10 Things College Students Should Do to Stay in Balance

These simple everyday tips can help you on your journey to mental and emotional wellness.

1. Rest. Listen, we know you’re working on tight deadlines and have plenty of due dates - but getting enough sleep each night is a necessity. Try to commit to 8 hours a night. If you can’t get in a full 8 hours, see if you can schedule some time for a midday nap. 
2. Eat right. Believe it or not, an unhealthy diet can actually increase your stress levels. When you eat healthily, you prepare your body to fight stress. You should also try to reduce your caffeine intake - high doses can increase anxiety. This may be a hard task especially if you put yourself into a position where you need a few all-nighters, but you can always start again the next day by going for one less caffeine boost.. NJIT’s Gourmet Dining Services has plenty to offer, along with nearby off-campus restaurants.
3. Reach out to friends and family. Receiving support from your family or your friends can get you through some pretty stressful times. Studies have shown that spending time with family, friends or loved ones can help reduce stress and anxiety, lead to a healthier lifestyle and lengthen your life.
4. Write. Journaling can be relaxing - it can help your brain dump your anxieties, fears and feelings! It also allows you to collect your thoughts to self-reflect on any stressful situations. You can download the Journey app or one like it to help you get started on journaling.
5. Join a club. During stressful times, you may start to feel lonely. Getting involved with groups or clubs around our campus can be a great way to combat this feeling. It may be a weird feeling to put yourself out there at first, but someone you meet may end up being a lifelong friend. You can find a full list of clubs and organizations to join here. 
6. Exercise. Exercise is one of the most important activities in combating stress. NJIT has several exercise facilities, including an indoor track, pool, and a soccer field to keep your blood flowing. Research shows that people who exercise regularly are less likely to experience anxiety than those who don’t. Take a break from   homework to go for a jog on the track or to lift some weights and then get back to your books.
7. Interact with a pet. Come on, who wouldn’t want to do this anyway? But in all seriousness, it’s proven that hanging out with a pet promotes a positive mood. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, it may be time to take your dog for a walk or cuddle on the couch with your kitten. If you live on campus and don’t have a pet nearby, keep an eye out for “Pet a Puppy” days held by many organizations on campus.
8. Listen to your favorite songs. Music can have a beneficial effect on our physiological functions, slowing the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the levels of stress and hormones. Next time you’re feeling stressed, listen to your favorite playlist. Need some playlist inspiration? Check out NJIT’s Spotify profile!
9. Light a candle. Some scents of candles can be extremely soothing. The most calming scents are lavender, rose, bergamot, orange or orange blossom and sandalwood. For those living in NJIT dorms where you can’t light a candle - a diffuser with essential oils is also highly recommended.
10. Know your resources. The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (C-CAPS) provides safe, non-judgmental and confidential services that include individual and group counseling and workshops. The Center for Student Success includes Advising Success Center, Disability Support Services, and The Learning Center.