10 Positive Ways to Deal With Post-Grad Anxiety

Everyone knows graduating from college is bittersweet. Although it’s a special time to celebrate your accomplishments and look ahead to your future, it’s also a time where you have to say goodbye to friendships, a consistent routine, and (often grueling) term papers.

What no tells you about life after college is the rollercoaster of emotions you experience after graduation. Even if you’ve landed a great job, found an apartment, and can even afford to start paying back your student loans without giving up your coffee addiction, it’s not unusual to still feel lost in your career or who you are as a young adult.

Post-grad anxiety often impacts those of us who are having a difficult time transitioning into adulthood. Whether it’s stressing about finding a job or feeling unsure about your chosen career path, it’s really easy to fall into a funk after graduation. And believe it or not, even those of us who seem to have it all together can experience this type of post-grad stress.

What’s important to remember, however, is that you’re not alone in this journey. Post-grad anxiety happens to many young adults. If you’ve been feeling a little stressed or having some doubts about your goals, here are some positive ways to deal with the anxiety you may experience upon graduating from college:

1. Take a Deep Breath and Think About Everything You’ve Just Accomplished

As soon as you graduate from college, it’s super easy to obsess over your “five-year plan”, or perhaps the fact that you don’t have a plan in place at all. Before you start worrying about where you want to be in the next five years, focus on the fact that you’ve just graduated from college—an accomplishment, in and of itself!

One of the biggest lessons you’ll learn after college is that every person will reach success at his or her own rate. Although you’ll have friends who excel in their careers faster than you, it’s important that you don’t compare yourself to others and their successes. Everyone (even and especially you) will have a moment to shine. Just be patient and the right opportunity will come your way.

As a college student, you probably didn’t have much time to do the things you truly love. If you’re passionate about cooking, painting, or even playing a sport, find a way to bring those hobbies back into your life. Investing yourself in your passions is a great way to re-energize and regain focus.

On the other hand, if you’re struggling to find something you’re passionate about, explore a new interest. Whether it’s signing up for a hot yoga class or learning how to grow an herb garden, experiment with new hobbies. Who knows, you might discover a new passion and make some new friends along the way!

Don’t lose touch with the valuable relationships you made in college. Even if you’re hundreds of miles away from everyone, don’t let your closest relationships disappear. These people will always be here for you, especially when you need them most.

Remember that five-year plan mentioned earlier? Well, it might be a good idea to put it on hold for now. Instead of getting caught up in your future self, start creating the person you dream of being today. Live in the moment and appreciate the simple things in your life, and most importantly, think about everything you can be grateful for right now.

One of the biggest stressors of being an adult is coping with student loan debt. Although this seems like a huge weight on your shoulders, don’t allow it to consume your life. Remember, there will always be a way to make your payments, even if it means picking up a second part-time job.

8. Don’t Neglect Your Body and Mind

A positive attitude begins with a healthy body and mind. While it might seem like common sense, make sure you’re eating healthy, getting enough exercise, and giving yourself adequate sleep. After college, your body will start telling you that it can’t do all-nighters or thrive off of junk food anymore. When you focus on creating the best version of yourself—inside and out—you’ll feel more positive about your goals.

9. Cross Something Off Your Bucket List

Have you ever wanted to run a half marathon? Is it one of your dreams to write a book? Whatever has been on your bucket list, now is the perfect time to cross it off. By investing your energy in goals outside of your career, you’ll discover a whole new meaning to personal accomplishments.

There will be many highs and lows during your first year in the post-grad world. Whether it’s landing a dream job or dealing with your car breaking down, have trust that everything will be OK in the end.

Transitioning into the post-grad world doesn’t have to be overwhelming. As long as you believe in yourself and trust what the future holds, everything will work out just fine.

You’ll also discover that the moment you stop worrying about how everything “should” be, you’ll see more opportunities to create the life you’ve always dreamed of living.