Some days I wake up, and I just know it's not going to be a good day. I know that I'm going to have to force myself to smile, be happy, and initiate conversation with other people, but it's going to be really exhausting.

During my freshman year, I learned a couple of things about myself—how I interacted with other people, how I studied, and most importantly, how I had personal limits to what I can do or say.

It was so hard to be surrounded by people all day every day, especially since I lived in a dorm with two other people. It was hard to find time to myself and just be comfortable. I felt like I always had to be "down" to do everything, whether it was studying till four in the morning, going out to tacos at 10 at night, or talking with a group of friends for more than seven hours straight. There just wasn't enough time in a day.

Honestly, it was overwhelming. Freshman year itself was just a huge mess; I wasn't able to be intentional and balance my academics, social life, family, and faith all at once.

It was bad for both my friends and me because I didn't know how to tell my friends that I had reached my limit. Rather than telling them that I needed time to myself, I would be passive-aggressive, but my emotions would be completely displayed on my face (unfortunately).

Gradually, my friends understood how I reacted to different things in different ways and how I had certain personal limits until I couldn't handle a situation. I learned (and am still learning) how passive aggressiveness can negatively affect those around me.

Although I can't say that I'm not passive-aggressive anymore, I found comfort in setting aside time for myself.

On the days when I wasn't feeling 100%, I took a walk to campus, went to the library, or reserved a study room for myself. I just did whatever it took to find time to restore and heal, and I think that's OK. It's OK to take time to yourself and do whatever you need to do to recharge.