College stress is inevitable, but can be made better

One of the unavoidable side effects of college life is stress. Whether it comes in the form of extreme exhaustion, moodiness or cravings for less-than-healthy foods, stress in college is inevitable.

Recognizing this unavoidable obstacle is half the battle. The other half comes in learning how to alleviate the signs and symptoms of stress.

Anne Meyer, a psychologist at MU, said incoming freshman are faced with many new adjustments in the first few weeks of school, which can be stressful.

Homesickness is one of the major issues that many students face when beginning their first semester of college.

"It can be easy to want to go home for the weekend" during the first few weeks, Meyer said.

Instead, stay on campus and take advantage of the organizations and student groups available, Meyer suggests. Develop a support system at school.

Also, rather than constantly checking in, "set in a time to keep in touch with home," Meyer said.

In response to other stressful situations, such as trouble with roommates, new roles of responsibility and classes, Meyer advocates exercising and eating right, as well as seeking out new experiences.

"Take the first semester to explore and try new things," Meyer said.

Senior Benjamin Schulz takes a practical approach to stress and advises students to enjoy what they are doing at the moment.

"Don't take things too seriously," Schulz said.