Stress VS Social Life at University

Samudraki's Saturdays

When you think of college life you think of all the fun activities, social clubs, international friends and wild dorm parties, you know just like in the movies? So did I! To some extent I feel like my college life is quite similar. BUT there's something they don't show you or openly talk about. Stress and Anxiety caused by keeping your grades up while trying to have a social life. That perfect will balance will never happen, so sorry to rain on your parade but that's the harsh truth from yours truly a Dutchie.  You're probably wondering that I have it all figured out and that's why I am able to write this blog, but trust me I'm far from being sorted even after 3 years  - and that's OKAY! My anxiety is so bad that I've developed serious health problems, but to cope with it I tried to find my own way out. It will take time and some things might or might not work for you. It's your own journey and I'm sure you'll be able to strike a better balance after reading what I did. 

#1 Getting Organised

I am someone who get's super anxious when I don't know what's going to happen during the week and I would keep making notes on my phone till the point where I would run out of space! The thought of writing down things and maintaining a diary seemed like a very dated idea for our millennial fast-paced lives. Then my friend introduced me to bullet journalling and how she uses it to plan her things in a way that suits her needs. I started off with a regular notebook as I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I mean I am anyways so busy with keeping up class work and making a planner with my own sections would only take up more of my time. I even wished that I would have just bought a regular one with sections pre-made for me. But I thought, let's give it try before dismissing the idea completely. 

Overtime we started sharing our 'spreads' to each other and following other BuJoers on Instagram for inspiration. I would make themes for each month, and every time I would make the journal at the beginning of the month I would realise that some sections and trackers were either missing or not necessarily helpful for me. It slowly became a thing of its own and a creative outlet too, especially when class was boring. Now I don't leave the house without my trusted planner as I've become a compulsive scheduler! However planning is always good, but I still struggle with the execution part because it's become such a stress busters with all the doodles and colors, making it a fun process to organise my activities. I used it to manage my sports, classes and social commitments by making dedicated pages to a monthly calendar, weekly spreads, goals for the week and alot more! Once you start using this system you'll be fully equipped to tackle your busy days. Hopefully now you won't suffer from assignment deadlines amnesia, haha. 

#2 Picking Up A New Hobby

You're super busy with assignments, tests, labs and exam preparations so now you ask, 'How do I find time for a new hobby?' There are 24 hours in the day of which let's say you're on campus for 8 hours due to classes. Then you head on over to the library and stay there till closing time right? Don't do that! There's so many hours still left in the day to do so many things. In between classes you have a spare window pick up a sport or join a club that operates at that time. I'm sure you can take out one hour between the transfer from classes to the library for a new hobby. Take up something new which will excite you but at the same time relax you enough before you start your next study session. I swear by swimming for hour after classes. The water relaxes the body from the whole day's stress and the laps you swim give you the adrenaline needed to sustain the next study session. Also, you automatically feel hungry after any kind of exercise which means you won't be skipping meals either. This is a win-win situation for your health, mind and body! You can also do non-sporting activities such as an art class or join a debate club which engages other parts of your brain, giving a break to your thoughts.

#3 Monthly Meetings with Friends to Discuss Frustrations

When you feel like academic stress is too much to handle that's when you need to talk to someone. The best people are your classmates to rant to, and dump all your frustrations. At the end of the day you are all in the same boat, facing similar problems. You might say 'I am not be comfortable talking my your classmates because fear of failure or of being judged', then what? Well, then talk to your friends from different faculties, your juniors and even your seniors. Your seniors will give you a reality check and stop you from overthinking till the point of madness. Your friends from other faculties will share problems that you might not have even heard of and which might make you feel lighter. Lastly, your juniors will be complaining of the extensive coursework which you can now laugh at as you are done and dusted with that chapter of your university life. If you still feel like you can't talk to any one there are a bunch of helplines that you SHOULD make use of. Study advisors can be your best friends in hard times and might be able to guide you better because of their experiences. Hang in there buddy, everything will be alright soon!

#4 Going Out On Dates

Don't be shocked! When I mean dates it can be with your small group of friends too. The word 'date' shouldn't be reserved just for romantic outings. The idea here is to get those endorphines racing because of the excitement you get when you're getting ready for a date. Meeting new people and having a cocktail night is always a good way to get your social life going. It also takes off the nerves from schoolwork momentarily and allows you to have a good time. The happy hormones comes rolling in because us humans are obsessed with presenting our best selves out to the public. Girls have a fun time getting ready together, doing each other's make up, choosing outfits or even a girl's night in pyjama's and facemasks with lots of gossip. Boys have a blast playing drinking games, having FIFA battles and sometimes even they like to indulge in a bit of gossip. Your secret is out boys, sorry!

#5 Zen Time At Home

This tip has been given and reiterated hundreds of times by my darling mother to BREATHE. For some people zen time means meditation and so many students say that it has helped them, but frankly I just fall asleep or get bored or get heavily distracted. But meditation isn't the only way! You find your kind of zen time. It can be catching up on TV shows, finally reading that book that's been collecting dust on your shelves, dancing in your room, bathroom singing, or just taking a big fat nap after classes. You do you. Find that thing that relaxes you at the end of the day, unwind with a glass of wine or a beer, kick your feet up and just listen to music, aromatherapy with scented candles, the list is endless. Once you find for what works for you, make it a part of your daily routine so that you sleep with a big smile plastered across your face. Stay happy and you'll strike your balance instantaneously.

Lastly, I hope you guys liked this blog. Don't feel like you're missing out if you're busy with assignments as there are so many open windows where you can actually accommodate all those activities that you've wanted to do. It all boils down to how you split up your day. Don't rush to the library right after classes and give yourself that chance to live the movie-like college experience. You never get these years back again, so make the most of it! I hope these few pointers help you figure out your perfect balance. So, what clubs/activities are you a part of at your university? Let me know in the comment section below!

XO, Samudraki