the top of your lungs or taking a long run through your neighborhood, DO IT! Watching reruns of Gossip Girl or burying your face in your phone is good and all, but it is not the healthiest way to reduce anxiety. Try to figure out the best way to relax without electronic devices. That means, no Instagram, no Snapchat, no Netflix. Once you start feeling some anxiety, make sure you take an hour or two to relax the way that works best for you.
2. Reduce your stressors.
Reducing stressors=less stress=less anxiety! Reducing your stressors could mean saying "No" to someone who wants you to cover their shift, getting homework done early, or taking a mental health day. I am not condoning skipping class/work but if you are feeling significant amounts of stress and anxiety, taking a day off won't hurt. In that case, going to class/work might make things worse. Ultimately, you have to figure out what gives you the most stress and eliminate their influence on your feelings.
3. Make a plan!
I have found that making a plan makes it especially easy for me to organize my life and get everything accomplished. First, start with scheduling out your day from start to finish. A good daily schedule can include breaks for meals, showering, and relaxing. Being able to map out your day will make sure you stay on track with everything you need to get done. After, you can start making a weekly plan and a monthly plan to ensure you are ahead of schedule. Besides, who doesn't like crossing things off of their list?
4. Whip your body into shape.
Exercise and healthy eating are a MUST for anyone feeling anxiety. It is completely normal to reach for those Oreos or bag of Cheetos when you are feeling anxious, however, that's probably doing more damage to your body than anything. Instead, reach for a chicken breast with some veggies or a smoothie made from your favorite fruits. This will provide the best nutrients for your body. Exercising will provide endorphins which are the "feel good" neurotransmitters released. It is also proven that exercising will burn away stress hormones. Yes please!!
5. Think positive.
Say goodbye to those negative thoughts because most times that will be when you feel the most stress. Having your brain race with everything you have to do is not helping the cause. Instead of thinking that you aren't going to get anything done, think "yes, I will! I have a plan and I know what I am doing. I got this!" Instead of thinking you are going to fail at something whether it be a test in class or at work, think "I will not fail because I believe I will succeed!" This aspect comes with a great deal of practice and discipline but it sure does pay off.
These are some things that you can do on your own to help reduce anxiety. Note, that in some cases medication can help tremendously when experiencing anxiety. Medication can help the brain chemicals return to normal and therefore could be very beneficial considering your situation.
