When summer comes to an end and students realize they are, once again, face to face with the responsibilities of being a college student, it’s normal to become overwhelmed. There will, undoubtedly, be a number of new responsibilities in the weeks to come. Costly textbooks will need to be ordered, homework assignments begin to pile up, and midterms will creep up on us far sooner than we expect. Summer quickly comes to an end and we are forced back into the same jam-packed daily routine.

 

Every student is subject to his or her own unique stresses, and everyone has separate expectations that control how their daily schedules need to operate. This can, inevitably, have a toll on the mental health of college students. The expectations of receiving good grades, being involved, keeping up with the social scene, balancing academics with a part time job, and so much more all attribute to the common feeling of exhaustion, stress, and being entirely overwhelmed. Far more college students relate to these feelings than most realize. 

 

In fact, according to the American College Health Association, 87.4 percent of students feel “Overwhelmed by all they have to do”, 84.3 percent feel “Exhausted  from factors not relating to physical activity”, and 63.4 percent of college students suffer from “Overwhelming anxiety.” While there may not be an automatic fix to these challenges, there are many activities students can incorporate into their day that not only benefit their mental wellness but could improve their academic year as well. Operating under a regimented schedule of many hours in the library, or long nights spent confined to a bedroom desk, are not the only options for succeeding in one’s goals this year. A key factor in achieving goals is responding well to pressure, and recent studies show that when students find time to include activities into their daily schedule, such as yoga, meditation, or a few minutes outside surrounded by nature, their ability to handle everyday stress and responsibilities increases, as well as their mental health.

 

Luckily for us at Penn State Altoona, yoga, meditation, and a little bit of time spent in the great outdoors are all easily accessible. Some may wonder how to fit time spent outside into an already very busy schedule, but the answer is easy. According to Harvard Health Publishing, the official website for Harvard Medical School, making seemingly simple choices, such as choosing to do your homework at one of the tables outside instead of in a dorm room, grabbing lunch ToGo and taking 15 mins to sit outside and eat in the sun instead of inside PortSky, or taking a walk around campus surrounded by all the beautiful nature, all have significant influences on mood and concentration. A closeness to green-space, spending time in the sun, and being exposed to the natural environment are all associated with mental health benefits, such as lower stress levels and reducing the symptomology for depression and anxiety.

It is easy to create a habit of studying in a dorm room, or watching Netflix as a way to destress – but the students who do these things should think again. The positive effects of choosing to go outside are infinite. Not only will it lead to a more calm and collected state of mind, research shows that spending as little as 5 minutes outside will cause stress levels to lower, and brain activity to increase. As a result, creativity and ability to focus increases, making the individual a better and healthier student. At PSU Altoona, it doesn’t require a long hike or weekend trip to the beach in order to reap the benefits that mother nature has to offer!

For the students who could benefit from some zen time, Penn State Altoona has just the right thing. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, Yoga is offered at the Adler complex for free. Clear the mind, reduce stress, and escape into an hour and 15 minutes of stress-free environment. And when it’s over, the effects will continue to be felt. The benefits of yoga will last long past the time spent in the studio, and may increase academic performance as well. It has been shown that using the deep breathing and concentration exercises that are emphasized in yoga can improve concentration when reading, studying, or sitting through lectures. Click here to save yourself a spot in the class today.

College is far from easy, and there is a lot to balance when you’re a student at Penn State. Finding the smallest amount of time throughout the day to focus on mental health will improve a variety of aspects in your life, and the attempt to relieve the inevitable anxiety and pressure that comes with being a college student does not have to be restricted to the library or dorm room! So, find some time to soak up the sun, enjoy an evening yoga class, take a walk around the campus, or study outside – it could improve your whole day, benefit your week, and change the rest of your college experience!