We all know academics are important and education is one of the most valued commodities in our world. But, sometimes it is okay to distract yourself from the grind of studying. It's okay to take a mental health break and do something on the total opposite side of the spectrum from education.

What most college-age kids don't think about anymore is how the stress of college impacts their mental health. They think pulling all-nighters and staying awake solely by caffeine isn't an issue.

"It's a part of the college experience."

"Everyone has to do it at some point."

WRONG.

Knowing when enough is enough, and when to stop is an important part of growing up. Your body can only handle so much at a time. It's been proven over and over again that cramming isn't an effective way of studying, yet kids still do it. It's time to learn from our mistakes and focus a little bit more on our own health.

Take a mental health break, PLEASE.

Get a few hours of sleep. Watch a movie to let your mind relax. Sit in the sunshine and soak up the sun. Find some friends to make dinner with. Do something other than study for an hour or two. It's not going to kill you.

GPAs are important, I agree with that. But there are a few things more important than your grades, and one of those is your health.

So as this finals season comes to a close, think about ways to improve your studying next semester. Avoid all-nighters and living off of Starbucks (regardless of how great it is), and start putting yourself as your number one priority. When you do that right, your grades will follow suit.