Hello all! It’s the weekend, which can only entail the best of life’s offerings: sleeping in until 2 pm, followed by 3 hours of Netflix (and two bowls of cereal), and ignoring all other obligations to sleep some more. With all of this aside, the weekend has become less and less of a haven for me, since my schedule has become increasingly insane (as have I, to be honest). I’m attempting to produce consistent and exciting blog content, juggling dance rehearsal and photoshoots and projects and art. So. Much. Art.

We can all relate to being burnt out at some point or another; sometimes life becomes too much for us to handle, while still maintaining our sanity. It’s times like these where we simply want to quit. To throw all obligations out the window, binge-eat cheese puffs, and sleep for eternity. My friend, your health and sanity matters. Taking time out to care for yourself isn’t selfish, its essential. As a full-time college student who tries to be involved in a bazillion activities, I tend to bite off wayyy more than I can chew. This always results in a build-up of anxiety, exhaustion, and stress. This goes on until my brain practically explodes, and the only thing left to do is to float away in my ocean of stress-induced tears. If you’re a working, breathing human, you can probably relate to this in some way or another.

Firstly, understand that you are only human, with (probably) two arms and two legs, therefore you can only juggle so many things at one time. Having a busy schedule isn’t necessarily a bad thing (it prevents us from becoming sedentary, cheese-puff-induced blobs), but your agenda should not be overflowing to the point where you can’t even take care of yourself. It’s okay to say “no” to the occasional event; turning down a request when you’re already filled to the brim does not make you a villain. How can you possibly take care of others if you’re feeling like a disaster inside?

I’ve come to realize that, honestly, I can handle way less than I thought I could. Earlier tonight, I told my boyfriend that I feel as if I disappoint everyone, even myself. I’m in art school, and yet my creative juices feel as if they’ve been run completely dry. I make plans, and flake (I was actually called a flaky pastry puff, once), I have projects, and procrastinate, I set goals and to-do’s, and oftentimes don’t follow through. It’s my fatal flaw, yes, but it’s okay (sort of). I am human. We are human, and humans are flawed beings. We get weary and exhausted, stressed and burnt out. Friends, forgive yourself. Forgive your flawed human-ness. Go on a run, do some yoga, drink some tea (I highly recommend Twining’s peppermint tea). Read a book, or watch a movie that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Call your parents, snuggle with your dog (if you’re in college, definitely have your mom send you a care package. As for the dog, you might have to settle for a Pillow Pet). Take a step away from the burdens of your agenda, and allow yourself to breathe. By this, I mean put on a multi-colored kimono and enjoy the fresh air.