Managing Stress as an 18 Year Old College Model Girl

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Living as an 18 year old college model girl means my phone never stops buzzing with emails from agents and teachers. I often feel like I am running a race that has no finish line. Last Tuesday, I had a math quiz at 8:00 AM and a runway show at 6:00 PM in a different city. Managing that kind of pressure is the only way I stay sane while chasing my dreams.

The secret to staying calm is simple planning and knowing when to say no. I use a paper planner to see my whole week at once. If I see too many red marks for deadlines, I take a night off from social media. It helps me focus on being a student and a professional without losing my mind.

How do I keep my head clear with such a busy schedule?

One trick I learned early on is the five minute rule. When I feel like I have too much to do, I set a timer for five minutes and just breathe. I don't look at my laptop or my makeup bag. I just sit on my dorm bed and listen to the birds outside. It sounds small, but it stops the panic before it starts.

I also make sure to talk to people who are not in the fashion world. My roommate is a nursing major, and she does not care about my latest photo shoot. Talking to her about her anatomy class helps me remember that there is a big world outside of my job. You can read more about making friends as an 18 year old college model girl to see how these bonds help stay grounded. Having a friend who likes you for you is better than any fancy party.

I try to avoid looking at my phone the second I wake up. If I see a message about a missed casting or a bad grade first thing, my whole day feels heavy. I wait until after I have my coffee to check my notifications. This gives me thirty minutes of peace every single morning. It makes a huge difference in how I feel when I finally start my work.

Why saying no is a superpower for a young model

When I first started, I wanted to say yes to every single job. I thought if I said no, my agent would never call me again. But being an 18 year old college model girl means I only have so much energy. Last month, I turned down a weekend shoot because I had a big essay due on Monday. I felt bad for an hour, but then I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders.

Saying no protects my sleep and my grades. If I am too tired, I won't look good in photos anyway. My eyes get red and my skin looks dull when I am burnt out. Taking a break is actually part of my job. It keeps me looking fresh and feeling happy when I am on set.

I also have to say no to social events sometimes. My college friends might want to go out on a Thursday night, but if I have a 6:00 AM call time, I have to stay in. It is tough to feel like I am missing out. I remind myself that my future self will thank me for being responsible now. I can always hang out with them next weekend when I am free.

Creating a relaxing dorm space for a better mood

My dorm room is my safe place away from the bright lights of the studio. I keep it very tidy because a messy room makes my brain feel messy. I have a soft rug and some fuzzy pillows that make me feel cozy the moment I walk in. After a long day of standing in high heels, coming home to a soft space is the best feeling in the world.

I use a small oil diffuser that smells like lavender. It helps me sleep even when I am thinking about my busy Friday. I also keep a "no work" zone on my bed. I never do my homework or check my modeling emails while sitting on my duvet. That space is only for resting and watching funny videos.

Small lights are better than the big, bright lights on the ceiling. I use fairy lights to make the room feel warm and calm. This helps my body realize that the work day is over. It is hard to relax if the room feels like a hospital or an office. I want it to feel like a hug.

The importance of physical health and mental peace

I used to think that being healthy was only about how I looked in a dress. Now I know that my body needs fuel to handle the stress of being an 18 year old college model girl. If I don't eat enough, I get grumpy and tired very fast. I keep snacks like almonds and apples in my bag so I never get too hungry between classes and shoots.

Walking to class is my favorite way to exercise. It is not about burning calories; it is about moving my legs and getting fresh air. I put on my favorite music and just walk across campus. It helps me process my thoughts before I have to sit in a lecture hall for two hours. It is my time to just be a normal student.

I also try to get at least seven hours of sleep. This is the hardest part of my life to manage. Sometimes I have to choose between studying an extra hour or sleeping. Usually, I choose sleep. A rested brain does better on a test than a tired one that studied all night. You can find more tips for an 18 year old college model girl on my main page about staying healthy.

Dealing with rejection without taking it personally

In the modeling world, you hear "no" a lot. You might go to five castings and not get a single job. When I was younger, I thought it meant I wasn't pretty enough or good enough. Now I realize it just means I wasn't the right look for that specific project. Maybe they wanted someone with shorter hair or a different vibe.

I treat my modeling like a business. If I don't get a job, I don't let it ruin my week. I just move on to the next thing. Having my college classes helps with this. If a casting goes poorly, I still have my psych project to work on. It keeps my ego in check and gives me other things to be proud of.

I also stay away from comparing myself to other girls on social media. It is easy to see another model getting big jobs and feel jealous. I remind myself that her win is not my loss. We are all on our own paths. Focusing on my own growth is much better than worrying about what someone else is doing in another city.

Finding a routine that works for your life

Having a routine makes me feel like I am in control. I try to do my laundry on Sundays and meal prep my lunches for the week. When I know I have clean clothes and a good meal ready, I don't have to stress about those small things on a busy Tuesday. It saves me time and brain power.

I also set a time to stop working every night. By 9:00 PM, I put away my books and my model portfolio. This gives me an hour to just relax before I go to bed. I might read a book for fun or call my mom. Hearing her voice always makes me feel better when things get tough. She reminds me that I am doing a great job.

What is one thing you do every day to stay calm when life gets too busy? I would love to hear your tips for staying balanced. Being a student and a model is a wild ride, but I wouldn't change it for anything. It is all about finding what makes you feel like yourself again after a long day.