How can I change my outlook on life and its complications to be less stressful and more enjoyable?
college applications and everything is piling on me. I know it'll all turn out to be okay, but I can't help but feeling super stressed all the time
#stress #stress-management #college
4 answers
Annie Wolf
Annie’s Answer
This is a super stressful time in your life and good for you for acknowledging that and looking for ways to make it easier! The whole process is really overwhelming if you look at it in it’s entiretly. When I have a task that’s massive I start breaking it into bite size chunks that I can list on a to do list. For example, completing 5 or 10 applications is scary stressful. Going through these applications and listing the deadlines and essay questions is a great way to organize, check something off, and just get started. Maybe the next step is tackling the essay question that is most similar to the others so you’re able to use that as a foundation for multiple applications.
Finding something that relaxes you and makes you happy and scheduling time for yourself to do that thing is also important. If you’re not taking care of yourself you’re not going to get anything done well. Love hanging out with your friends? Give yourself Friday evening off to go to the movies knowing that Saturday morning you’re going to work on an application.
Lastly, keep asking for help! There’s this feeling that you should be able to do all of this on your own and shouldn’t have to rely on anyone. That’s not true! Making sure those you’re closest to know that this is how you’re feeling can sometimes go a long way. Besides, those that want you to succeed also want to help you do so!
Annie recommends the following next steps:
Judith-Ann Anderson
Judith-Ann’s Answer
Sikawayi’s Answer
Enzo’s Answer
Life will continue to present barriers, both planned and unplanned, so keeping a positive mindset really works, even if you don't have all the answers. One needs to value both the negative and positive experiences, as they will all shape you. I also recommend trying to enjoy the process/challenge, so that you grow as much as you can from them versus just going through them. When you look at others, you might believe it was all smooth sailing for them, but I promise you, behind every great student/leader/human they all experienced hardship along the way, which are the highest learning moments. All these experiences are PRICELESS as you can’t buy or read about these experiences to gain the full benefits but rather need to live and grow within. It’s like only reading how to do a pushup and then wondering why you aren’t getting stronger? You need to consistently do the actual pushups/work.
I also recommend to find a mentor and schedule regular touch points with them, as they can help provide guidance or other assistance when required. You will quickly realize they are human just like you, and the mistakes they made including how they managed through them. Mentors are really like coaches; they help guide and provide support for your success. The best athletes in the world have multiple support teams to help them reach their full potential, and we are no different. Always remember, it’s the people not like us, with differing perspectives and experiences, that helps us grow.
So you know, we are all 'work in progress' so continue to challenge, fail, learn and evolve.