Maybe your roommate borrowed your favorite skirt and spilled juice on it. Maybe you just got a disappointing grade. Whatever happened, you're stressed out and don't know what to do about it. The next time you're climbing the walls over a stressful situation, try one of the following tips.
1. Talk About It.
Call your mother, call a friend, go down the hall and knock on your R.A.'s door -- that's what he's there for. If you have a knot in your stomach over something, you will feel it loosen if you let out what's bothering you. Reach out to someone who understands you and let them know that you are feeling stress and need to talk about it. When someone who cares about you lends an understanding ear, you'll immediately feel better than being stressed out and alone with your bad feelings. In addition, talking to someone outside of your situation can help because the other person can offer perspectives on whatever's stressing you out that you're too stressed to see. Maybe it's not as bad as you think it is, and/or maybe your friend can help you think of ways to deal with what's bothering you that have not yet occurred to you.
2. Go To The Gym.
If you're not big on talking, get physical. Stress is a mental condition, but it affects you physically as well. An intense workout like going for a run or taking a kickboxing class will help in several ways. Because you're focusing on the activity, it will take your mind off what's bothering you. And, better still, while you're focusing on the activity, it is making you feel better. By exercising, you get rid of the stress hormones in your body; the muscles you might not even realize you've been clenching will relax, and best of all, your body will release endorphins that will make you feel better.
3. Ask for Academic Help When You Need It
If your stress stems from an academic problem, go get help. If you just got a bad grade, maybe the last person you want to see is your professor, but that's who you should talk to. Cool off, and drop by office hours to see what you can do to make sure you don't get a bad grade next time around.
If it's not a bad grade that's bothering you, but your problem is academic in nature, that's almost a good thing. Go take care of it before you get a bad grade. Talk to a friend who's expert in the subject that's troubling you, or email your professor with questions, or a request to meet to clarify the coursework.
4. Do Something Fun
If you're having a bad day, grab a friend and go to a movie, go for a walk, or grab a coffee. Do something that you like to do.
5. Make A Counseling Appointment
If you have tried everything that you can think of to make yourself feel less stressed out, and the stress hasn't abated, consider making an appointment at the counseling center. Some stress for college students is natural, but if you are miserable for days at a time, you should know you don't have to feel that way. Talking to someone in the counseling center doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you; it just means you're smart enough to acknowledge that something's not right and you're taking steps to fix it.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing grad school for MBA
By: Jason | 09-07-2008
Does it matter which grad school you go to for an MBA or how many credits the MBA program is? Currently I am looking at the accelerated program at Monmouth University which is 30 credits and the Rutgers Unvitersity program which is 60 credits.
Time frames
By: aimcomm | 06-07-2008
what is the shortest time frame that one can earn an online degree?
Looking for distance learning providers in the UK
By: supaswag | 03-07-2008
I am looking for a provider to gain a [online] distance learning Foundation Degree in Internet Marketing. I found Kaplan Open Learning and would like to find out if anyone has any experience with them. Their offers look very good.
How important are work based achievements on my CV?
By: imconfused.com | 23-06-2008
I am currently writing my cv and wondered how important it was to include work based achievements? Do employers really care? Don?t they just care about my qualifications?
Safe Haven Babies and Mothers
By: judymamab | 20-06-2008
I am writing a paper for school and need information on what a mother who has dropped her infant at a safe haven must do, if she changes her mind and wants the child back. I know that there are alot of questions to be answered and certain things she has to go through, but need either a url or someone who can go into depth on the situation.
Qualification statement
By: Adriana | 19-06-2008
I have to write 5 qualification statements for a leadership program offered at my job (government), and I am completely blocked, I don't even know how to start. I know once I get started I'll be fine. Help?!
Q&A Powered by:
More from Elizabeth Saas
How to Conquer the Lsat - Tips on How to Succeed
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
The LSATs are required before applying to law school and it’s important that you know what will be on the exam. This article includes tips on how to succeed and conquer the LSAT exam.
Gaining Work Experience - Make yourself Marketable
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Are you about to finish school with your amazing degrees but lack any work experience? This article tells you how to gain work experience and make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
Why you Should Get Involved in College Activities
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
The primary reason people go to college is to continue their educations, right? But what some students don’t realize is that opportunities to learn don’t shut off after the class day is through. There are many reasons listed in this article about why you should get involved in college activities.
When you Need to Get a Tutor
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
When do you need to get a tutor? The short answer is that getting a tutor is never the wrong thing to do, unless you're so strong in a given subject that you're a tutor yourself. This article helps you decide when you really need a tutor's help.
What to Look for in a Roommate
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Your college roommate -- what will he or she be like? Some roommates will be randomly assigned and you will choose others. Before you decide that rooming with your best friend is the perfect solution, for the sake of the friendship, you should read the following tips.
What to Consider Before Deciding to Go to Law School
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
There are many things to consider before deciding to go to law school. But what are the most important ones? This article cuts through the confusion and lists four of the most important things to consider before deciding to go to law school.
Ways to Improve your Book Report
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Here's how not to do a book report: write down everything that happens in the book. If you’re struggling with ways to improve your book report, this article is just what you need.
Utilize your Guidance Counselor
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Whether you are on the college track or if you are going to join the workforce after high school, drop by your guidance counselor's office early and often so that you don't get to the end of high school and wonder: what's next?
Education 
