As a college student, there a lot of stressful times. Much of my stress comes from course work and when I will find the time to accomplish tasks. I am a very involved person on campus, so time and sleep elude many nights.

But, I have learned from a professor, whom I have never had and is not my advisor, that it is okay to take time for yourself. She told me that taking a few hours to watch tv or read a book won't hurt you or your grades as much as you may think it will.

As someone who has always been grade-conscious, I didn't believe her at first and didn't want to listen. But when it came time to write a lesson plan that same semester, I was so overwhelmed with doing better on this final plan that the previous two that I started to shut down.

I texted some teacher friends back home about whether it gets easier. I was distraught by the idea that it wouldn't, with time, become an easier task. I receded further into shutting down.

Eventually, I decided that enough was enough. I put away my school stuff and for the first time that whole semester, I just sat and did nothing. I watched way to much TV on my computer, and I took more naps than I have this semester.

In the end I felt better. I was able to pick up where I left off in my lesson plan, and even make revisions and adjustments to make the plan better. I realized that taking time for yourself doesn't have to be a "no-no" in the world of higher education.

This semester is crazy beyond all doubt. I have very few classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and a lot of classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my toughest days because I have three major courses and band all on these two days.

That may not sound like it's too bad until I tell you that I am an English Secondary Education major. That means I have a LOT of reading to do. That also means I don't get a lot of sleep on Monday and Wednesday nights.

This past Saturday, I didn't have a football game, so I took the day and made it mine. I didn't worry about homework or readings or due dates.

I cleaned my room for the first time since moving into my apartment in August. AUGUST!! I can see the floor now! I even freaked myself put on Sunday when I woke up because I could see the floor!

I also took the day to be what my roommate calls me: an old lady. Which means that I was crocheting all day after I finished cleaning. The one major "old lady" thing I didn't do was watch Hallmark movies all day, instead, I watched NCIS.

I was able to feel like myself for a while. I was able to feel relaxed. I didn't worry about due dates or homework for the whole day. I did that the next day.

Taking time for yourself shouldn't be a guilty pleasure. It should be a necessity for everyone's health.