As we get older, we feel more and more pressure from the responsibilities that come with growing up. For many, it starts when we are young, taking on household chores. We find the tasks to be inconvenient (and we likely rolled our eyes at our parents) and do the tasks so that we can return to enjoying our own schedules. Soon, school becomes more difficult and time consuming, and we look to balance homework, athletics or other interests, and social lives. Taking time for oneself is still possible without feeling as though a tidal wave of work is going to crash down if we stop working. In collegiate life, stress is ever-present. We consider sleep a luxury, and having free time means we could be doing something to get ahead in another class. As a college student, relaxation often feels like a luxury that I cannot afford.

Recently, through a series of sleepless nights and stressed, frustrated days, I reached a point where I simply couldn’t function anymore. I stepped away from my desk, thinking that I should just take a break from my paper and start another project or try and plan another sorority event. Instead, I went for a walk. I walked for what felt like an eternity, all across campus. The weather was cool and clear, perfect for fall and a much needed change from the stagnant air in my room. I didn’t once think about my paper, my planner, or other things I knew I couldn’t control. When I returned, it felt as though some part of the massive feeling of stress had dissipated. I sat back down to look at my paper and realized that stressing about doing things contributes little towards getting tasks done. Worrying about things out of one’s control adds unnecessary stress into life as well, and while it can be difficult, forgetting about them (or realizing that there is absolutely nothing that can be done about them) relieves a mountain of stress. Take a look at what needs done that can be completed, and use motivation, not stress to get things done. If motivation doesn’t work, sometimes taking a step back can make all the difference.

I’m not suggesting abandoning assignments or forgetting about important events. However, at some point in nearly everyone’s life, there will come a time when everything seems to be converging at once, and that there aren’t enough hours in the day to finish all assigned work or required responsibilities. Sometimes, taking a moment to step back from the stress and make time for yourself is the best remedy to ease a tense mind and relax a fatigued spirit.