The in between stages are always the hardest to deal with. That transitioning period, when nothing is certain and anything can happen. That is exactly what it is like to be in your twenties. On the threshold between teenage freedom and the pressures of adulthood. You are hit with a slew of problems that you feel unequipped to deal with and yet you are told that the only way to function safely in society is if you basically get your shit together within the four years that you are toiling away at your chosen university. Everything is new. Everything is exciting. And yes, everything is CSI: Miami level stressful. But have no fear, there are way to deal with the stressors of life as a 20 year old.
Money
Everyone who has been in college has been faced with the dreaded 0 in their bank balance. The reaction of a college student to this number is essentially that of a murder witness. Utter. Blood curdling. Terror. College students need that money for groceries, school supplies, necessary drugs. But in all seriousness, money is a stressor for almost everyone. The answer to most stressors is to take action. Apply everywhere, call them back the next day. Walk into the store and speak directly to the manager. You may not get hired, but just feeling like you are doing something about your situation can be very comforting. In the meantime, mooching off your parents never hurt anybody,
Homework
The ultimate stressor. And it’s not just schoolwork if you are truly trying to make a success of yourself. It is internships, networking, extra curriculars. Anything that bleeds out of the ice cold classroom where it should be locked safely away and out of sight. When most people get stressed, a ritual ensues: stare blankly at your computer, cry and go on Facebook. DON’T. The only way to stop the stress, is to get it done. You don’t have to get everything done at once. Spread it over the course of a few days. Prioritize and make yourself a schedule. And then, get it done. You can cry and go on Facebook once you are done writing that paper.
Boys or girls
…or whoever you regularly wish was cuddled up next to you right now. They are stressful. Especially in college, when every relationship is analyzed as per “Are we going to eventually break up or get married”? Whether they are keeping you waiting on their next text or overthinking their every response, a great deal of stress is being produced because of this person. What you need to do? Delete their number from your phone. That way you can’t constantly text them. If they are worth you time, they will text you. Delete their number, cancel your plans with them, and go out and get drunk with your girlfriends. Nothing is more empowering than making them wish they were where you are. Make them work for it. Make them earn their spot in your bed.
Health
Being healthy in college is difficult, expensive and ultimately stressful. You don’t have time to cook, you don’t have money to buy good food and you are often too tired to exercise. Stop there. Make the time to exercise. Get up an hour earlier everyday to go for a run. If you don’t have time to cook, make an easy meal. A simple salad takes 2 seconds and doesn’t have to be boring if you add in some walnuts, juicy cranberries and low fat dressing. It doesn’t have to be expensive either thanks to Trader Joes, the bulk God of healthy groceries. Being healthy takes effort but is so worth it in the end.
Future
Nothing will terrify your average college student more than thinking about the future. Will you get the job? Will you find “the one”? Will you be happy? The answer is yes. You will be happy. Maybe you won’t get the job you expected. Maybe you won’t get married and will be a fabulous cougar who dyes their hair blue and yells at cats. The future is enigmatic and endless and usually nowhere near as scary as you may fear. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride kittens. The future is sure to be sexcellent.
