Are you a senior who is stressed out waiting for college decisions? Here are 5 ways you can block out the creeping stress while waiting.

1. Spend Quality Time With Loved Ones

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This is by far the most effective method that helped me manage my stress. I know you might be thinking that might just work for you…However, many health organizations and sources such as Piedmont state that spending time with people you love, whether it is your parents, friends, or even siblings can reduce stress because it makes you feel less isolated and understood. For me personally, it’s a way to be in the present instead of thinking of the future which is out of my control. I love spending time with my baby sister because I know all she has to worry about is her next nap.

In other words,

• Try to make the group chat plans happen.
• Do the things you love with the ones you love.
• Talk to the ones you love about what is stressing you out.
• Be in the present. (Think of it as when you do get into the college you want, when will be the next time you get to enjoy your youth like this?)

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2. Talk To Someone

I mentioned this a bit in the previous bullet point but talk to someone! Get everything off of your chest. This could be once again your parents, friends, siblings, teacher, counselor, therapist, whoever you feel you could trust and will be a safe place for you and your thoughts.

Talking allows you to pinpoint what really is bothering you and most importantly how to solve it going forward. The only one you are hurting by keeping it all bottled up is yourself. Overthinking and being impatient are qualities I have and let me tell you…They do not work well together. Yet, whenever I can’t stop thinking about something I go straight to my mom. I am able to decompress with her even if she doesn’t have any solutions, it helps to get everything out. You don’t want to lose yourself or hurt yourself before your big moment!

3. Write it down!

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You probably saw the word talk and was like no. Well, luckily pens, pencils and papers were invented. Writing down can help relieve stress because you are being honest with yourself.

• Why are these decisions so important?
• How will you handle these decisions?
• What does it mean for you?
• Is it your own pressure or someone else's?

Writing stuff down won’t help if you aren’t honest with yourself.

4. Exercise

I know, I know. This is probably something your gym teacher told you at the beginning of the year that will help relieve stress. It is true though because if you body is active you mind won’t have time to think. Not to mention afterwards your body will be so exhausted that you won’t even have time to think of the colleges you applied to because as soon as you lay your head down, it’s a KNOCK-OUT! It doesn’t even have to be intense, you could:

• Take a walk around your neighborhood (walking your dog…or cat)
• Treadmill or stairmaster if you wanna have a real good sleep but a sore body the next day.
• Youtube workouts

(I am not sure about other states but high school students in New York can get a free membership…So get to it because when you get accepted you’ll also have a healthy body!)

5. Have fun!

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If you are constantly stressing about your college decisions it means you have way too much time on your hands. After all those deep conversations, HAVE FUN! Your mind is working overtime.

If your fun is studying or partying– it doesn’t matter, do whatever (legally) will let your mind rest for a bit. Maybe you will discover a new talent.

• New hobbies or old hobbies
• Getting out of the house
• Reading
• Travelling (even if it just a different neighborhood)
• Playing roblox
• Entertainment such as movies, youtube, tv shows, etc.
• Cat cafe
• People watching
• Join a book club

Whatever the word FUN means to YOU!

All in all, have faith in yourself. Let the universe take care of the future a little while longer while you enjoy your youth. If you find yourself stressed, remember you did everything you had to and now it is out of your hands. To myself and all of my seniors, enjoy your free hands to pick up a new book, hold your loved one, draw, eat, pick up weights, or hug your friends.