Introduction
Feeling stressed out has become more common in this modern age, where the challenges and adjustments required of an individual have increased. This paper is meant for college students and addresses the aspects of stress that are meaningful to them.
Stress and its Implications for College Students
We may believe that stress has only psychological relevance, but the perspective of psychologists is that stress is the physiological and psychological reaction of an individual to a condition that poses a threat calling for some kind of adaptation or adjustment. This is why stress has both physical and emotional components and can affect the health of the individual. The origins of stress can be traced to the fight-or-flight response in any individual.
Such a perspective of stress may give rise to the impression that stress factors are severe. However it is not the significant events in the life of a more stressful individual, but the small problems and hassles that we face in our daily activities. For college students, such small problems and hassles arise from their academic responsibilities, expectations, and interaction with their colleagues. A look at the ten most common causes of stress in college students confirms that stress in college students arises from simple problems and hassles. These ten most common causes of stress among college students are worried about the future; lack of sufficient sleep; time wastage; inconsiderate smokers; physical appearance; too much to do; misplacing or losing things; insufficient time to complete requirements; worries about expectations; and loneliness.
These causes can be translated into the simple failure experiences during the time spent at college and the lack of making the required adjustments. Let’s take the case of physical appearance and loneliness. The more physically attractive friends may find it easy to find a college partner, and this leads to the belief that only if one is physically attractive, does one get a partner. This leads to brooding and loneliness. Instead if one were to take a more positive attitude that it is not just physical looks that bring a partner and the right one will come along, then the stress factor goes away. This brings us to the matter of choice of right action in adjustment to the situation to avoid physical and emotional stress.
Let us take another example in making the right adjustment to avoid stress. Most often submission of assignments on time is a hassle, for the time that has been available for it has been wasted and everything has to be done at the last moment. Besides the lack of time, there is also the worry of getting good grades. This stressful condition can be avoided by a little better responsibility and time management. Yes we all love a good time and we do need it, but let not the having of a good time give rise to stress later. Instead, it is better to choose to complete the assignment work during the week and the early weekend, and then have a good time with the remaining time in the weekend, which leaves one without stress at the beginning of the new week.
There may be occasions when stress factors eat deep into one. To get away from it choose to do the things one likes. This may involve playing a game, or going to a movie with friends, and the like. The issue here is that the time spent in such an activity removes the stress factor and gives a new spirit to the individual. In essence, choosing an adjustment that removes stress makes it easier on college students.
Conclusion
Stress occurs to an individual in various walks of life to the detriment of their health. Stress occurs from small problems and hassles calling for adjustment. College students also experience stress from several simple problems. By choosing the right adjustment, college students can avoid stress and have a more meaningful academic life.
Works Cited
Health and Stress.