It has reached the point of the semester where everyone has deadlines piling up before the end of the semester, and students are running on low sleep and lots of caffeine. I have been told by many friends that I look tired, and I reply with, "I'm burnt out." Here are things that help me keep carrying on when I feel burnt out and feel like I can't get everything done.

1. Remember to eat

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When it comes to having a heavy deadline before breaks you feel like a chicken with its head cut off or stuck on a train that won't stop. I know you want to get everything done by your deadline, but you must remember to eat. A protein bar will only get you so far. Try to eat throughout the day if you can't eat a full-size meal. Make sure the snacks are naturally energized to keep you going, and maybe throw a little sweet treat in there too!

2. Make sure you get enough rest

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I know sleep is the last of your worries, but you're feeling burnt out for many reasons; lack of sleep is one of them. Stafford University says college students need at least eight hours of sleep. I know many college students who get five hours to sleep and can barely function, but it's because they were up all night doing homework. Eight hours of sleep might be in your best interest.

3. Make a to-do list

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When it becomes a fresh week, I make a to-do list of what needs to get done first to last. Yes, I have a planner but sometimes it's easier to see everything in a list without other notes attached. I strictly put the assignment, book, and page numbers, and date due (Monday-Friday) Nothing more nothing less. A to-do list is simple but effective.

4. Drink enough water

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When I'm burnt out I think I need more coffee when in reality I need more water. Lately, my to-do list has only gotten longer, but I've had less water and more coffee. When I drink more water I feel more refreshed, my skin thanks me, and I tend to last longer throughout the day. Coffee has been waking me up, but not helping me get through my long days. Make sure you're drinking enough water and make sure your water and coffee ratio is correct.

5. Have a little me time

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Procrastination and me time are two different things. Yet me time is necessary after a long productive day and you need a break. If I go-go-go for four to five hours, I take an hour break, or however long an episode is of a show I'm watching. Or, I'll take a shower, listen to a podcast, paint my nails, or write in my journal. I take my mind away from my to-do list and just try to relax and let my brain think of some other topic and rejuvenate myself. Don't feel guilty with a little me time after a productive day, you deserve it.

6. Get some fresh air

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If fresh air means walking to the library to print something, or to walk to the café to get a latte. Fresh air is fresh air. Make sure you're getting some sunshine in your life and the cool air. Opening your bedroom window only does so much. It could even be taking your trash and cardboard out! Fresh air is something that can wake you up and refreshes you to check off what you need to do next!

7. Eat a meal with friends

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No matter how busy I am I try to grab dinner with my friends every night. We catch up about our day, rant about a professor, and do brain dumps to each other over dinner. You need to eat and probably need the socialization face to face, not text to text. I get fresh food, and a good pep talk before returning to homework.

8. Remember to breathe

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This is something I tell many friends but forget to tell myself. I get myself so worked up about deadlines, how much I need to read and how many pages I have to write for this paper, I forget that I'm physically holding my breath. Remember to breathe, refocus and take the stress out of your shoulders and breathe. You will get everything done on time, and you will hand in your best work. You always do.