With finals and the end of the school year fast approaching, it's safe to say that stress is at max levels right now. I can tell you, I feel that struggle. It feels as though I'm a mile behind my own life. But no matter how fast I sprint, I just can't catch up. So I get it, I really do. And I'll be honest, I kinda feel like giving up and sleeping for a year. But I also know that I will feel extremely accomplished and relieved when I come out of these next few weeks alive and am able to go into "summer mode." Like Gloria Gaynor, I will survive. And you will too.

First and foremost, I would like to tell you that I believe in you.

You may not know me, and I may not know you, but that doesn't make that sentiment any less valid. You are a hardworking, inspiring, and commendable individual. Sometimes we get so overwhelmed that we forget to remind ourselves that we are those things. So take a second to give yourself some love. Take a good long look at yourself in the mirror, and tell yourself:

"I am awesome."

"I am going to kick ass today."

Starting your day with a "let's take on the world" attitude will make all the difference!

Something else that has been helping me a lot: going outside. Go! Be one with the trees. Do some beach yoga. Find a grassy hill and roll down it. Reconnecting with the earth may help you reconnect with yourself.

But if that's not your thing, that's totally cool. There are other things you can do. Work out for twenty minutes. Lock yourself in your room and just scream for thirty seconds (sounds weird, but it works for some strange reason). Have a solo dance party. Get crunk! Whatever it is that gets your blood pumping, do it!

I am also extremely guilty of this, but I'm trying to change it: don't camp out in a corner of the library and overwhelm yourself. If you're anything like me, then your to-do list seems endless, and that you don't have time for anything else but tackling that monster. But I promise you do. Take it one step at a time. Reward yourself for every item you check off that list, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Celebrate the little victories! And take breaks! Go for a drive, or to the park, or get some ice cream with your friends.

And finally, as cliche as it sounds, breathe. It may seem like your world is crashing down around you (it certainly seems like mine is), but I promise it isn't.

You are hardworking.

You are inspiring.

You are commendable.

And we are going to kick the next few weeks' ass!