Home Page

by CampusESP | Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

College is an exciting time full of new opportunities, independence, and personal growth. However, it also brings a unique set of challenges that often cause stress among students. Academic pressures, social adjustments, financial concerns, and balancing multiple responsibilities can all contribute to a heightened stress level. Families play a crucial role in supporting their college students through these challenges. Here are 8 steps to helping your student manage stress:

1. Open Lines of Communication

Effective communication is the foundation for providing the necessary support. Encourage open, honest conversations where your college student feels safe discussing their challenges and feelings. Avoid being judgmental or dismissive, and instead, listen actively. Validating their experiences and showing empathy can help build their confidence in handling stress.

2. Encourage Healthy Living

Promoting healthy habits is essential. Encourage regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. These contribute substantially to mental well-being and stress reduction. You can even engage in family activities when your student is home, like hiking or cooking a healthy meal together, to reinforce these habits.

3. Help Them Stay Organized

College life can be overwhelming with multiple deadlines and responsibilities. Help your student develop organizational skills, such as effective time management and prioritization. Introduce tools like planners, digital calendars, or organizational apps to keep track of assignments and commitments. Offer tips on setting realistic goals and breaking large tasks into manageable steps.

4. Promote a Balanced Lifestyle

While academics are important, it's crucial to maintain a balance between work and relaxation. Encourage your student to take breaks, engage in recreational activities, and maintain a social life. Help them understand the importance of leisure and how engaging in hobbies can be a healthy outlet for stress relief.

5. Be Mindful of Financial Stress

Financial concerns can be a significant source of stress for college students. Engage in candid conversations about budgeting and financial planning. Consider offering support through budgeting tips or helping them find ways to manage expenses effectively. Many college campus also offer financial literacy programming through resources like a Student Success Center. Encourage your student to seek out these resources and learn from their peers and campus mentors about effective budgeting. You can also guide your student towards scholarships, work-study programs, or part-time jobs that can ease their financial burden. Many students don't think to continue searching for scholarships beyond their first year of college, but there are plenty out there for continuing students!

6. Encourage Professional Help When Needed

Sometimes, professional intervention is necessary to manage stress effectively. Encourage your student to utilize campus resources such as counseling centers, stress management workshops, or mental health hotlines. Normalize seeking professional help and support them in finding appropriate services if needed.

7. Build a Strong Support Network

A sense of belonging and support can significantly ease a student's stress. Help your college student maintain strong connections with family and friends and encourage them to build a network within their college community. Remind them that they are not alone in their journey and that support is just a call away.

8. Be Patient and Understanding

Transitioning to college is a significant life change, and adapting takes time. Persisting through an entire college career to graduation is also a significant accomplishment, and can become increasingly challenging as students go deeper into their major. Managing stress is something your student will need to do all through college and, as you know, for the rest of their life! Be patient as your student navigates each new phase of the college journey. Offer encouragement, celebrate their achievements, and provide reassurance that stress is a normal part of life, especially in times of transition.