In the midst of finals week, deadlines and increasing workloads it can seem hard to maintain a calm demeanor. I don't know about you but I've been hiding under the covers more than usual because of the sheer amount of work I have to do to finish the quarter. Big essays, a reading journal and a dozen library books to return keep me up at night when I should be studying.

As the quarter winds down, we all are infused with a sense of dread at all that work we've put off because it wasn't due for three weeks but suddenly is now due THIS week.

It can be really overwhelming. Scratch that. It IS overwhelming. There's so much pressure placed on us as we end Winter Quarter that personally, I find it hard to stay motivated. But we have to keep going. There is no time to stop.

That's not to say we can't take a break here or there, or take a breath when the going gets tough, or even just a quick nap in the library between submissions. I am proud to admit that I've taken many naps in the library. (Pro-tip: bring a buddy to wake you up after a set amount of time, no one wants to miss a submission or go into snore filled REM next to studying Biochem majors.) I used to think finishing my finals on time was the greatest relief I could ever experience. Turns out, a big Chipotle bowl in the middle of the library while I take a minute to brainstorm my next paragraph, well, I think I found the best thing ever. 10/10 would Chipotle again.

So to all the exhausted college students, I'm here to tell you that it's okay to take you time. It's okay to take a break and regroup. It's okay to sit in silence and listen to your breathing. Because there's plenty of work to be done and an insufferable amount of people to tell you to complete it, but your mental health comes first.

So take that minute to breathe and refocus. I take lots of mini breaks as a celebration for completing something as simple as writing another paragraph in my 10-page paper because it allows me to give my brain a second to organize my thoughts yet doesn't pull my attention for too long and cause me to lose focus.

Guess what fellow students? You are worth it. These difficult classes are worth it. Your mental health is worth it. It may be hard to believe but you can do this. You. Got. This.

Take your time and let me give your that mini boost of motivation you need to jump right back into your sociology paper or that long lab report you've been putting off. You're browsing Odyssey right now so we both know you already took a little break, but shh, don't worry, it'll be our little secret.

Get out there fam! Keep working away on those finals and get ready for Spring Quarter where we'll just have to do it all over again. On the bright side, you can peruse Odyssey for as long as you want over Spring Break.

But first, that sociology paper you've been putting off. Go on, finish the works cited and then you can take a burrito break. My treat.