Starting college or even finishing up high school can be overwhelming. Many students feel a strong pull to juggle academics, friendships, and extracurriculars while keeping a healthy lifestyle. But when busyness takes over, it’s easy to lose track of priorities, leading to burnout and even self-doubt. Here’s a guide to finding balance and forming habits that ground you in purpose and well-being.
1. Recognize the Roots of Stress
Stress, distraction, and anxiety are often rooted in underlying fears—whether it’s fear of failure, of not fitting in, or of uncertainty about the future. These feelings can drive us to overcommit, seeking
Anna Zschuppe, a stress and burnout coach, discusses how to overcome stress and self-limiting beliefs during the senior year of high school. She emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships with oneself, others, and with Christ. Anna explains that stress and distractions can strip away joy, and she encourages students to focus on the simplicity of life and the things that are truly important. She also provides practical tips for overcoming self-limiting beliefs and accepting and valuing one’s true identity.
Questions to consider while listening:
How can building an authentic relationship with yourself, others, and Christ help you manage stress
For many students, college is a time of growth, exploration, and change. Amid all the excitement, having a grounded, supportive space can make a big difference. For those with a church home on or near campus, this community can be a consistent source of support, encouragement, and belonging. Here’s why having a church home during college can be invaluable:
1. Provides a Stable Community
College life is filled with transitions, and often you’re surrounded by people who are just as new to the experience as you are. In a church community, however, you’ll find people at different stages in life,
Starting college is exciting but can feel overwhelming, especially when familiar faces are few and far between. Adjusting to a larger, unfamiliar setting can make it hard to find your place, but remember, everyone is looking for connection and belonging, just like you. Taking the time to reach out and get involved is a valuable first step toward building friendships and a sense of community. Here are a few tips to make that transition easier and more meaningful:
1. Attend Campus Events and Get-On-Board Days
Many colleges host “Get-On-Board” days or similar events where clubs, organizations, and community groups set
Taylor Griggs shares her journey from high school to college and how she found community and grew in her faith during her time at the University of Alabama. She emphasizes the importance of reaching out to older students for guidance and support, enjoying the senior year of high school, and being prayerful about the college experience. Taylor also highlights the significance of finding a church community and being vulnerable in order to build meaningful relationships. She encourages high school seniors to remember that their emotions and experiences are not unique and that others have gone through similar transitions.
Alright, seniors, let’s get real for a minute about the infamous Freshman 15. This concept might already be on your radar as you prep for college, and you’ve probably heard that students tend to gain weight their first year away from home. So, is it fact or fiction? Well, it’s a little of both, and here’s why the Freshman 15 happens, what’s behind it, and, most importantly, what you can do to stay healthy without stressing about it.
Why the Freshman 15 Happens
In high school, your life has been full of structure: parents cooking meals, scheduled sports or PE
As you’re gearing up for college, there’s a ton of advice coming your way: study tips, budgeting hacks, and how to make friends. But there’s one topic that often gets overlooked—your health. When you’re balancing social life, studying, and everything else, health can feel like something to think about “later.” But believe it or not, a healthy lifestyle can be one of your biggest allies in making the most of your college years. Here’s how focusing on health can actually help you thrive socially, mentally, and academically.
Why Health Matters: It’s Not Just About Living Longer
Jeffrey Ashurst joins the conversation to discuss the topic of staying healthy in college, specifically addressing the myth of the Freshman 15.He explores the factors that contribute to weight gain in college, such as the removal of structured environments and the prioritization of social activities over health. Jeffrey also discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in college, including the benefits of sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Throughout the episode, he provides practical tips for college students to avoid weight gain and prioritize their health. Finally, he shares the importance of physical health in college and its impact on mental
College is a season full of learning, growth, and new connections, and two skills that can make this experience even more impactful: curiosity and conversation. These abilities deepen relationships, open doors to personal and spiritual growth, and help create a sense of belonging. Cultivating these skills can make all the difference in approaching college with confidence and purpose.
The Gift of Curiosity
Curiosity is about genuinely wanting to know and understand others. In a college environment where people come from different backgrounds, interests, and perspectives, curiosity invites us to step out of our comfort zones. By asking thoughtful questions and
As you, high school seniors, approach the transition into college, the journey ahead may seem daunting… With questions swirling about fitting in, achieving goals, and building an identity, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, a powerful truth that can anchor you during this time is this: You are seated with Christ.
In Episode 76 of The Launch Mission Podcast, guest Heather Holleman illuminated this idea, grounding it in Ephesians 2:6, which states, “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” This passage reveals that you already have a place at the