This may be controversial to some and I understand that getting grades is important because you want to be successful in life. At least, that's why I want to do well in school. But there are times when I have to remind myself that I cannot stress too much about my grades.

Because guess what- grades aren't everything.

Yes, grades are important, but your mental health is more important. You can be upset over having a bad test grade. It's okay to feel like you should have studied more or went to that review session. But it's not okay to get that upset that you feel mentally drained or if you physically hurt- like giving yourself a stomach ache or headache. If you keep getting this upset over grades, you need to take a step back and take a breather. If you tried your best, there is no reason to get that upset that you make yourself sick.

One thing that I have been told over and over again by adults is that networking is one the best opportunities you can take advantage of while in college. Building bridges is important. You never know who you can contact with in the future when applying for jobs or if you need advice on something. Grades are important to impress these connections, yes, but how you present yourself or what you say to them may even impress them more.

Throughout the week, you need to make time for your studies and coursework, but you also need to make time for yourself. Go on a run or walk. Hang out with people who make you happy and forget about your exams for a minute. Go out to the new restaurant you have been dying to try for months now. Your classwork isn't going to go anywhere, and you can always come back to it. But the time you have now, you will only have once.

So from this article, there are a few thoughts that you need to take with you. One, mental health is more important than grades. Two, focus on making connections in college. These can be friendly or professional. You never know when any of these will come in handy when you're older. Three, I know this is cliché and overused, but it's true: you only live once. Make time for what makes you happy and balance this with your schoolwork. I know for a fact that you will feel better overall.