Real Thoughts with Dylan

For many students, the stresses of college can be very overwhelming. With the worry of academics, obligations with extracurricular activities, financial difficulties, and other stresses; college can be a very stressful time.

For many first year students, college means a new world of freedom. Many students will be living on their own for the first time. They have free time they may not have had before. Along with this new freedom comes new responsibility. For many students, this is the first time they have been responsible for making sure they show up to their classes on time, the first time they have been responsible for making their own money and using it wisely, and even the first time they have had to study regularly for their classes. These new responsibilities can lead to stress first year students may have never experience before.

US Today reports that 85% of students have been overwhelmed by their work at some point. The same study also reported that “30% of students have reported that stress had negatively affected their academic performance.” Much of this stress comes from having to get used to an unfamiliar environment, the larger workload from their classes, and having to continually plan for their future.

All of this stress can truly take a toll on the student in multiple ways. According to a study conducted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “70% of those who report persistent stress have trouble sleeping.” A lack of sleep can lead to difficulties in listening, learning, problem solving, concentration, and memory. This can cause students to have issues learning and studying, which can in turn have negative effects on student grades. A Mayo Clinic report also reported that stress can lead to irritability and anger, which can in turn be detrimental to relationships between fellow students and teachers.

While stress is inevitable, there are many ways to prevent and relieve stress. One of the best ways to reduce stress according to Campus Mind Works is to “Try setting a specific goal for yourself that will improve your mood and help you reduce stress.” Morningside offers ways to reduce stress in students as well with a massage chair in the health center, occasional puppy petting sessions, and constant fun activities to take students’ minds off stress. Additionally, students should exercise regularly, practice good sleeping habits, limit or eliminate the use of caffeine or other stimulants, and realize and work within their physical limits.