We are halfway through with the first month of 2020 and I can't help but feel like time is already flying by. Before we know it, we'll be done with midterms and off to whatever spring break has waiting for us. Looking back at 2019, I'm proud of all of the hard work I put into school, work, and family. It's not to say that 2019 was perfect, it was far from it! 2019 was filled with a lot of new memories that I'm so thankful for and lessons that are learned. While there are some things that I wish would have gone differently in 2019, they made me who I am today and I'm thankful for that. While one door closes, a new one with exciting opportunities is opening.

One of the main things I want to work on for 2020 is to make time for myself. It is so easy to get caught up with school and work during the week that you don't take time for yourself! Personally, I have school and work mostly throughout the week and I'm always looking for ways to be able to finish up school assignments before going to class or after work, etc. For the last month, I have gotten into the habit of keeping my room organized. Keeping my room organized gives me more time to do things on my days off so that I'm not always spending my free time cleaning my room. Making your bed and closing all of your dresser drawers can make the biggest difference in the appearance of your room. Now that I'm not spending an hour out of my day to clean my room, I have so much time for myself!

One of the things that I have been doing is getting into a night and morning routine. Doing something so simple may seem insignificant but after long, stressful days of school or work, it's something that I look forward to.

Another thing that I have added is reading. Finding a good book to read is something that can give you an escape from whatever you are currently having to deal with. For me, taking a break to read gives my mind the break that it needs to tackle the day ahead of me.

Something else that I know a lot of people can probably relate to is watching Netflix. My type of Netflix setting is having my bed cleared off of junk, my favorite candle burning in the background, and a yummy snack. I use Netflix all the time to take a break from whatever I need a break from.

Everyone has their idea of how they prefer to make time for themselves. My ideas may not look anything like yours and that's OK! What matters is that you put you and your mental health before anything else. Our bodies aren't meant to run like machines; they need breaks and love, remember that.