Mental health is so important. Without it, happiness becomes nearly impossible to achieve. If you struggle with end of year anxiety during finals, sometimes the smallest of tasks are the hardest to get through. At times your thoughts can seem so scattered that you’ve forgotten the things that matter the most. Taking care of yourself is an easy thing to forget, but it’s one of the most important things you’ll ever do. Here are a few things to remember for anyone who’s forgotten how important it is to take a moment to love themselves.

The world is your oyster, but you can’t have the entire ocean.

There is a world of possibility when it comes to the things you can do in college. You have your whole life ahead of you! Which, unfortunately, can become one of the biggest stressors for a student. Try to avoid getting caught up in the endless possibilities and focus on the things that are truly important in the moment.

You are doing your best, and that’s totally OK.

In case no one has told you, if you’re doing the best you can do, which you probably are, then you’re doing all you can. If you put in all the effort you have, it’s okay to take a moment and breathe. Be happy with the work you have done so far and try not to stress about being the best of them all. Be the best you.

If you’re doing something that will take you where you want to go, it’s not a waste of time.

In the midst of the storm that is stress and work piled on top of work on top of work… etc, it’s easy to forget why you’re working so hard. Take a deep breath and remind yourself what you’re working towards.

Keep your eye on the prize.

Why are you doing this? Why is it important that you know the material for this test? Whatever it is, it’s for a reason. What is yours?

Make sure you are placing importance on things besides making the grade.

During tests and stress from making the grade, it’s easy to forget about all the other things that are so important. Making an A on a test is just as important as making an A in your own sanity. Keep up with your other daily habits and the things that make you happy. Before you know it your finals will be over and you’ll probably have done much better on your tests.

Try not to pay too much attention to what others are doing around you.

So you got a 78 on your Philosophy test. You passed the class with a B! However, your best friend got a 97 and you wonder what you could have done differently. That kind of stress is so unnecessary. At this point, there’s nothing you could do to change the past. Try to focus on what tests you have left and making sure you’ve done your personal best. Maybe the 78 was your personal best. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

It’ll all be over soon.

This is one week of pure hell. Take good care of yourself. Get enough sleep. Do what you can to stay sane. Yeah, it’s hard, but if you just stay positive and keep reminding yourself of your goals, you’ll be just fine.