Managing It All

It's easy to feel exhausted by the college admissions process, but there are practical steps you can take to manage that stress and stay ahead of your regular schoolwork. Avoiding burnout while achieving your goals amid the whirlwind of college admissions and academic demands is challenging, but it's also part of the process and helps you mature as a student.

In previous posts, we've talked about being SMART when creating goals, and those same principles apply here too. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. To break that down further, you want goals that are:   

• Specific. What exactly do you want to achieve? 
• Measurable. Setting clear benchmarks for what achieving those goals looks like.    
• Achievable. Setting realistic goals is important so that you don't feel like you're failing and lose motivation.
• Relevant. Your goals should align with your values and long-term objectives. 
• Timely. Committing to completing these goals within a specific time frame to prevent procrastination.

These same ideas apply to managing stress, especially when college admissions applications and essays begin.

For example, set SMART goals for completing your college application essay, first by being specific in choosing the prompt you want to answer. Next, make a measurable plan. If the essay is between 250-650 words, start with an outline -- then write each section one at a time so you can clearly track your progress. Approach the essay in the most achievable way by ensuring the topic is something you feel confident writing about. Lastly, plan for a timely process. Look at your overall schedule and academic workload so you can block out multiple windows to write and revise your essay.

Setting SMART goals is a practical way to manage stress. In the moment, though, when stress and anxiety are at their peaks, it can be hard to have the perspective to step back and set goals. So it's useful to learn some mindfulness exercises to put into practice when needed.

That can involve meditating, stretching a walk around the block, a quick jog, or even a short nap. After taking a mindfulness break, it can be easier to tackle your to-do list.

Meditation, in particular, is proven to be an effective way to take a pause and reset your brain. It can help with stress management and mood regulation. There are many ways to meditate and you may have tried some in the past. You can start by first closing your eyes and taking a deep, slow breath. Inhale. Pause. Exhale. Repeat this 10 times. Take a few quiet minutes -- and set a timer if you're feeling restless -- to focus on nothing other than listening to your breath. If thoughts about academic work, errands, chores, or social drama pop into your head, gently push them away. Imagine a cloudless blue sky. And imagine your thoughts to be clouds, drifting through the air. As you notice them, try to slowly blow them away with each exhale. 

At first, it may be difficult to keep your mind from wandering and don't be hard on yourself if you feel like it's not working. Over time, if you keep doing it, it will probably help you -- even if the improvements are very slight. This exercise is a great way to focus yourself when you're feeling the burden of college applications. 

In conclusion, managing the stress of college is crucial for students to maintain their well-being, academic performance, and overall college experience. By implementing effective stress management strategies, students can navigate the challenges and pressures of college life more effectively.

First and foremost, prioritizing self-care is essential. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle by engaging in regular physical activity, eating nutritious meals, and getting sufficient sleep. Taking breaks and incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or mindfulness can help reduce stress levels and promote mental well-being.

Time management is another key aspect of stress management in college. Creating a schedule or to-do list can help students stay organized, prioritize tasks, and avoid last-minute cramming or procrastination. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can also make them less overwhelming. Additionally, it's important to set realistic goals and avoid overcommitting to extracurricular activities or social obligations.

Building a support network is invaluable for managing college stress. Connecting with friends, family, or classmates who can offer understanding, empathy, and encouragement can provide a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation. Taking advantage of counseling services or support groups provided by the college can also be beneficial for addressing specific stressors or mental health concerns.

It's important to remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a proactive step towards managing stress. Colleges often have resources such as counseling centers or wellness programs that can provide guidance and support. Utilizing these services can help students develop effective coping mechanisms, learn stress management techniques, and navigate any emotional challenges they may face.

Lastly, maintaining a balanced perspective and practicing self-compassion is essential. It's important to recognize that everyone experiences stress in college, and it's normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Being kind to oneself, celebrating small achievements, and learning to accept imperfections can help alleviate unnecessary self-imposed pressure.

In conclusion, managing college stress requires a multifaceted approach that combines self-care, effective time management, building a support network, seeking help when needed, and maintaining a balanced perspective. By implementing these strategies, students can cultivate resilience, optimize their well-being, and make the most of their college experience.

For more information about SMART goals, read this article by Empowerly team member, Madeleine. And for tips on stress management, we recommend reviewing these mindfulness exercises. 

To learn more about preparing for college, including stress management, connect with an Empowerly team member. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping students and families prepare for academics after high school and can help support you too. Reach out to connect with an Empowerly team member today.