Stressed Out Freshman

Dear June:

I’m a freshman in college and I am stressed out trying to balance my homework, boyfriend and exercise. Do you have any advice for me?

Stressed Out Freshman, Los Angeles

Dear Stressed Out Freshman,

First of all, please know that you are not alone. I’ve been there and can relate. I’m sure most freshmen in college can relate. There are many adjustments you are making – a new life, a new way of living, a new living situation, new friends, and new schedules so anyone experiencing all of that would be a bit stressed. Here are three ways that could empower you into feeling better about your new life. Congratulations on getting into college and for admitting that you need help. Sometimes this is the best RX – reaching out to somebody else for advice and counseling. I would also advise you to love your new college life and embrace all the challenges that come with being a college student. You will only do this once in your life so have fun making new friends, going to your classes, learning new information, connecting with your boyfriend, exercising and staying healthy. My best advice to you would be: Enjoy your life and every single moment of the college experience. It’s not all about getting good grades but enriching yourself body-mind-spirit-heart and soul! Here are also some important questions you can answer that might help you as well:

  1. Allow the stress to teach you and be a blessing in your life. Without the stress, you would not be actively seeking to grow and transform your habits and ways. What you are learning from the stress? i.e., The cause of my stress is feeling I don’t have enough time for it all. The stress is teaching me that I must manage my time better. I’m learning that I cannot make everything important. I must focus on my top priorities. I want to cultivate better habits to alleviate my stress.
  2. Find better systems to find greater balance in my life. What are systems you can implement to successfully manage your spaces, time, homework, boyfriend, and exercise? i.e., time management, calendaring my schedule to create clear boundaries on my time for exercise, homework and even time with my boyfriend, friends and family.
  3. Use a different language to describe what you are feeling. Instead of using the word stress, can you find another word to describe what you feeling so you don’t stress yourself out more saying, I’m stressed out – which causes more stress to manifest within your body, mind, heart. i.e., I am feeling challenged. I am finding better solutions to balance my life.