Therapist-Recommended Coping Skills for College Students (Because “Just Breathe” Isn’t Always Enough)
- Melanie Sivley, LCSW
- Aug 27, 2025
- 3 min read
College can be one of the most exciting chapters of your life—but it can also be absolutely overwhelming. Between 8 a.m. classes, never-ending group projects, roommate drama, and trying to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life, it's no surprise that college students are more anxious and burned out than ever.
At Bodhi counseling, we see you and we get it. And we’ve got some real, therapist-recommended coping strategies that actually help—no toxic positivity, no “just think happy thoughts,” and definitely no guilt-tripping.
Whether you’re a freshman just trying to survive or a senior running on caffeine and hope, these mental health tips for college students are here to keep your brain from short-circuiting.
1. Build a Routine That Actually Works for You
No, we don’t mean waking up at 5 a.m. to journal and run five miles (unless you’re into that). We mean finding a rhythm that helps your brain feel less chaotic.
Go to bed and wake up (sort of) around the same time
Schedule study blocks with breaks (think: Pomodoro Method)
Have one “anchor” habit you do every day (like making tea or taking a 10-minute walk)
2. Try Realistic Mindfulness (No, You Don’t Have to Meditate for an Hour)
Mindfulness doesn’t have to mean sitting cross-legged on a mountain. It can be:
Listening to a 5-minute grounding meditation on your phone
Doing a “body scan” in the shower
Taking 60 seconds to deep breathe before you open your laptop
Therapist tip: Try box breathing (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4). It’s simple, and it works.
3. Nourish Your Body (Even If You’re Living on Ramen)
When you're stressed, it’s easy to forget that your body is a key player in your mental health game. We're not saying you need to eat clean 24/7—just be mindful of how food, hydration, and movement impact your mood.
Keep a water bottle near you
Aim for one “real” meal a day (no shame in frozen burritos)
Move your body a few times a week—walk, dance, stretch, whatever feels good
4. Find Your People—Even If It’s Just One
Isolation makes stress worse. But connection? That’s a protective factor. You don’t need 20 best friends. You just need one or two people you feel safe with. That could be:
A roommate you actually like
A TA who makes you feel seen
A therapist who helps you process the hard stuff
A group chat where you can be real, not perform
Therapist tip: Vulnerability builds connection. It's okay to say, “Hey, I’ve been feeling off lately. Can we hang out?”
5. Set Boundaries with Technology (Yes, That Includes Doom-Scrolling)
We love a good meme. But when your phone becomes your go-to for numbing out, it might be time for a reset. Constant exposure to bad news, highlight reels, and comparison traps does a number on your mental health. Try this:
Set time limits for social media apps
Unfollow accounts that make you feel worse
Put your phone in another room while studying or sleeping
Bonus Tip: Talk to a Therapist (It’s Not Just for Crisis Mode)
College is hard. You don’t need to wait until you’re in full meltdown mode to get support. Therapy can help you manage stress, understand yourself better, and build tools that’ll serve you long after graduation.
If you’re looking for college counseling in Champaign, IL, our therapists at Bodhi Counseling specialize in supporting students through anxiety, burnout, depression, identity exploration, and more.
We offer in-person therapy in Champaign, IL, and virtual sessions across the state. Book a free consultation today and get support that helps.
Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Hustle Through It Alone
College is messy, stressful, magical, confusing, and exhausting. You’re allowed to love it and struggle with it at the same time. You’re allowed to need help. And you’re absolutely worthy of support.
So take a breath, drink some water, text a friend—or better yet, reach out to someone who can walk alongside you through the stress.
We’re here when you’re ready.
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