It’s officially that point in the semester where I forget I’m a human being. Symptoms of this include: running on two hours of sleep, slurping down coffee like a fiend, realizing you started reading a book for fun FOUR WEEKS AGO, forgetting which day of the week it is frequently, having trouble recalling the last time you showered and eating/breathing/sleeping homework, essays, and projects.

It’s way too easy to get wrapped up in the stress your classes bring you, wrapped up like a present in a pretty bow—if that present was more of a human baby that you have to take care of for, bare minimum, the next 18 years.

What I’m trying to say is: I’m under pressure. And not in the fun David-Bowie-Freddie-Mercury type of way. I finish an essay, project and various other homework assignments, and before I can even take a breath, I’ve got another 10 assignments, essays and projects.

On top of that, I’m told in the near distant future I’ve got two exams, on the same day! Not to mention, I’ve got to schedule meetings and find time to sleep and eat.

And it’s not going to get any easier until finals are over and the snow has fallen.

I’m sure a lot of you panthers can relate with where I’m coming from. I love my majors, I love the classes I’m in, but it is lots of work. This semester just feels like a lot.

I blink, and a whole week of stress, pressure and misery goes by in the blink of an eye. I need some relief, people!

It’s not going to happen. And that’s fine, I want my degree more. However, there is some key advice I’ve been given, and I’d like to pass it on.

Make time for yourself! I know what you’re thinking: There is no time! And you’re right! It definitely feels like that, but I guarantee there is. Something as simple as dedicating 20 minutes to reading for fun, watching a bit of a show or movie or talking with your equally-busy friends is so important.

I personally try to study/write in the common area of my suite with my suitemates. On particularly busy days, I do have to lock myself in my room, but I like to pop out of there to take a short walk. It gets your blood flow going, and it gives you distance from what you’ve been grueling over for hours.

It’s also important to realize that you won’t get everything done in one four-hour-long sitting. Anticipate some breaks. You’ll probably take some whether you plan them or not (I’m looking at you, procrastinators).

If you have another assignment to do or class to study for, switch it up. This semester has been particularly exhausting, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.

So, park it in that couch for just a short while, indulge in some reading and take that bubble bath. In the grand scheme of things, what’s 20 minutes?

Megan Keane is a senior English and psychology major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or at mkkeane@eiu.edu.