Stress management for students at campus hostels and boarding schools

Living at campus hostels or boarding schools away from home may be both thrilling and difficult for students. While it provides students with freedom and the opportunity to try new things, it also introduces a number of pressures that can have an impact on their mental and emotional health. As a result, learning stress management skills becomes critical for students transitioning through this stage of their lives.

To begin, creating a schedule may greatly reduce stress. Structured timetables help students properly manage their time by balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and personal leisure. Incorporating activities such as meditation or yoga into their daily routine may also help them relax and clear their mind. Keeping a healthy lifestyle is important for stress management. Regular exercise not only improves physical health but also produces endorphins, which are natural stress relievers. Proper nutrition is equally vital since it gives the energy required to meet academic and social responsibilities. Adequate sleep is sometimes disregarded, although it is critical for cognitive performance and emotional stability. By prioritizing these components of self-care, students may better cope with the hardships of hostel living.

Another excellent method is to create a strong support network. Developing connections with other students and interacting with mentors or counsellors can give emotional support during challenging times. Sharing experiences and seeking advice from peers who understand the difficulties of hostel life may be both reassuring and inspiring. Also, keeping open communication with family and friends back home may create a sense of connection and belonging, reducing feelings of loneliness and homesickness.

Professional assistance from school/college counselling centres is another valuable option for students seeking to cope with pressures beyond their control. Healthy channels for expression and creativity may also be beneficial. Hobbies or creative pursuits such as painting, writing, or performing music can bring much-needed relief from scholastic stress. When students express oneself via artistic pursuits, students can constructively channel their emotions and find inner peace among the craziness of dormitory life. Finally, having a positive perspective is critical for perseverance in the face of adversity. Instead of concentrating on setbacks or failures, children may focus on their strengths and successes, instilling hope, and perseverance.

In a nutshell, managing stress at campus hostels or boarding schools far from home necessitates a combination of practical methods and emotional resilience. Students may manage this transitional phase more easily and confidently by creating routines, emphasizing self-care, forming a support network, and fostering good habits. Learning stress management strategies provides students with the tools they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally throughout their hostel or boarding school experience.

Deso Barman

MSc. Psychology (Specialisation in Clinical Psychology),

Christ Academy Institute for Advanced Studies,

Bangalore University, Karnataka.