Between classwork, exams, internships, budgeting, and all of the other challenges that come with being a college student, stress is inevitable. However, part of developing as a leader includes learning effective ways to cope with stressors. The next time you’re feeling overloaded with stress, try one of these strategies:
When your mind is filled with deadlines, appointments, and other items on your to-do list, life can start to feel pretty overwhelming. That’s where journaling comes in! Writing your thoughts can help ease the burden of carrying so many things in your mind. Whether it’s on the Notes app in your phone, a Word document, or the classic pen and paper combo, it’s never a bad idea to get anxious feelings out. You can even use writing prompts to guide your journaling and offer inspiration for self-reflection. These could include:
- What is one thing I’m proud of myself for?
- My stress feels lower when I...
- I feel happiest when…
- One way I can reduce stress in my life is...
Podcasts can be a great way to take your mind off of daily stressors. With so many different topics from personal development to romance or crime, there is truly something for everyone. When you’re exhausted from work or have a quick break between lectures, a few minutes of a podcast can teach you something or make you laugh! The Illinois Leadership Center even has a podcast called Made to Lead that covers leadership education. So, for a pause from daily life, check out a new podcast!
- Make a soothing music playlist.
We all have songs that put us in a good mood. Pop music, classical, R&B; everyone has their preference. Curate your own playlist of songs that uplift your mood on stressful days. It can be a mix of current songs you like or even childhood tunes that remind you of happy memories. You can also find premade playlists on a streaming service that you use. Apple Music and Spotify have great options full of mood-boosting music!
One of the best ways to relieve stress is to get moving! There are several places around campus to get a beautiful view, like the Arboretum or one of the Quads. Count the number of squirrels you see (spoiler: there’s a lot!), or how many different birds you can spot. Just enjoy a few moments getting some fresh air and observing the scenery; contrary to popular belief, UIUC is not just cornfields!
Sometimes, the best creative juices flow under stress. Whether you’re using an adult coloring book or painting like Picasso, it can be fun to just destress and create something. If you’re really up for a challenge, follow along to a Bob Ross tutorial online! His videos are both engaging and relaxing.
Ultimately, stress is a normal part of life. However, this doesn’t mean that we can’t find ways to manage it. As a leader, you can implement strategies to reduce stress in the lives of yourself and others.
