It’s easy to let yourself be spread too thin, especially when you want to succeed. Classes start to get harder, assignments begin to pile up, and suddenly you haven’t left your room in three days. You’ve ignored each and every one of your friends’ texts, and the only thing in your stomach is half the granola bar you forced yourself to eat four hours ago.

Wanting to do well in school, or life, is always going to be important, but that doesn’t mean that making sure you’re doing well isn’t. The semester has just begun, and it’s imperative you keep yourself from falling into admittedly comfortable, but nonetheless toxic, routines.

Pace yourself

Sometimes we feel the need to sit down and do everything at once. We’re clouded by a temporary and stress induced determination, racing an imaginary clock while wearing blinders to everything else around us. And though being productive is nothing to be ashamed of, let yourself take a break. Space out your homework so you don’t overwhelm yourself – it’s okay to soften up your schedule with some Netflix or a book or a nice trip to Target.

Healthy lifestyle breeds healthy habits

The fact that I struggle with this one on the daily doesn’t mean it’s not completely true. I don’t mean you have to start being a morning person, do yoga, go vegan, and spontaneously start drinking a gallon of water all at once.

Creating habits takes time, but it won’t happen at all without a little effort. So no, you don’t have to revamp your whole life right away, but still strive to get into the habit of making healthier choices – don’t wait until the night before to start your homework. Take good notes; ask for help when you need it.

Don’t worry though, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Treat yourself

We have the tendency to believe that it’s all work and no play, or that those two things are mutually exclusive, when they’re not. You’re allowed to go out and have fun, even when it means putting studying on hold for a bit. I mean, don’t completely flake on your responsibilities, but it’s okay to cut yourself some slack and have a good time. A little down time is a good motivator.

Put yourself first

It can seem hard to put a lid on your academic panic attacks, but it’s a matter of knowing yourself and knowing your limits. When it feels too much; when your chest feels tight and your head hurts from worrying remind yourself of what’s important. Clear your mind and take a deep breath. School is important, but so are you.

Keep yourself accountable

Despite the aforementioned steps, it’s important to note that we’re also our own worst enemy when it comes to letting schoolwork turn into a slump. We get lazy and let due dates creep up on us, and then we’re surprised when you don’t have enough time to write your twelve-page essay in five minutes. Planners are more than just accessories people, fill those pages up and stay on top of things.

Give yourself time to figure it out. Give yourself a reason to push through. Give yourself room to breathe.

School is a difficult, yet do-able, balancing act. Don’t make it harder for yourself than it has to be.