#70 From Overwhelmed to In Control: How to Handle Hard Things Wisely with the R.E.A.C.H. Guide

College isn’t all highlight reels and coffee-fueled study sessions—it’s also about handling the hard stuff. From failing a test to making a social misstep, these moments can trigger strong emotional reactions and leave students feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, we break down how stress shows up in the body and mind, and how students can respond wisely instead of getting stuck. We review practical skills like P.O.I.S.E. and T.I.P.P., and break down how to cultivate more willingness when we get stuck through techniques such as the half-smile and willing hands. Lastly, we chat about the importance of knowing when and where to get help on campus. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How our natural stress responses (fight, flight, freeze) can backfire
• The difference between willfulness (resisting reality) and willingness (accepting reality)
• Practical skills from DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to help you cope, including:
  • Willing Hands & Half-Smile – simple body-based shifts to open yourself up to acceptance
  • POISE – Pause, Observe, Inhale/Exhale, Stretch out your options, Engage in effective action
  • TIPP skills – quick ways to reset your body when emotions feel overwhelming:
    • Temperature 
    • Intense exercise
    • Paced breathing 
    • Progressive muscle relaxation

For more resources on mental fitness skills, as well as the other R.E.A.C.H. skills, head to our website: 

https://www.collegeisfinepodcast.com/tipsheets

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner