What college students do to find peace

By Natasha Chinea

Stress can feel like a universal language. Between school, work, social life and anxiety, it’s no surprise that thoughts can get loud and overwhelming.

For students on campuses all across the country, the question often becomes the same: How do I calm my mind?

At Flagler College, students rely on a mix of coping habits and places around St. Augustine they turn to when thoughts get loud.

From listening to music, going for a drive or taking a walk, many of their answers pointed to the same thing: a sense of tranquility.

So, what actually helps students feel most at peace? The most common answer: music.

“I feel grounded when listening to a focus playlist on Spotify or YouTube,” said Alyssa Morse, a freshman studying elementary education.

Whether played quietly through headphones while studying or blasting during a drive, music offers students a private space to unwind.

“Listening to music and having my own alone time gives me time to reflect on how I’ve been feeling,” another student said.

Stress builds up and it clouds focus and can cause even the smallest of tasks to feel overwhelming.

That’s why students like Morse turn to music.

For others, tranquility comes in different forms. Walking is popular, along with writing, while some prefer talking to someone or going for a drive alone.

“Writing things down on paper or talking to someone about what’s stressing me out releases the weight these thoughts have on me,” said Sidonie Todisco, a sophomore.

For many students, grounding isn’t even connected to a particular hobby, but just a simple moment to release.

Junior accounting major Abigail Jordan said she grounds herself by challenging her anxious thoughts.

“I tell myself: ‘Just because you think it, does not mean it’s true’,” she said.

For some students, finding their peace means processing emotions internally, while others rely on a more outward approach.

“I honestly just cry,” someone said.

Many stated that peace meant removing themselves from the situation altogether. Some enjoy taking a walk through Lincolnville or downtown streets like St. George, while others like going to the beach.

“Going to the beach helps me feel grounded because nature brings me peace and puts things into perspective,” said Wylie Saviello, a sophomore journalism major.

Other students enjoy things as simple as coloring.

“I like to color sometimes to clear my head and calm me down. It helps to focus on something non stressful, and I see it as a grounding tool,” said Elizabeth Adelung, a sophomore studying sociology.

For many, movement is what helps quiet the noise. Some students mentioned going for a run or doing general exercise when their thoughts start to lose control.

No two answers are the exact same, but they shared a goal: gaining back control over their thoughts when they get out of hand.