stress relief tips for college students

Stress Relieving Tips for College Students

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Stress is an inevitable part of life. People juggling several different responsibilities, such as a full-time job, parenthood and schoolwork, are especially prone to experiencing a lot of stress. Stress can perpetuate a vicious cycle that contributes to poor academic performance, which in turn causes you even more distress. If you’re subjected to multiple stressors like academic pressure, relationship problems or financial hardships, you may be tempted to throw in the towel on your academic pursuits. Before you give up on your career advancement goals, consider adopting some stress relieving techniques. A busy schedule can lead to less-than-ideal eating habits. Stress eating, skipping meals or eating processed foods loaded with preservatives and added sugar will drain your energy and lead to unhealthy weight gain. It may seem burdensome or even impossible to set aside a few hours each week for grocery shopping and cooking, but this time investment will help you maintain a sharp mind, even temper and a healthy body. To improve your eating habits, follow a diet rich in lean protein, healthy fats and ample fruits and vegetables. Pulling all-nighters before major exams isn’t uncommon for many students, but it can significantly increase your stress levels. Staying up late is tempting, especially if that’s the only free time you have for yourself, but sleep debt can lead to fatigue, depression and trouble concentrating, all of which will have a negative effect on your academic performance. To get enough rest, aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night and try getting to bed before midnight. Regular exercise isn’t just a way to burn calories and stay in shape. When you’re stressed or tired from prolonged mental activity, exercise can reduce stress levels and help you feel rejuvenated. You don’t have to engage in strenuous workouts to keep stress at bay. Find something you actually enjoy, like yoga, Pilates or walking your dog. Do it three to four times a week for 30 minutes to soothe tension or worry. Your schedule may be filled with many responsibilities and obligations to family members, your employer and professors, but setting aside a few hours per week to do something you like will help you destress and feel fulfilled. This doesn’t have to involve anything complicated or expensive and can be as simple as taking a relaxing bubble bath, working in the garden or volunteering for your favorite nonprofit. Time management is a universally useful skill to hone. However, when you’re in college, poor time management can not only cause you stress but also negatively affect your academic performance. Make sure you know which assignments are due and when and give yourself adequate time to study. Leaving schoolwork for the last minute is never a good idea, as you’re bound to run out of time, miss out on learning and produce subpar work. Use a calendar or planner to write down upcoming assignments and exams so you can prioritize study time on the days leading up to tests or due dates. Going to college can be a lonely and stressful experience. If you’re taking classes online, you may enjoy a flexible schedule, but you may also feel socially isolated, especially if you enjoy interacting with others. Consider reaching out to fellow students and joining a study group to relieve the stress of solitary work. Participating in a study group is an effective way to stay up to date with class assignments, avoid procrastination and exchange valuable ideas and perspectives. If you’re having a particularly tough time dealing with the stress of schoolwork, reach out to your school’s student services to see what kind of resources they have to help you. You may benefit immensely from talking to an academic advisor or mental health professional. At St. Louis College of Health Careers, we offer many to help students succeed in their academic journey. We work closely with each student to ensure they receive the time, mentorship and learning tools they need to keep college stress at bay and become exceptional healthcare professionals. To learn more about our programs, call (866) 529-2070 or .  

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How Exactly Does Financial Aid Work?

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Getting a higher education can be a transformative accomplishment. A college degree from an accredited institution can open doors to fulfilling careers, financial stability and a better life for you and your loved ones. But college can also be pricey, and you may find yourself putting off going to school because of how financially straining it may be. Luckily, post-secondary education isn’t exclusively reserved for wealthy individuals from affluent families. There are many educational institutions offering affordable programs and financial aid opportunities so anyone with a drive for success and a passion for learning can obtain a degree of their choice. There are a variety of financial aid options offered to students to help them pay for college. Students of different ages and backgrounds apply for financial aid when they can’t afford to pay for things like tuition, books, school supplies or boarding out of pocket. Students might also use financial aid to support themselves if they are offered prestigious unpaid internships. Financial aid isn’t limited to student loans. Many schools help students pay for education through grants and scholarships. If you’ve ever applied for financial aid or are planning to apply, you may be wondering about the difference between need-based versus merit-based aid. Need-based financial aid is given to students based on their financial profile, such as family assets, income and expenses. This type of aid can take many forms, including loans, work-study positions and scholarships. Merit-based aid is awarded to students based on their academic performance, such as a good high school GPA or other outstanding academic accomplishments. Typically, to be eligible for merit-based aid, you don’t need to meet any financial requirements. Unlike need-based aid, merit-based financial assistance is given in the form of scholarships or grants that don’t need to be paid back. Many colleges and universities, including St. Louis College of Health Careers, offer some type of student aid. At SLCHC, we connect students to , including student loans, grants and student employment. There are two primary ways to apply for financial aid. Firstly, students are encouraged to complete the (FAFSA), which is sponsored by the U.S Department of Education. Completing this form doesn’t guarantee financial assistance but it’s the only way to determine if you are eligible to receive federal aid or state assistance and how much money you qualify for. If you’re planning to apply for federal aid, be sure to fill out your FAFSA as soon as October 1, but no later than June 30, which is the federal deadline to submit your application. You can also submit a College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) if your school of choice uses it as part of their financial aid process. The CSS Profile is used mainly by private colleges and universities to award nonfederal aid. The application is maintained by the and becomes available online on October 1 each year. The deadlines depend on the school or program you’re applying for. Generally, grants and scholarships are considered gifts, therefore you don’t have to pay them back. Conversely, federal and private loans need to be repaid. The repayment process for federal loans begins after a student has graduated, with a grace period of up to six months. Many private loans need to be repaid during the academic year. Are you interested in a career in the healthcare field but you’re questioning whether you can afford pursuing a degree? At St. Louis College of Health Careers, we offer a variety of affordable resources. Our goal is to provide an education to people from diverse walks of life, regardless of what their financial situation may be. To learn more about our programs and how we can assist you financially in your educational journey, call (866) 529-2070 or .