By: Maria Pascucci, Founder & President, Campus Calm
School’s about to start. You have books to read, tests to study for, papers to write, and a job on the side. You can’t afford to miss class, or work. You don’t have time to get sick.
The reality is college students get sick. We become stressed out by all our academic, work and life commitments, skimp on sleep, fill up on junk food and then when our compromised immune systems brush by some germs – well – pass the tissues. Luckily, there are ways to keep our energy levels up and our immune systems strong, able to ward off stress and fight infection. If you’re a college student leader who wants to keep healthy for back to school, practice these 10 affirmations to calm college student stress:
1. I allow myself enough sleep each night to fully rest my body, recharge my batteries and support my immune system so I get to wake up feeling energized and excited to start my day.
2. I will exercise my body in ways that I enjoy, even if that means squeezing in a 20-minute walk after school or work.
3. I will pay attention to my emotions and find positive ways to calm my mind & body down when I’m stressed. I will try deep breathing, yoga or I’ll call a friend up and do something fun!
4. I will follow my intuition about what’s right for my future and not be swayed by the expectations and demands of others.
5. Before I say “yes” (again) to something or someone, I will ask myself, “Is this new task in alignment with my goals? Will saying ‘yes’ make me happy? What will I have to sacrifice if I say ‘yes’ to this new activity?” Be honest and don’t be afraid to put your own needs first every now and then!
6. I will be grateful for the body I was born with, taking time to appreciate its unique wonder. I will stand proud knowing that I am able to judge my own body by my standards, not by unrealistic media/advertiser standards.
7. Sometimes, I will leap before I look, take chances and give my dreams the chance to come true.
8. I will stop worrying about the future and start living right in the present. Really, really LIVING. Day by day, taking a moment to appreciate things just the way they are. I will make college & careers about learning and relationship building instead of stressing over every individual grade, review and résumé builder – a flawless résumé means nothing if I’m burned out and unhappy on the inside!
9. I will nourish my body with healthy, whole foods, which will give me more energy, strength and endurance to live life to the fullest. I will remember that eating healthy is not about looking good in my jeans, but about how it makes me feel inside and out.
10. I will remember to go easy on myself and to embrace my mistakes as learning opportunities. After all, I’m fabulously human and am allowed MANY moments of imperfection.
With love,
