Being in a city as dynamic, significant and beautiful as Rome, I stepped into my apartment on the first day thinking that I wouldn't be spending that much time in it. Everyone that I talked to -- inside or out of the program -- had been saying for months that there shouldn't be a single day that I stay inside. For the most part, I've followed that philosophy because there are places to go everywhere in Rome, plus I can't get street food pizza delivered.

And the street food in Rome is better than some sit-down food back home.

Still, denying myself of being able to take a day for relaxing, de-stressing, etc. isn't realistic and isn't healthy. It took me a while to accept this because I was in the city of my dreams, after all. But taking care of myself is important and essential, regardless of my location or circumstances -- sometimes even essential because of current circumstances.

I know that the students at my home institution, Kalamazoo College, are heading into exam week and I'm sure that other schools around the globe are entering that time as well. For other people, the holiday season may be a reason for stress because the search for presents has begun and the pressure of hearing your relatives' opinions on politics and really any current event is weighing on you.

"Hey grandpa I haven't seen you in forever!" "STARBUCKS SELLS THE CUPS OF THE DEVIL?"

Even in general, the situation that a person could be in right now might be legitimately unfortunate and weighing on them. In any and all of these cases along with an infinite amount of others, it is completely acceptable to take time for yourself to relax, regroup and attack the situation at hand. If you don't have that much time, take 20 minutes for yourself; take a walk, listen to calming music, play calming music, get some tacos, make some tacos -- whatever it is, the important part is that you do something that will help you feel more comfortable and less stressed.

It is not wrong for you to take care of yourself, even if everyone else is being what they deem to be productive. You aren't lazy, you're just taking your time getting where you're going.

There are people that work well under stress and that's okay, but prolonged, chronic stress is not good for your mental and physical health. In general, stress is a biological response to a situation that your brain thinks requires more attention, quicker reactions, etc. That's all fine and dandy if the situation passes and your body stops flooding your system with hormones to make it operate at the peak of its ability. The reaction is intended to be temporary. Intense, chronic stress can lead to hormone imbalances, exhaustion and a weakening of the immune system.

I understand that you're stressed. You've got a lot to do and it needs to get done or some extension of that, but you can use some time to give back to yourself. Your mental and physical health are important to you and your productivity. So find some time to treat yourself, whether it be before or after your deadline.