Starter Kit: How to manage stress and unwind in college

It is not uncommon for young adults to experience significant stress during college. So if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed just know that you’re not alone. Far from it.

Think about it like this: college students may be adjusting to new responsibilities, managing their classes, as well as navigating the newfound pressures of young adulthood. This 180-degree turn in terms of transitioning from childhood to adulthood is objectively stressful. Learning how to manage stress and unwind in college will benefit you well into your journey to adulthood.

Why is managing stress so important?

“While college is an exciting time, it is also a time where stress awareness and management is crucial,” explains Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, Psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation Media Advisor. “College students are at heightened risk of developing anxiety and depression during this time and managing stress can be a good way to mitigate these mental health concerns.”

How do I manage stress in college?

There are a variety of ways to manage stress and it can be helpful to think about them across physical and emotional dimensions. “Physically, this includes taking care of your body through exercise and food and nutrition. Make sure you have enough water throughout the day and that you are keeping up with any medical concerns,” says Lira de la Rosa.

“Emotionally, you may want to consider having a good support network you can reach out to for support. This can include friends, family, or seeing a mental health provider. Additionally, it can also be good to start and maintain a meditation, yoga, or breathwork practice to alleviate stress.”

What gear could help me manage stress in college?

When you first get started with building stress management habits, it can be challenging to find what works for you—but according to Lira de la Rosa, consistency and patience are key.

For example, there are some good meditation apps and devices that help you practice and maintain a meditation routine. If you want to use physical activity to manage stress, you can check out fitness tracker apps or devices to help you get started. These apps and devices can help you with accountability and ensure you are maintaining a routine.

“Overall, you want to take inventory of what types of stress management techniques resonate with you,” says Lira de la Rosa. “Then, you can start by practicing these techniques and work towards building mastery.”

If you're just getting started, here are some of the best essentials that’ll ensure you’re managing stress in college the best way that you can: