Stressed About College Apps? You are Not Alone. Six Tips to Cope With the Stress!

It’s no secret that the process is a stressful one. I’ve watched many close friends and family write essay after essay, make edit after edit, and wait nervously for a decision. Society places the expectation on 17 and 18-year-olds to have their lives together and have a defined plan for the next four years of their life. But let’s be honest- that’s unrealistic! So how can we deal with the stresses of college app season? Read on to find some ideas on how to combat the anxiety that comes with this next big step in life.

1. Make time for daily exercise.

Besides the obvious health benefits that exercise provides, going for a run or playing
a game of soccer has immense benefits for the brain. When you exercise, happy
chemicals called endorphins are released. Endorphins not only boost mood, but they
also function as painkillers. The term “runner’s high” is a phrase used to describe the
boosted mood felt after a workout. Workouts don’t have to be long or intense, but
anything that gets your body moving may help boost your mood.

2. Change up your surroundings.

The monotony of essay writing and completing applications can seem tedious and

overwhelming. Try changing up where you write and work. Go to a local library if you

can, change rooms in your house, or work outside in nature. A change in scenery will

often prompt new creativity!

3. Bake or cook.

Taking a break to bake or cook can be a great distraction and allow you to take a moment away from anxiety around college. Create intentional time to make a meal that will nourish you, or instead bake a sweet treat to reward yourself for some hard work. Regardless of what you

choose to make, it’s important to take time to eat and drink plenty of fluids. Applying to college can feel draining, and your body needs to be properly fueled to do the work.

4. Read a book.

I know that it may sound silly to think that reading a book can alleviate stress, and I know

that it is hard to find the time to read with a busy schedule. However, why does it seem so

easy to spend half an hour on Instagram, and forty-five minutes on Snapchat every day?

Instead, try and dedicate that time to reading a book. Reading novels, especially those

that are far removed from our own lives, can put troubles into perspective and encourage you to think about another world outside your own, even if just for a little bit. Moreover, if that isn’t your style, try reading a self-growth book to think deeply about the person you want to

be.

5. Try to stay off social media.

I know, I know. I myself spend a considerable amount of time each day on social media because the endless scrolling gives quick dopamine hits. We can all relate to this. It’s easy to become wrapped up in other people’s successes online- this person got that scholarship, got accepted to this college, is going to play sports at that college, etc. Focusing time and energy on worrying about what other people are doing does not help in the long run. Try setting time limits on social media apps and focus more on trying to enjoy your last year of high school, which isn’t easy, but you will look back and remember the importance of being fully present for the end of high school

6. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.

This is perhaps one of the easier methods to relieve that college application stress- set a timer for ten, twenty, thirty minutes, or whatever spare time you may have (hint: the time you

otherwise would be spending on social media) and give yourself a reset. It’s important to

practice mindfulness and give yourself grace as you balance the demands of senior year

and the pressures of the future. Getting in touch with yourself and your emotions will help

you better process all that is happening, and give your mind clarity.

From someone whose friends and siblings are currently and have previously gone through the process of applying to college, I understand the mounting anxieties faced by so many students globally. However, it is important to keep perspective and believe in yourself, as well as the idea that you will end up where you are meant to be. You’ve got this!