by Babatunde Odofin

College students across the country frequently experience stress and anxiety. Many students find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of excelling academically, adjusting to a new social environment and handling personal obligations. According to the American College Health Association (ACHA) National College Health Assessment, more than 60% of students indicated that within the past 12 months, they have felt overwhelming anxiety and more than 40% reported having an overwhelming amount of stress that made it difficult to function.

One of the top stressors among college students is academic expectations. With challenging course loads, impending deadlines and exams, students often find themselves under incredible pressure to perform. Perfectionism and a fear of failure further heighten anxiety levels, as students stress maintaining high GPAs, securing the right internships or even gaining admission into competitive graduate programs. Additionally, high costs of tuition, expensive loans and the rising cost of living contribute to a considerable financial burden. Many students also have to work part-time during their study time and the pressure to balance work and school demands could impact their well-being. Thoughts about future debt and finding a job after graduation add to anxiety as they contemplate their future beyond higher education. Furthermore, college life demands adjustment to new social settings and relations.

Many students are required to shift from their family and friends, which may lead to loneliness and homesickness. The need for social fitting or finding a peer group creates extraordinary pressure and stress related to social anxiety emerges, especially among introverted ones. Many students encounter independent living for the first time in college. Life can become overwhelming when one tries to balance academic demands with personal responsibilities like budgeting, cooking and a social life. Students from underrepresented or marginalized populations may have added burdens imposed on them due to discrimination, feelings of isolation or imposter syndrome.

If left unattended, chronic stress and anxiety can have grave consequences on the physical and mental health of students. Physiologically, the body reacts to prolonged stress by secreting cortisol, a hormone that in excessive amounts may also cause some other health problems, including but not limited to immune dysfunction, cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal problems. The psychological effects are no less shocking, as untreated stress and anxiety indeed constitute critical risk factors for depression, substance abuse and suicidal ideation.

With the presence of stress and anxiety among students, it will be important that such issues be addressed in a proactive and supportive manner. Proper time management and organization are one of the most effective ways to reduce academic stress. When students create a timetable, divide tasks into smaller sections and establish achievable goals, they can prevent last-minute rushing or cramming and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. Tools such as planners or digital calendars will help a student to be organized and keep track of every activity. Exercise is also one of the efficient stress relievers. Physical activity activates the release of endorphins or chemicals in the brain that improve a person’s mood and reduce stress. Whether jogging, swimming or doing recreational sports, students who incorporate exercise into their daily schedule tend to have less stress and anxiety. Sleep is extremely important and individuals who develop good sleep hygiene habits, such as going to bed at a consistent time each night and engaging in relaxing bedtime routines, experience reduced stress and perform better academically. It is crucial to get six to eight hours of sleep every night for mental clarity and emotional stability. Greensboro College offers counseling and mental health resources on campus for free. Students can learn effective stress-coping strategies and access emotional support by engaging in conversations with professionals. Similarly, professors can provide students with a sense of community and similar sources of support.

Stress and anxiety are two of the most significant issues that college students face daily. They can negatively impact academic performance and social interactions. Therefore, it is important to have a good understanding of their causes and how to effectively cope with them. Managing stress and anxiety early on may help students better deal with the challenges they face throughout their college lives, ultimately leading to improvements in both academic and personal outcomes.