As a college student, I have a looming fear in the back of my cluttered brain that I won't make a deadline. Between school, work and student organization-related responsibilities, I'm constantly sprinting to outrun the due dates that trail not too far behind. Often, I wondered what it would be like to not worry about deadlines, or coursework for a few months. To spend some much needed time with my family and friends back home.

So, this past summer, I did just that. I figured that I will likely be held to higher priorities in the years to come, especially as I dive deeper into my college career. The chance to take an entire summer off may not come for quite some time.

I never realized just how much deadlines dictated my life until I started having frequent nightmares about turning in a paper late, or missing my final exams, even though I wasn't enrolled in any classes. I came to the revelation that, while education is detrimental to success, I shouldn't let assignments and papers consume my entire livelihood.

As much as I want to go by the saying, "you can sleep when you're dead," I have to admit: It's okay to take a break (as difficult as it may seem). A solid three months of no classes, minimal responsibilities, and even some time away from writing for Odyssey (hopefully you guys didn't miss me too badly) has done me wonders.

I gave myself the opportunity to clean out some of that clutter, both in my brain and junk that I've accumulated in my room. I made a point to make use of my favorable proximity to the beach (only a ten minute drive). If you have never taken a midnight walk on the beach, I highly recommend it. The luminescent beauty of the star-filled skies and the gentle murmurs of the trickling waves caressing the cool sand is an experience unlike any other. You see life as an awe-inspiring journey, rather than a chaotic jungle of files and obnoxious sounds.

After being away from my parents for longer than I've ever been, I was fortunate enough to watch TV and Netflix with them like old times. I sat by my dog's (and long-time best friend) side for her final moments (see my dedication piece to Mango I wrote a few months back). I also got to reconnect with family members I haven't seen since my grandmother passed last year. To think that I would have missed these crucial moments would've been undeniably heartbreaking.

I can now go into this new semester with a fresh mind and less stuff to carry on my shoulders. My outlook on life is also substantially more positive and hopeful. Stress is a natural part of life, yet too much of it is unhealthy and can be detrimental to your mental and physical health. If you ever feel overworked or possess feelings of immense emptiness, don't fight yourself. Take a break. It's okay. Really.