To the discouraged student,

Hey there. Things might be rough right now. It's the middle of the semester and the responsibilities seem to be piling up. You finish a heaping research paper and 3 exams and you turn around to find you have more homework or projects or housework to try and get done. And let's not even get into the out-of-school responsibilities like work, extracurriculars, and maintaining your dwindling social life that is slowly being completely replaced with stress-eating and binge-watching Netflix shows. Life is coming at you from all directions and your grasp of sanity is loosening in your sweaty palms.

I get it. We've all been there.

As much as it feels like it, this isn't the end of the world. No, really, it isn't. Life happens at different intensities, and right now is one of the rough patches. All you can do now is do your best at completing what you need to and moving on from what you can't or shouldn't. Unfortunately, that priorities list doesn't always match up with your to-do list.

You need to take care of yourself first and foremost. Isn't that why you are taking on responsibilities in the first place; to better yourself or bring fulfillment to your aspirations? Do your schoolwork and try to study and keep up your grades, but realize when too much is too much. Sometimes, you aren't going to finish that math assignment or that English essay. All-nighters aren't as fun as they seemed at sleepovers and you can't miss dinner over a project again. Give your body what it needs and take care of yourself so that you can focus on the responsibilities that matter.

Also, think about why you're doing all of this. It's easy to lose sight of your goals when you keep packing on layers and layers of stress. Why are you taking on so many challenges? Why would it be bad not to take on these challenges or meet these expectations? It's more than working because you "just have to." What are you getting out of that job or that club or that class? The whole reason you're stressed is because you care to some capacity. Whether you're working towards a diploma, a paycheck, a career, or better relationships, remember the end goal. If that end goal is truly important to you, you will have the strength to do it.

Please remember that this stress is temporary. No, you'll probably never be "completely stress-free," but that's okay. If you don't feel stress or responsibility sometimes, then you aren't challenging yourself to grow, and what's the point in that? Anyways, what I mean is that this rut you're in is only a blink in time compared to all of the great and memorable times ahead. You'll hopefully be able to taste the fruit of your labor soon and gain happiness or fulfillment from your achievements.

So, hey, discouraged student. We know you're struggling. Maybe it's time to take a break and reconsider your goals, or maybe you need to just breathe before powering through it all. No matter what you decide to do next, remember that you're not struggling alone. Nobody in their right mind has everything figured out, and that is okay. Ask for advice or talk to people about your struggles; it might even help them out in the long run.

You've got this.

Oh yeah, and that next long break is just around the corner.