Stress management begins before you even set foot in the classroom.

As well as opportunities designed to help manage stress while enrolled in a college program, it’s important to remember that stress management in this setting begins before you ever set foot on campus. The mental toll of applying to college can be incredibly demanding. This is especially true for students who aren’t quite sure what they want to study yet or where they want to attend.

Speaking with college admissions counselors is a great way to make sense of all the options that lie before you. Admissions counselors offer a wealth of knowledge on virtually every topic related to the college classroom and in finding success in your studies. They help students every day to craft personal statements, tweak resumes, and meet deadlines when applying to dream schools.

Do breathing exercises to easily incorporate lasting impacts.

There are a number of breathing exercises that can be helpful in managing stress and anxiety while in college. One simple exercise is to inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, and exhale for four seconds. Repeat this exercise a few times. Another exercise is to focus on your breath and count each inhale and exhale. This can help you to focus your mind and manage your emotions.

Try some frequent mediation.

There is no one right way to meditate, as people can approach it in different ways depending on what works best for them. However, there are a few key things that are usually involved in the practice of meditation. Firstly, you must find a quiet place where you can relax without being disturbed. It can be helpful to find a comfortable position to sit in, such as sitting cross-legged on the floor or sitting in a chair with both feet flat on the ground. Then, focus on your breath and begin to slow it down. This can be done by counting each inhale and exhale, or by focusing on the sensation of the breath moving in and out of the body.

It’s important to let go of any other thoughts or distractions that may come up and to simply focus on the breath. Some people find that meditating for a certain amount of time each day (such as 10-15 minutes) helps them to get the most out of the practice. However, it’s important to do what works best for you and not get discouraged if you find it difficult to meditate at first. With time and practice, it can become easier and more beneficial.

A college degree can unlock many incredible doors for you and your future. Earning your degree can boost your salary expectations for life. Indeed, degree holders make more money every year than those who opted to skip out on a college education, on average.

Consider these approaches to stress management as you look to gain valuable experience and credentials that will stick with you for life.