Everyone is busy; especially college students at this time of year. There is nothing wrong with being busy... The problem lies in the obsession we have for being busy. People who stretch themselves too thin, never sleep, and are always doing something are praised and looked up to and when people like that try to take a break everyone looks at them as if something is wrong with them. We compare our lack of sleep with others. We join more and more activities so we can prove how involved we are. We study for hours on end sometimes because we feel like that is what we should be doing. We run on coffee and energy drinks.

One of my favorite quotes is "Take care of yourself, then you can take care of the world". Often I think we forget to take care of ourselves, and while it is okay to be busy, it isn't okay to forget to put yourself on the top of your to-do list. I will be the first one to admit that sometimes I stretch myself too thin. I take on way too much because I want to help everyone or I feel a connection to whatever it is I'm doing. Only recently in my college career, did I learn how important it actually is to take care of yourself.

I would urge you to really take a look at your schedule. Obviously school and work are often a priority, but look and see where else you are putting your energy. Is everything you are doing necessary? Do you have enough time to take care of yourself? I know how difficult it can be to say no...especially to your friends but it is so important to put yourself first.

Take the nap when you need it. Eat healthy, but also treat yourself when you've had a hard day. Dress up if that is what makes you feel good or wear your favorite pair of sweats to class one day. Nobody knows you better than you, so don't worry about what other people think. If you need to focus on things to help you, everyone else should understand that. Remember, you won't be able to give to other people, if there is nothing left of you.