Just like fear, anxiety is an important feeling we have that can stop us from getting into dangerous or unpleasant situations. After all, it helped our civilization survive during ancient times when there were all kinds of hazards everywhere. Nonetheless, this feeling might be harmful, too, especially when your organism is exhausted from permanent stress. Students are at high risk of experiencing anxiety on a daily basis because of academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, social interactions, etc. Therefore, they are in search of effective ways of coping with this feeling.

Academic performance is one of the reasons why anxiety might be an essential part of college life. Stressful exams and tight deadlines for assignments do not give you a chance to relax and breathe out. That is why they often turn to SharkWriter for help when it becomes difficult to manage a heavy workload. It is easy to hire an experienced writer there and manage assignments better and faster. However, it is not the only way to cope with anxiety, of course. Here are some more useful ideas for you.

Get the support you need

Before we get to the tips on how you can cope with anxiety by yourself, it’s crucial to underline the importance of getting professional help when you understand that anxiety is interfering with your studies, work, relationships, and overall quality of life. You can look for mental professionals such as therapists or counselors. For instance, some therapists use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and teach you how to manage your anxiety. Also, you can turn to a medical doctor – a psychiatrist – who can diagnose and treat anxiety. They can also prescribe medication if necessary.

You might have the question of where to look for such support. Many colleges and universities offer counseling services to students, so you can start there. You can also check your insurance plan for a list of in-network mental health providers. Alternatively, you can choose to have virtual therapy sessions with licensed therapists. To find a reliable professional, you can use one of the many online therapy platforms.

Challenge perfectionism

You might not be fond of making mistakes and learning from them, but they are a natural part of learning and growth. Trying to do everything perfectly leads to pressure and stress. There are very few people (if they exist at all) who can learn from the mistakes others make and avoid making their own. Therefore, focus on the process itself, try to enjoy every stage of it, and analyze the results objectively. Everybody makes mistakes, and you are allowed to make them too.

Learn to say No

Avoid overcommitting yourself. The pressure of meeting the expectations of others and the ones you create for yourself can make you rather anxious. It’s normal to change plans and decline responsibilities whenever necessary. Focus on your mental and physical state to make the best possible decisions for yourself. If you feel that there are too many points on your to-do list, cross out some of them and reschedule your appointments.

Connect with others

One of the effective ways to overcome anxious states is to share your feelings with someone you trust. Try building strong relationships with friends, family, and classmates. These are the people who will support you and won’t let you feel isolated, no matter what happens.

Use relaxation and grounding techniques

Techniques like progressive muscle relaxation or yoga can calm your body and mind. Try out different practices to determine the ones that work best for you. On top of that, you can use

grounding techniques – deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, and sensory grounding – to stay present in the moment. Anxiety appears when we run away from the present moment into the future or start thinking about the past. Staying in ‘here and now’ helps you notice the things around you and the situation as they really are, instead of the way you imagine them.

Know your coping mechanisms

You might feel anxious when there is a massive project you have to finish within a short time, especially if it impacts your GPA score. Using effective coping mechanisms will help you get through this process. For instance, you can work on your time management skills to create a realistic schedule with manageable tasks. Also, you can break down those tasks according to your abilities and workload. Create a detailed algorithm to reach your goals, and you will feel less pressure.

Create a healthy daily routine

You will benefit from prioritizing these three things: 8 hours of quality sleep, a balanced diet,  and regular exercise. Your brain needs to have enough time to process the information and relax after a hard working day. Also, your body needs some high-quality fuel to keep you reaching the set goals. Therefore, choose wisely what you eat. Finally, physical activity can help you decrease stress and anxiety levels.

Summing Up

Many factors can lead to increased anxiety levels when you are a student. However, there is always something you can do to improve the mental state you are in. Remember that mental health is as important as physical health. Get professional help when you need it, and use these tips to create a positive environment during your studies.