There are some moments in your life where you need to take a step back, and that's okay. You can't be "on" all the time.

I recently took time off from a couple of things to get my mind back where it should be. I lost who I was in the rush of school and people who I thought were my friends. Taking time for yourself is something that should be valued and not rushed. When you take time for yourself, you learn some things about yourself and about what is actually important.

A sound mental health is one of the most important things I have had to find time and time again. Without this, everything is derailed. Your relationships, your health, your life -- everything can be gone in a split second. This requires you to think positively, no matter what.

Having a bad day?

Smile and declare your day will get better because chances are, it will.

Every morning, I wake up and declare in the mirror that, "No matter what happens today, it will be a great day." Make up your own mantra to say every morning. The more you say it, the faster it will come true.

One of my best friends from high school gave me this index card on a day I was particularly down, and it has since been in the front of my binder where it's seen every time I pull my binder out.

Friendships are another staple in taking time for yourself. I don't think without the support of my closest friends, I would have been able to pull through as fast as I did. Friendships are part of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs -- the need for love and belonging.

A person has to feel loved, or they will shut down. If you feel like your friend is going a little "off", talk to them or just be there. I promise your presence means more than you realize.

If taking time off from activities and the crazy thing we call life is what you need, then do it. You will eventually come back to where you were. Mental health comes before everything, even school. Take care of yourself and your friends, and everything can go a lot smoother in life.

Let me know in the comments how you take time away!