Sometimes we forget, but we are not God. We do not have the ability to face anything and everything without consequences appearing at some point in our life. Whether that's overworking ourselves and our body completely shutting down, worrying to the point of exhaustion about things you can't control, or never making time for "quiet moments" and only providing space for the hectic ones. Your body is talking to you-it needs a break. Plain and simple.

I'm not sure about anyone else, but December is one of the most busy months of my life. I'm sure for college students, they very often feel the same. This is either the month of finals, cramming in Christmas shopping, or putting in extra hours so you can take off even more for the Holidays. It's no wonder why this is flu season. None of us take a break when our bodies tell us to, and I really think it's time we listen more.

Reason 1:

Everyone needs a break.

Not as one point in our lives were we given the power of complete immunity. Like everyone else, if not treated properly, your body will reflect the work you put in it, or don't. You eat like shit? Well, your body will feel like shit. You don't get enough sleep? You won't have enough energy to take on these extra hours or cramming for finals. It is okay to say: "you know what, I'm physically and mentally exhausted...Today is going to be all about me." I don't care what you do with this day, as long as in the process you're giving yourself enough time to feel whole again.

2:

You'll take on more in the long run.

I sometimes have to remind myself of this because I think taking on so much will be able to give me a second to breathe later on, but all I'm doing is overworking my body to the point of complete exhaustion. Leaving me less time to get things done I wanted to do the next day because I'm so weak from trying to do it all in one day.

3:

Your body will thank you.

People underestimate others who say this, but your body is the reason you're here today. Without it, there's no you, so why not give it what it needs to make the stay here on earth longer rather than shorter? You wouldn't treat an infant's body by overworking it, cramming it with bad food, and never letting it sleep, so why do it to yourself?

4:

You're not indestructible.

As much as we want to tell ourselves we are strong and can handle anything that comes our way, the real truth of it is, our immune systems can only do so much, and when your body is tired, IT IS TELLING YOU SOMETHING. Listen to it, or you might end up seeing how destructible you actually are.

5:

What would your family want for you?

Others may not see my point in this one, but I'm extremely close to my family. I often think if they could see me neglecting myself or my body, how sad they would feel. Imaging them feeling sorry for me/bad is more than enough to give myself the reminder: Take care of yourself so others don't have to worry about doing it for you.

6:

Only you can judge whether or not you need a break.

No one is going to be able to tell by looking at you that you need a day to yourself. Mentally (and physically) your body knows and gives you several signs. Don't wait for someone to point it out to you, just listen to your mind and your body-then go from there.

7:

Giving yourself a break could reduce stress/anxiety.

Nothing like stating the obvious, but some people aren't aware that by giving yourself a day to rest, you're also giving your worrisome mind a day to rest. This reduces stress and anxiety which is exactly what you need sometimes. A complete cleanse can really do the trick.

8:

Doing so won't make you weak.

This is huge. People think taking a break makes them weak, when it all actuality it's just making you stronger. You're giving your body what it wants to take the next day and make it it's bitch. If a strong body can't handle it, you better believe a weak one can't.

9:

Your mind needs this just as much as your body.

There are days when I feel weak solely because of the thoughts my mind has. Yes, sometimes working to the point of exhaustion helps distract my mind, but there isn't anything more comforting than taking a day to put the work and the bullshit to the side, and letting your mind do something it loves doing instead.

10:

Saves you a trip to the doctor.

We all make excuses not to go, so why not avoid it at all costs by relaxing first before getting to the point where you need to see a doctor? You may be surprised what you can do for yourself before expecting others to do for you.

These are 10 little things to remind you and me both that we're all human. Be kind to one another, but most importantly remember to be kind to yourself. You deserve that much!