The last four years haven’t always been perfect or easy, but they were yours. You‘ve learned and grown a lot over the past four years and become the person you are today.
The same friends traveled with you from middle school to high school. You were even able to make a few new friends when you started attending new classes and joining different activities or sports teams. Teachers and classes became more familiar. You even became comfortable.
But now everything is about to be different. Your time in high school is almost over. You’re about to graduate. And with graduation comes change.
Some of your friends have already decided to stay in your home town and attend the local community college. Others have already accepted schools in other towns or even completely different states.
You’re not sure what to do. The only thing you’ve accepted is your anxiety relating to this decision you have to make. Here’s how to deal with the anxiety you’re facing about choosing a college to attend.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Choosing a college to attend is a big decision to make. Don’t sell yourself short or make yourself feel like this isn’t a big deal. Your feelings and emotions are valid. Allow yourself to actually feel everything instead of burying your emotions or trying to hide them. The sooner you actually admit to yourself how you’re feeling, the sooner you’ll be able to process your emotions and learn how to handle them as well as move forward in your life.
Lean On Your Loved Ones
If you’re dealing with a little anxiety over choosing a college, you’re not alone. Consider reaching out to your friends and family about how you’re feeling. Your family may be able to let you know about their personal experiences when they were having to make this decision. And your friends may be in the same exact boat as you. Sharing how you feel with one another can help you feel a little less alone. You can let your loved ones know what you need from them to receive the support you need. They can be there for you however you need them: just someone to listen to you, someone to give advice, or to help you weigh out the pros and cons.
Practice Coping Mechanisms
Practicing different coping mechanisms is a great way to determine which mechanisms work best for you. Plus, they’re a great tool to have in your back pocket for the next time you’re feeling anxious. Having the tools on hand can be a great way to be a little more proactive rather than reactive when it comes to your anxiety. Here are a few of the different coping mechanisms you can try out:
Body scan
Deep breathing
Go for a walk
Journaling
Meditation
Move your body
Spend time in nature
Yoga
Consider Seeking Professional Support
Having anxiety about such a big life change like choosing the college you’re about to attend is completely normal and acceptable. You’re not alone if you’re dealing with a little anxiety about this decision. Life changes don’t come naturally or easily for most people. Any type of change can be a big adjustment to make. You want to make sure that you’re making the best decision for your education, and career goals, but also the best college for your personal needs and relationships. Working with a licensed and trained outside third party may be exactly what you need to come to a decision that’s best suited for yourself and your wants and needs. If you’re interested in learning more about how to deal with your anxiety, contact us today to set up a consultation for anxiety therapy.