This is it. It's finals season. The countdown is beginning - or is already over, for some lucky few. Whether you're at home or still at school, just know that it's okay to be stressed about work sometimes. We all have those days where we get in over our heads, and it's important to know our feelings are valid and there to help guide us in the right direction.

Yes, stress is undeniably bad for your health. Don't put yourself under unnecessary duress if you don't have to, because you only have one body and you should treasure and take care of it. However, I see a lot of people so stressed simply about being stressed - they worry that they're worried, essentially. I want to take the time to let y'all know that it's okay. Even though everyone around you seems calm and collected, with perfect GPA's and all A's to boot, the reality is that it's often not that simple. Most everyone is carrying their own burdens. I hate to say it like this, but if they don't feel an inkling of worry at all, then it's a bit foolish. It's totally normal and human to worry about your goals and your future, and this often manifests itself during finals.

With these being said, I'd like to make a clear distinction between healthily managing stress and managing it poorly. Poorly managing stress can manifest itself in several ways; from the involuntary such as having a lowered immune system to the voluntary such as binge eating, it's important to remember that you shouldn't let stress control you. A good way to manage is to find someone to talk to about what you're worried about, or perhaps write out your feelings. Make sure not to eat your feelings away or drink them away, and remember that there is always a brighter day tomorrow. Healthy stress management looks different to different people, but I'd personally recommend not only finding a confidante to discuss your problems with but also to find management strategies that help you. For me, it's setting out clear and defined goals and expectations for what I want to accomplish. The feeling of crossing things off a list is amazing.

So whether you're just beginning your finals or just finishing them, know what you're feeling is valid. Know you are valid. Just make sure to give yourself some breathing room in the process!