With the end of the semester fast approaching, it’s prime time for students to start falling apart. Those endless papers, reading assignments, and group projects just seem to keep piling up and it is far too easy to get buried under piles and piles of work. Not to mention that there’s some event or another going on nearly every single day this month whether it’s an extra credit lecture, organization function, or an end-of-the-year recognition banquet. During stressful times like these, remember the little things that make you smile.

You might be thinking, “Well, of course” or “This is easily the most clichéd thing I’ve heard all day.” And you might be right. Essentially, this is just a friendly reminder to take care of yourself and make sure that you have something to smile about, no matter how rough things may seem. Negativity is contagious and it only takes one little thing—a social media post, a wayward comment, or a grade that maybe didn’t meet your expectations—to get you down and affect the entirety of your day. But the beauty of that situation is that it, likewise, only takes one little thing thing to make your day just a little bit brighter.

I’m currently writing this after an overwhelming weekend of playing “catch up” with my classes. After a slow morning of hitting snooze a total of six times and dreading the moment when I had to leave the comforting cocoon of my bed, I found myself trudging around on campus in a decidedly irritable mood. That was until I decided to make a stop and treat myself to coffee. It sounds ridiculous, I know, but I felt a little better about taking on the day with a white chocolate mocha in hand. I honestly walked out of the library café with a slightly crazed smile on my face because I was laughably happy at my special treat and because I was self-aware of how absurd I looked. My point is that you should take the time to “treat yo self.”

It’s easy to wear yourself down, so don’t let your friends or roommates shame you for watching your favorite episode of “Parks & Rec” or “Grey’s” during a study break. Reward yourself for finally finishing that term paper with your favorite comfort food. Get energized by picking up your favorite caffeinated drink between class and work. Make yourself stop what you’re doing for 30 minutes and enjoy the weather outside. Embrace that “Treat Yo Self” mentality and you’ll feel a little better about yourself.