by Heather Harris

Created on: August 11, 2009   Last Updated: August 12, 2009

Throw a young adult in a world of their own filled with equally new and exciting possibilities and responsibilities and you have created the perfect blender for concocting a stressed out, over-extended person.

College is not only a time to learn, study and garner an education, but also the prime time for socializing, starting a love life and beginning and ending friendships. This combination of serious scholarly pursuits and socializing can leave even an upperclassman in the throes of tension.

The changes and demands of college are many. From getting up and out on your own and to class on time, to making the hundredth social scene of the semester, college kids wander around in a haze of getting to and from many activities. Adopting a strategy of tried and true stress relievers, time management skills and prioritizing can help those in college from achieving the status of academic burnout.

College students need to set realistic goals. For example, if they are not morning people then they shouldn't schedule a class at 8:00 a.m. This will only lead to many missed classes, close calls and possible failure. Know your limitations and personality and try to fit your class schedule accordingly. You won't always get your first pick of schedules but try your hardest to set up classes you need during times when you're at your best.

Sleep, the non-goal of the college student. Instead of an all-night party, talk session or study cram every night, set aside time for sleep. It is one of the best ways to restore your body from stress and tension. It is all too tempting to be led into yet another activity taking place too late at night. Skip one and I promise 100 more offers will soon follow. For every night you get more than 7 hours of consistent rest, you will increase your alertness, ability to perform and overall disposition by a great margin.

Try to maintain a healthy diet. It's far easier to walk to the snack machine one floor down for a bag of Cheetos and a soft drink than across campus for a proper hot lunch, but your body can't run on junk alone. A good strategy is to enlist a group of your friends and agree to meet for lunch everyday in the cafeteria at a specific time and keep it. You will be able to catch up on all the goings-on, while at the same time ingesting something not bright orange or full of sugar.

Above all try to find a way to balance having fun while being productive. Class and chaos can go hand in hand from time to time, but find ways to unwind and relax in between your responsibilities.

Learn more about this author, Heather Harris.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.