I allow myself to lie in bed. I give myself freedom to go for runs even though I know I have a lot of schoolwork. I go out on the weekends knowing I have papers to edit, tests to study for, notes to be taken. I buy myself things when I am feeling down, or sad. I watch movies in bed and re-runs of my favorite TV show when I should be doing something productive. I take care of myself knowing that my physical health, and mental health comes first, always.

This semester has probably been the hardest semester of my life. Between taking 17 credits, balancing 3 jobs, 1 internship, writing for recreational fun (woot woot the Odyssey), applying for Study Abroad (Prague 2017 here I come!!), and maintaining my sanity by staying social and going out…I have been super stressed, anxious and overwhelmed. I have stuck to my strict schedule, and have maintained my workload and happiness quite well, but I admit…I have neglected my health, often, all while doing so.

Since I was a junior in high school, I was diagnosed with stomach ulcers—basically the lining of my stomach is inflamed and there are holes in my stomach. You know what causes that? Stress…and genetics (but there is no history in my family with any stomach issues, so that is besides the point). When I was a junior, I was studying for the SATS, while also looking at colleges, while also taking 3 AP classes, studying for the forsaken Regents, and practicing lines for my lead role in 1776 as Martha Jefferson (major TBT). I never took care of myself and allowed the stress to literally eat me alive. I was in and out of the doctors office and hospital for that entire year until they finally diagnosed me and gave me medication to where I finally felt like a human being again. Despite being “cured,” I was still ill. I couldn’t really eat what I wanted to, and I constantly felt sick.

Eventually, as I got older, I have learned what it means to balance my life, and to actually take care of myself. Despite not doing the best job at it this past semester, I did try (it’s a little harder to slack off in college, especially when there are strict deadlines and due dates). I allowed myself to watch a movie every so often. I designated time to hanging out with my friends. I went out to dinner instead of cooking up something in the kitchen. I spent hours at the gym instead of hours in the library on some evenings. I took really long showers to ease some tension. I ate sweets and anything and everything that is chocolate to make my tastebuds happy; I also went out on weekends without worrying about what I had due that following week. I let myself enjoy life and enjoy freedom, despite my busy workload and schedule.

It’s extremely important to give yourself some love, and some freedom when you are stressed and overworked. I know sometimes it’s hard to find the time, but your health comes first, and your body needs some relaxation and needs to be taken care of. It’s unfair for your brain to be boggled down 24/7 and it’s unfair to allow your body to be worn out for the sake of getting a 98 instead of a 95 on a paper, exam, project, etc. Enable yourself to lay in bed, to snuggle up with a teddy bear (#singlelife), to go for a run, to devour an entire ice cream sundae, to Facetime a friend from home, to take longer naps, to treat yo’ self to a fine meal, etc.

Don’t allow yourself to be run by a motor. You must find time to do things that make you happy, to tend to your wants and needs—its important to be responsible of your health and your overall wellbeing. Do something every day that will make you happy, make you feel strong, make you feel secure, make you feel rejuvenated and ready for whatever comes your way (sorry, that was corny). Your health always comes first.