With a new semester underway, the demands of classes, homework, extracurricular activities, and social commitments make college students feel a little stressed. This stress can manifest as irritability, changes in behavior, hypersensitivity, muscle tension, and fatigue. If you notice any of these signs in your college-goer, check out this guide to see how you can help them to find their calm.

Encourage them to exercise.

Physical activity can combat stress by releasing pent-up nervous energy and relaxing the body. Even a quick 10-minute walk can help! Just ensure the activity is done for fun rather than competition, which can lead to more stress.

Take the time to talk it out.

Encourage your undergrad to talk to you or confide in their friends. Connecting with others is a terrific way for them to feel supported and better manage their problems. Even if not discussing the issue, time spent talking with a loved one can ease stress as well.

Music can make all the difference.

Encourage your young adult to listen to their favorite songs. Music is a good stress reliever — it provides mental distraction, reduces muscle tension, and even lowers stress hormones. Music takes your mind off the problem and helps you to focus on something else.

Some “me time” can save the day.

Encourage them to make time for activities they enjoy, like playing video games, reading, or hanging out with friends. “Me time” promotes relaxation and gives your mind a nice break from the stress. It can also help your child find a healthy balance between schoolwork and free time.

If necessary, explore over-the-counter stress relief options.

StressCalm Meltaway Tablets offer an over-the-counter option for non-drowsy relief of occasional stress symptoms. This medicine helps you to stay focused and relaxed without affecting alertness, making it ideal to take before performing, public speaking, taking a test, or flying. The tablets relieve symptoms such as nervous tension, irritability, hypersensitivity, and fatigue due to everyday stress.* It can also be used for up to two weeks for occasional stress from things like starting a new job, moving into a new house, or planning a wedding.

For more targeted relief of stress symptoms, try Coffea cruda 30C which relieves occasional sleeplessness with worries and overactive thoughts.* If your teen feels stressed speaking in front of others, Gelsemium sempervirens 30C can help with symptoms like trembling, dizziness, general weakness and lack of memory from things like stage fright.*

To find individualized treatment for other stress symptoms, use the Boiron Medicine Finder.

*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.