Managing college stress

Between paying for books, meeting new friends and keeping up on homework, it can be difficult to remember to stay mentally and physically healthy. Here are a few tips to manage college stress.

• Take advantage of the Student Counseling Center. It’s located inside of the Cook House near the Arts and Sciences Building. The center provides assistance to students who feel trouble after transitioning to university life. Students can receive free counseling from the center, where appointments are filled quickly not only by students, but members of the community as well.
• Vent it out. Sometimes confiding in a close friend or family member can feel like a weight has been lifted. Odds are someone else is going through the same thing.
• Manage time wisely. Make a schedule and keep to it, planning out everything from classes to when homework will be worked on.
• Find a relaxing activity. It could be yoga, meditation, knitting or whatever takes the mind off what’s stressful.
• Work it out. Take advantage of the Wellness Center and bike, run, walk or play basketball to burn some calories and feel energized. There’s plenty of classes to fit into a schedule.

(Photo: First-year students Audra Van Ekeren, front, and Amy Weichler, back, participate in a Zumba class Jan. 22 in the Wellness Center. File photo / The Volante)