Adulting is hard.

And if you’re like me in wanting to improve your lifestyle or achieve your goals, going to college may be something you are considering. However, a large proportion of young people in higher education suffer from anxiety and depression. Often this is due to the increased pressure of school and peers. Trust me, I’m no stranger to depression and anxiety as a college student. So here’s a few tips on managing your own stress in college:

Take On A Sport

There is a close relationship between physical exercise and mental illness. If you would like to improve your mood, your sleep patterns, and feel better about yourself, you might want to take on a sport during your college years. This can be something simple, such as soccer, or baseball or basketball, and you don’t even have to turn up at training every day.

Create A Support Network

It is important that you know where to turn to when you feel down and overwhelmed. Before you choose a college, you will need to make sure that there are adequate mental health and student support services in place. You might look for support groups in your local area, or on campus, so you will be able to discuss your problems with like-minded people. Some schools even offer free or reduced-cost therapy.

Engage In A Hobby

During your college years, you will embark on a journey to find yourself. If you are looking to find a mission personally and professionally, you will need to dig deep and find your real interest and passion. No matter if you set up your blog or engage in community projects, charity work, or other activities; spending time with people who see the world the same way as you will help you feel better about yourself. Get involved! As a Greek life alum, I can attest to how much it helps to be part of a community of like-minded individuals.

Choose The Right Course

Of course, a large part of your happiness depends on how satisfied you are with the outcomes of your course, and how you can express yourself during the lessons. If you would like to make the right decision, you will have to take into consideration your strengths and limitations, as well as your aspirations and career goals. If you are a people’s person, you might consider related courses, such as a master in hospitality management, so you can do something for a living that you truly enjoy.

Manage Your Time Better

One of the major causes of depression and anxiety is stress. If you would like to avoid pressure, you will need to step up your game when it comes to managing your time at college. Create a strict schedule, keep an eye on the deadlines for submitting your work, and allow enough time to prepare for exams. Less pressure will mean you can get things done more effectively and achieve higher grades, too.

Many young people experience depression and anxiety during their college years. To prevent burning out, you will need to make the right decisions when it comes to time management, area of study, support network, and work-life balance. But if you do find yourself struggling, know you aren’t alone. Asking for help can be difficult, but there is always someone willing to listen.