It’s that time of year again. Final courses are wrapping up. Caps and gowns are being handed out. Outfits are being decided. Graduation day is rapidly approaching. While family members and friends may be ready to celebrate, the unknowns of post-grad life can lead to anxieties that make it difficult to fully enjoy the moment.
During such an exciting milestone, one that has taken years of hard work to accomplish worrying about whether you’ll get a job, if you should move, whether you majored in the “right” thing, or if you made the most of your experience isn’t how you’re hoping to spend your graduation day. Let’s review some strategies to help you enjoy your moment instead of getting trapped in an anxiety spiral.
1) Work Within Your Locus of Control
Post-graduation plans can feel extremely overwhelming. Some of your classmates may already have a detailed plan and feel calm about leaving college, while others may feel uncertain about everything and fear the unknown. You might fall on either end of that spectrum or somewhere in between.
Start by writing down the things you’re worried about or still need to figure out. Then, identify which of those things are within your control and which are not.
For example, you might feel anxious about not finding a job. Being hired isn’t entirely within your control, but applying to a wide range of positions, preparing for interviews, and presenting yourself well are. Or maybe you’re concerned that your friendships will change after graduation day. While you can’t control where people move or how much effort others put into staying connected, you can control how often you reach out and invest in those relationships.
Focusing on what you can control may help reduce feelings of panic. You’ve likely practiced this skill before, maybe with a tough professor or unreliable group members. You couldn’t control them, but you could control your effort. Now it’s time to apply that same mindset to post-grad life.
2) Remind Yourself That Decisions Aren’t Permanent
If you’re worried about making the “wrong” decision, remind yourself that very few choices are permanent.
Trying to decide whether to stay in your college town or move somewhere new? You can always move again later. Unsure which job to take? Choose the best option based on what you know now. You can always pivot in the future. Questioning whether you chose the “right” major? You can shift directions, gain new skills, or even return to school if needed.
You’re not locked into the decisions you make right after graduation day. There’s plenty of time to grow, learn, and change your path.
3) Focus on the Present
Let’s be honest, none of your concerns will be resolved in the few hours it takes to walk across the stage, hear dozens of names, and celebrate with friends and family afterward.
Graduation day is a meaningful moment. You’ve dedicated years of time and effort to earn your degree, and there will be plenty of time to think through post-grad decisions later.
Give yourself permission to celebrate! Even if you don’t have everything figured out.
If people ask, “What’s next?” it’s okay to say, “I’m not sure yet, but I’ll figure it out.”
Enjoy the moment as you walk across the stage. Soak in the memories with your friends. Appreciate the relief of no longer having assignments due at midnight.
Your worries will still be there tomorrow, and you’ll be ready to face them.
If you’re dealing with post-grad anxiety and you’d like to work with an experienced mental health professional, reach out to DK Therapy to schedule an appointment with our office.
