Managing Stress and Anxiety

The Importance of Self-Care

College life presents unique challenges that can make personal well-being feel like a low priority. Between managing coursework, meeting deadlines, maintaining relationships and balancing work responsibilities, students often overlook their basic needs. While academic success is important, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and actually hinder your educational goals. Self-care isn't simply about relaxation—it's about maintaining your physical and mental health to support your academic journey and personal growth.

Signs you may need to prioritize self-care:

• Relying on caffeine and experiencing irregular sleep patterns
• Consistently skipping or rushing meals
• Finding routine tasks increasingly difficult
• Experiencing persistent anxiety or stress
• Neglecting personal space and organization
• Frequent illness or physical exhaustion
• Increased irritability in relationships
• Social isolation or withdrawal
• Missing classes due to fatigue
• Feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities

Essential Self-Care Activities

1. Establish healthy boundaries: Take time to identify your limits and practice saying no when necessary. Protect your mental energy by setting boundaries around work tasks, social commitments and screen time, ensuring you have space to recharge.
2. Create a routine: Stick to consistent schedules for sleeping, eating and unwinding. Incorporating time for both productivity and leisure into your day helps create a sense of balance, structure and stability in your life.
3. Practice mindfulness: Dedicate a few moments each day to activities like meditation, deep breathing or a quiet, mindful walk. These practices can reduce stress, improve focus and help you feel more connected to the present moment.
4. Move your body: Engage in regular physical activity, whether it’s light stretching, brisk walking or a more vigorous workout. Movement not only boosts physical health but also reduces stress and enhances your overall mood.
5. Build a support system: Nurture connections with people you trust, such as friends, family or a counselor. Having a reliable support network provides encouragement and perspective when life feels overwhelming.

Resources to Help Manage Stress and Anxiety

• Academic success and tutoring services: Meet with academic coaches and tutors to help manage coursework challenges and reduce academic stress.
• Fitness centers: Maintain physical and mental well-being at STLCC's fitness centers, available to all enrolled students at no cost.
• Calm or Headspace apps: These meditation and mindfulness apps offer student discounts and guided exercises for stress management.
• Relaxation techniques: Read about relaxation methods to improve mental clarity and reduce anxiety.
• Self-help resources: Find practical tools and guidance for managing stress, improving mental health and building resilience.
• Off-campus mental health guide: Learn how to access mental health services from providers in the local community.