It's officially that time of year where you don't know what season it is, it's dark outside by 5:30 p.m., and you can never accurately determine how many layers to wear. On top of all this, it's the time when every college student has their planners full of assignments coming due. It can seem like you're living in a nightmare. How are you supposed to have time to go to class, do homework, study for tests, and maintain a social life all at once?

In this stressful time of year, it can be all too easy to push self-care time aside, thinking that other things are more important. After all, if you don't study for that test, you might not do well and your overall grade could drop. There isn't a lot of time to bring it back up, and your GPA could fall. It's a lot, I know. But if you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to accomplish anything in other areas of your life.

Taking care of yourself doesn't have to require a lot of time or effort. It can be as simple as sleeping in ten more minutes, going to bed a little earlier, or taking a shower even when you don't really need one. You can read the Bible verse of the day, do a devotional, or listen to a few of your favorite songs while scrolling through social media. If you want to be more creative, set aside some time to journal or draw or paint or whatever you like to do. If you have a favorite face mask you haven't used in a while, put some on and paint your nails. Whatever it is that calms you and releases stress, do it. Yes, it'll take time away from that ten-page paper due in a week or that economics test tomorrow, but once you get back to it, you'll be able to focus more.

Remember, school is important, but it's not more important than your health and happiness.