Sometimes it feels like our minds are constantly racing and overflowing with thoughts. After the crazy, long week I’ve just had (three midterms, a big project, a five-page paper and a news story), I can say feeling stressed is an understatement. On Mondays we may think to ourselves that there is no way we’ll survive the week, but sure enough, Friday rolls around and you’ve accomplished what you previously thought was impossible.

The bad news is that overflowing planners don’t end in college, or even after college. The good news is that we don’t have to live our lives constantly stressed or worrying about the next thing; that’s our choice.

A few things that are probably always on our minds (in no particular order):

• School: homework, studying, projects, etc.
• Planning for the future: job applications, resumes, studying abroad, etc.
• Work: many students have a part-time job
• Church: Younglife
• Social life: sorority or fraternity activities
• Extracurriculars: clubs, sports, exercise, etc.
• Sleeping, eating and watching Netflix: three important necessities
• Social media: “catching up” on Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

One thing all college students can relate to is having something we need to do. We’ve all said something similar to, “I have so much to do and so little time.” With our never-ending to-do lists of upcoming assignments, events and holidays, it’s easy to see why we may feel behind and overwhelmed.

Maintaining a healthy balance of the many things in our lives is extremely important, especially in college. It can help us to be more productive and boost our energy to be the best version of ourselves.

Sometimes we need a “pick-me-up” or a friend to vent to, or even a weekend at home to refuel and de-stress. But instead of feeling down about life, feel proud of all that you’ve accomplished thus far, and be excited for all the other things you will accomplish in the future.

In the long run, it doesn’t matter what grade you got on that midterm or what you wore to that cocktail. You won’t remember that stuff. You’ll remember the moments of college when you felt on top of the world, happy about all the good things in your life and content with the people you love around you.