I came across a quote the other day that really struck me. I don't know who originally said it, but as I am going into the second month of my sophomore year in college, it hit a bit too close to home for comfort.

"I'm tired of people romanticizing overexertion. Exhausted is not the new chic, coffee (though a delicious necessity) is not a food group, and running on fumes is not admirable. Why do we hold pedestals for sleepless nights, breakdowns, and inner turmoil? Are those things really to aspire to? Self-care, balance, the ability to know when your body, mind, and spirit need to take a step back. Those are things we should admire. We have to stop blurring the line between "commitment" and self-endangerment because too many people are burning out before they have a chance to truly shine."

After reading this, I took a minute to examine my own life. In turn, I am asking you to peak into your own busy schedule. What time did you go to bed last night? Why? What do your grades look like? Are they stellar? Or could they use a little more work? How do you feel about that?

Those of us who have been guilty of holding pedestals for the sleepless nights, why have you done this? Surely most of it has to do with the appearance and promise of success. Are you willing to trade in your health and sanity for a grade? Are you willing to trade the promise of a successful future in for present turmoil? That is one question you may feel a little better about responding "yes" to. Consider this, though: you are living now. We will continue to live in the future. These "sleepless nights" can easily turn into a habit that you take with you into your career, causing any success you achieve to be coupled with stress. Is that the life you hope to gain by acquiring the black circles under your eyes now?

Could you help yourself and those around you by getting more rest? Do you need a break? Do you not have time to take the aforementioned break? Often times, the root of this problem goes back to the inability to say "no." Force yourself to say "no" just once and feel the release after.

Take care of yourself. Love yourself. If you aren't at your best, your work won't be either. Make time to sleep, eat, exercise, spend time with friends, and spend time with God. Prioritize. If you need to write down these things and schedule them in your planner, do so. Don't feel bad about it. Try to let these things be relaxing for you. Make your down time count.

By all means, make commitments, do your homework, and study hard. Don't put yourself out there to do more than you can handle. Remember that you need to make time for yourself so that you have the ability to do what you love well.