Strategies for Reducing Stress

Recognize the symptoms of stress.
Think positively.
Take a deep breath.
Get lots of exercise.
Don’t panic.
Don’t worry about what the other students are doing.
If you prepare and study well, you will be more relaxed.
Keep things in perspective! Exams and grades are important, but they are not a matter of life or death.
Be resilient – bounce back when things don’t go well.
Have a sense of humor and laugh!
Be open minded.
Meet new people.
Don’t sweat the small stuff – it’s all small stuff!
Use the 5-Year Rule. Ask yourself, “In five years, how important will this problem really be?”
If you are having problems, talk to someone.
Forget about it. Choose your battles and worries.
Do something nice for someone else.
Do one thing at a time.
Give yourself a break! Take a break from difficult situations. Go shopping or hiking or whatever you enjoy.
Take advantage of college student support services (counselor, Retention Specialist, tutoring, etc.).
Enjoy and make the most out of your college experience – your college years could very well be the most important investment, professionally and personally, you will ever make.