As I am halfway through midterms in my sophomore year of college, I have come to notice the habits and lifestyle changes students take on during this week of exams. By the time you read this, exams may be over, but it will give you a chance to reflect and rethink these habits you or people you know may engage in.

"I'm going insane, but that's OK. My grades are more important than my mental health anyways."

Grades are important, yes, but so is your mental and physical health. College students need an average of around eight hours of sleep for their brain to function correctly. Yet, students drink numerous energy drinks and supplements to stay awake not just for a few hours, but days and nights on end. Everyone's heard about the college all-nighters, and unfortunately, they are true — those nights you spend in the library wondering how many more cups of coffee you'll need until you crash.

We have grown up in a world where everything has a snowball effect. Grades lead to better GPA; GPA leads to better chances at a job; job gets you a salary, etc, etc.

Kids and young adults from the time they got their first report card are taught to do whatever it takes to do well in school because the rest of their life depends on it and the habits they form in the process to get there. This can take a toll on the mental health of someone. Lack of sleep, not eating properly, and being too busy to take time for yourself will catch up to you. The anxiety and stress will build up.

Parents and teachers, please remember that as a student gets older and progresses from junior high to high school to college, their workload increases and so do the other responsibilities in their lives. Push them to do their best, but watch that you are not pushing them so hard and far that they feel depressed if they do not live up to every expectation or that they become so consumed in work and bad habits that they are no longer the smiling, happy boy or girl you raised and loved. Be there for them when they confide in you or ask for help.

Some students may not always feel comfortable talking about how they feel, thinking maybe they just aren't smart enough or fear their parents or teachers may not care how they feel, or even worse, students fear they may get mad at them or called a failure for not always doing as well as they are "supposed to." Do not make them feel worthless or on their own. Kids may not always have straight-As, and that's OK. It happens. Help them and support them so they can do better. Let them know that they are enough. Bad days happen, but good days are just around the corner. Provide them with the resources they need whether it be a tutor, professors email, or even love and support at home.

I remember finals of my spring semester freshman year of college. I attempted and pretty much did pull two all-nighters in a row thanks to a lot of coffee, energy drinks, and my friends, who were in the same position, keeping me company. I know I am not the only one who has had sleepless nights due to the amount of work a college student can have.

I remember by the end of the week I was so tired I just started crying about everything as I packed up my dorm and moved into my apartment. I couldn't even socialize with my family when I got home after moving in. I just cried and had mental breakdowns as I headed home and then slept for what seemed like forever. My body was exhausted. After a semester of beating myself up for not living up to not only my expectations for school but also everyone else's around me. I just had to get As on those exams.

Even after doing well like I had hoped, I felt like a zombie, shuffling through the motions of the day.

Talking to my friends recently, they all asked, "How did you do it?" They wondered about the staying up late to do work, getting up early, maintaining good grades and having more than one job. I don't know how I did it honestly. I had gotten used to it. I have also learned it wasn't healthy and something I had to change despite how normal these behaviors and habits are for college students. I was always tired, didn't have relaxation time or time to spend with friends and family. I looked pale and worn out almost always.

Grades are important, yes, but take care of yourself in the process. It is possible to have both.

What I had to learn was balance, planning ahead, and using my time wisely.

Don't wait until the last minute to study for exams and do major projects or essays. Break your studying up over a period of days or weeks in advance if needed. Get ahead when you may not have a lot of work to do before everything hits at once. Eat healthily, take breaks from your work, exercise, and relax. Make time for yourself, too.

I have learned not waiting until the last minute and staying up all night has helped me feel refreshed as I begin the test. I am alert and not prone to falling asleep in other classes that day or blanking out on information from trying to cram the night before. I am not left feeling lethargic or sluggish after the exams. I am still my happy self. I am no longer constantly beating myself or depressing myself. I have learned to go talk to my professors, friends, and family when I need help. I plan ahead and balance my time. Keeping a planner is a great way to do this and keep track of when everything is due.

If you are struggling with your coursework and school is taking over your health, talk to your professor, counselor, or family.

They can help you. Don't be afraid to reach out.