Are you stuck with books or loose notes all around your room or dorm? Tired of the inevitable doom of finals looming over your shoulder? Then go out with some friends! Oh, I forgot, you need to study because of the final exam in a week (or two depending on where you go). It's very important to apply yourself to the best of your ability, right? It's okay to freak out about the exam, but its also just as okay to enjoy yourself.

I take the online classes at Troy, so my semesters are actually terms; spanning nine weeks instead of 18. So two terms would cover a semester. Last October, I was taking Accounting and Pre-Cal (I think, it's such a haze) and I spent so much time pouring myself over my notes that I came close to burning out. Now for a little background, my brother and our friends had been trying to get me to watch the office for years. No really, all the way back into the days when NBC was broadcasting "Chuck."

Anyway, I had seen episodes on occasion while in their company and not laughing at any of the jokes because I was so lost. Not to mention I thought it was complete and utter garbage. Back on last year. My brain became fried pretty quickly because of my constant studying and having to make sure I know what went into a spreadsheet. I remember laying on the floor of my room trying to convince myself that I was going to make it. I tried to go eat a dinner but could only think about trying to get through the class and on to the next one. So, I needed something to distract me.

I decided to give "The Office" a try and flipped it on Netflix and let it just play. The plan was to watch it and critique it on how stupid a show it is. However, I had a very delightful time! I was able to laugh and enjoy myself! For the better, I believe. Not to mention I made it through six seasons within a week...

My point is, you cannot constantly train for the marathon and run eight miles the night before to "warm up," you need to relax and put your mind at ease before the big day.

There was a time back after I had just taken the ACT, and after snacking on some delicious Baconators, my best friend recommended "The Office." My brain fried, I responded with, "Yeah, sure why not?" It was "Stress Relief: Part 1." If you've never seen the opening five minutes to that episode, do yourself a favor and do that. Which, ironically enough, applies to this article!

It's also just coincidence that "The Office" has been my getaway. So go out with friends! Go see a movie with your family! Go do something that can put your mind at ease during a stressful time. For some people it's playing a lot of video games, for others it could be a nice dinner! For me it's "The Office" and keeping up with movie news. Now, I'm not saying "don't study and screw around," no not at all. Be responsible! Put in the effort to do well and to learn the material! But do not forget to take care of and enjoy yourself.