Alternative Healing Practices for Managing Stress in College

College life can be stimulating in many ways, but it is also full of stressful situations. Following deadlines, taking exams, and balancing all these academic commitments with social activities can be exhausting.

We can’t run away from stress, it is a natural part of life. But what we can learn is how to manage it effectively. This is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health.

What can really be helpful, and many students are recognizing this, is to engage in alternative healing practices to help manage the pressures of college life.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the techniques that offer a holistic approach to stress relief and help achieve relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care.

Research on Student Stress: Understanding the Causes and Solutions

Schools, colleges, and campuses around the world are recognizing stress among students as a growing concern. The pressure of academic education is intensifying, and students are faced with mental health challenges that can have a lasting effect on their well-being.

Fortunately, research on student stress analyses and reveals both the causes of stress and the mechanisms that can help alleviate it. By better understanding the factors that lead to anxiety among students, academic institutions are already introducing programs and resources to support their scholars in effective stress management.

The Root Causes of Student Stress

There are many sources and various situations that lead to student stress. Research has identified several key factors as the main cause of the heightened pressure that students experience during their academic journeys.

Academic Pressure

In the first place, we can speak of academic pressure. This is a multi-layered factor, combining different psychological and mental aspects. Pursuit of high grades, accumulating achievements, meeting deadlines, and preparing for exams, creates a high-stakes environment that can be overwhelming.

Studies show that students in highly competitive academic settings experience elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout. The constant need to perform well academically can lead to feelings of inadequacy, exhaustion, and fear of failure.

To make their work easier, some students are looking for help through different technological solutions or online services.

For example, almost all students who do not use the write my essay services from the Edubirdie website have primary stress from studying. Using such auxiliary services is primarily about taking care of a healthy psychological approach to learning.

Financial Strain

The pressure of not having enough money to cover the costs of studying and living while studying is another major contributor to student stress. Many students are burdened with student loans, tuition fees, and living expenses.

This financial stress can interfere with their academic focus and cause additional anxiety. While taking on a part-time job can seem like a good solution, research indicates that students who work part-time jobs while attending school may experience even higher levels of stress. The job comes as an additional obligation that needs to be balanced alongside their study and social obligations.

Social and Peer Pressure

Then there is social pressure. You have to fit in with your peers, manage relationships, and participate in extracurricular activities. Even if it might seem that the omnipresent students are the most popular, over-engagement can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety.

A healthy balance has to be found.

Studies now show that students who struggle with social anxiety and find it hard to form pristine social connections may suffer from increased stress levels.

Additionally, concerns about body image, self-esteem, and maintaining a social life can further contribute to overall stress.

Life Transitions

For many students, the transition from high school to college can present a stressful process. There are many challenges in this transition: adjusting to the new academic demands, living away from home, changing friends, and dealing with increased independence. This process can be emotionally taxing, and many students struggle with feelings of homesickness, loneliness, anxiety, and uncertainty about their future.

Real Healing Practices That Students Can Use

So, let’s now address the core of this article and try to provide some solutions that can help combat and manage stress. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular methods that are also very effective.

Mindfulness Meditation

Explained in simple words, mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment and being fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, you will learn to calm your mind, stop overthinking, and relax in the present moment.

The best thing for college students is that mindfulness can be practiced anywhere. You can take five minutes off between classes or make a bit longer session before bed.

In today’s technological world, there are plenty of apps available, such as Headspace or Calm, that guide you through short sessions.

Research shows that even a few minutes of mindfulness practice can reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and increase emotional resilience.

Yoga

We talk about yoga a lot on this website, and we can not go by without mentioning it in this article. Yoga is another excellent alternative healing practice for college students. Combining physical postures with mindful breathing, it is a kind of active meditation that relieves stress in both the body and the mind.

Physically, yoga can help release tension in areas where stress often manifests, such as the shoulders, neck, and back.

Many campuses offer yoga classes, but you can also find independent tutors, and there are also numerous online platforms with beginner-friendly videos.

If you practice yoga regularly, you will sleep better, have more energy, and generally feel much better. It also offers a supportive social environment and a way to connect with like-minded individuals.

The Psychological and Physical Effects of Stress

Now, let’s take a look at some of the aspects of stress that we want to avoid.

Stress affects both the mind and the body. Being exposed to stress for a long time can be devastating. Research has identified several psychological and physical consequences of chronic stress among students.

Mental Health Issues

One of the most concerning effects of stress is its impact on mental health. According to research, prolonged stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.

Because of the already mentioned aspects, college students who are transitioning in their mental, social, and physical roles are especially vulnerable to mental health challenges.

Many students report feeling constantly on edge, unable to relax or unwind. In severe cases, untreated stress can lead to burnout and academic disengagement.

Physical Health Problems

The effects of stress that first appear on the mental level can develop into physical problems. Studies show that stress can weaken the immune system, making you more exposed to illnesses like colds, flu, and other infections.

Chronic stress can also result in sleep disturbances or even insomnia, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and fatigue.

The physical toll of stress is significant, as it impacts a student’s ability to focus and perform academically.

Impaired Cognitive Function

Research shows that the combined effects of stress can negatively affect cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

When students experience high levels of stress, they become distracted, and their minds are scattered. This impairs the ability to concentrate, process information, and learn effectively. In turn, this leads to frustration and failure, as coursework becomes a struggle instead of a stimulative process.

Additional Practices

Besides the aforementioned yoga and mindfulness meditation, there are additional techniques you might find useful if you find yourself in such unwanted situations.

Aromatherapy

Activating your sense of smell through the use of essential oils derived from plants is a very effective method that promotes emotional and physical well-being.

Scents like lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus have very calming and soothing effects.

Essential oils can be used in various forms, from diffusers to roll-on bottles. Just make sure you are using natural oils and not artificial scents.

When you train your mind to relax through the medium of scent, a few drops of lavender oil before a big exam or while studying will help you calm down and improve focus.

Similarly, peppermint oil can be invigorating, enhancing energy levels and alertness during study sessions.

Acupuncture

While Acupuncture might sound invasive, it is really not. This is an ancient Chinese healing practice in which a skilled practitioner uses fine needles and inserts them to the meridian points in your body. This affects and balances energy flow, promoting relaxation and reducing pain.

It might seem intimidating at first, but it’s a popular treatment for stress relief.

Many students seek acupuncture to assist them in getting through the hard times caused by long hours of studying. College campuses sometimes have on-site practitioners. If not, you can surely find a local acupuncture clinic that offers student discounts.

Sound Healing

Sound healing, or sound therapy, involves using sound frequencies to promote relaxation and healing.

This method uses certain sounds, such as gongs, singing bowls, or tuning forks, to influence the body’s vibrations. Sound sessions, whether live or online are designed to bring you into a relaxed state, release stress and restore balance.

Incorporating sound therapy into your daily routine could be as simple as listening to calming music or participating in a sound bath session.

Herbal Remedies

Using herbal remedies for healing and balancing mental and physical well-being is a centuries-old practice.

The most well-known herbs that promote relaxation are chamomile, valerian root, ashwagandha, and passionflower. These herbs can be taken in various forms, such as teas, capsules, or tinctures.

For students looking for natural ways to combat anxiety, a cup of chamomile tea before bed may help calm the mind and promote restful sleep.

Nowadays a very popular plant is Ashwagandha. This is an adaptogenic herb that helps reduce stress and elevate energy.

However, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before introducing new supplements into your routine, as some herbs may interact with medications.

Massage Therapy

Who doesn’t love a massage? Massage therapy is an excellent way to relieve muscle tension and promote full-body relaxation.

Whether it’s a deep tissue massage or a more gentle Swedish (classic) massage, the benefits of massage supersede the mere physical relaxation. It is acknowledged that deep physical relaxation induced by massage lowers the cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress.

Many college towns have massage therapy centers that offer student discounts or package deals.

Alternatively, some students use self-massage techniques or handheld devices like foam rollers to target tight muscles. If all this is unavailable, you can also ask your partner, a roommate, or a friend to give you a massage.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a form of energy-movement practice that focuses on slow, deliberate movements and controlled breathing.

It is often called “meditation in motion,” and it’s highly effective for reducing stress, enhancing mental clarity, and improving balance and flexibility.

Similar to mindfulness or yoga, Tai Chi focuses on controlled breathing and movement to calm the mind and induce physical relaxation.

This gentle practice can be a great way to unwind after a stressful day of studying.

Colleges often offer Tai Chi classes, or students can find instructional videos online. Tai Chi can be practiced indoors or outdoors, so it can be a great option for college students who want to manage stress in a calming and focused manner.

Summary and Conclusion

We’ve learned and experienced that college life, the best part of life for many people, also comes with its many challenges. Especially in contemporary times, it is essential to find effective ways to manage stress during college years. Let’s summarize what we’ve learned.

If you are a student combating stress, we hope that you enjoyed reading this article and are ready to try some of the techniques we described.

By taking on these practices will not only help you relax and combat anxiety, but it might pave a road to a holistic approach to health, supporting the mind, body, and spirit in future.

Whether through physical relaxation, mental focus, or emotional support, alternative healing practices can present firm ground and support that will help you navigate the stresses of academic life and beyond.