College can be overwhelming for everyone, but it seems women are particularly affected. In a Gallup poll of college students, 72% of women reported feeling stressed the previous day, compared to only 56% of men. Acing classes means a ton of reading and studying, which can be stressful, but the act of reading can also provide guidance and relaxation for women. This may be why, according to the Pew Research Center, women are more likely to have read more books in the past year, to read daily, and to be more avid readers than men. So, if you're a busy college gal with only a few hours (or minutes) in her dorm room to decompress and reframe the mind for another busy school week, here are a few reads to consider adding to your list.
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
According to a World Bank survey, people tend to have role models within the same gender. The similar lived experiences of a female role model or author can provide inspiration and relatability for college-aged girls. For instance, author Amy Morin published a letter to herself online after she lost her mother and husband during a three-year period. This post reached over 50 million people, which inspired her to expand upon the original letter in the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do. In the book, which is available as an ebook or audiobook on the Everand platform, Morin incorporates personal anecdotes and psychotherapy concepts for bolstering mental strength, much like one would work out one's physical muscles at the gym. Featuring specific exercises and troubleshooting advice, the book provides actionable tips for college girls to navigate common stress-inducing roadblocks like academic failures, breakups, family issues, and more.
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
Undergrad life is full of exams, parties, and socialization, so it can be easy to let sleep fall by the wayside. Crucially, various studies show that women are more prone to sleep disturbances, insomnia, and even unpleasant dreams. The body is susceptible to consequences from just one hour of lost sleep, according to Matthew Walker, who is the author of Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Here, he discusses how sleep, or lack thereof, can affect every aspect of a person's physical and mental health. Packed with decades of research and clinical practice, Walker provides valuable tips on how people can leverage sleep to improve mood and energy levels and even minimize the risk of chronic disease. With these insights, college girls who struggle with balancing busy schedules and getting enough rest may be encouraged to prioritize their sleep schedule.
Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time
When faced with extensive to-study lists, college students often shut down and are unable to accomplish anything at all. A Gitnux survey found that 66.1% of female students procrastinate, which can have unfavorable consequences down the line. Our 5 Steps to Reclaim Your Productivity post discussed helpful tips, like time blocking to create a sense of urgency and reframing tasks to minimize feeling overwhelmed. Author Brian Tracy offers another key tip in this book: to "eat the frog," or start with the ugliest, most unpleasant task first. By finishing off the most challenging part of your day, he says, everything else will feel more manageable in comparison. He also discusses the three essential traits of successful time management, providing tips for organizing each day to manage your busy schedule efficiently. Procrastinating may feel good at first, but it robs you of your valuable time, which could be spent resting or enjoying activities outside of school. The tips in this book may help college girls reclaim their productivity for good.
Consider these reads for your next window of free time, and you could enjoy the benefits they provide both in and outside of class.
exclusively written for classtracker.com by Rory Jo