It’s crunch time. The end of the semester is here and so are final exams, papers and group projects. You may worry this week or even fall asleep in the library and be featured on your peer’s Snapchat story.

College is hard. I’m writing this to remind my fellow Cougs to breathe. In these stressful times, it’s important to remember and practice self-care.

This means taking time to take care of you. Grades are important but they are not a testament of your character; they do not define your worth or determine if you will be successful.

I’m asking my fellow Cougs to work hard, but to remember that there is nothing more important than making time for yourself.

When the stress gets to be too much, treat yourself. Go do cardio or weight lifting, enjoy Dollar Scoop Thursday at the Daily Grind, surround yourself with people who bring you happiness. I know some take pride in massive amounts of caffeine intake, but getting eight hours of sleep and limiting your social media usage can help relieve some of the stress of this time of the year.

Make a to-do list and commit to checking things off – there is nothing more satisfying then checking it off. Set a scheduled time to study and have others present to hold you accountable. Listen to and care for your body. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek support.

WSU is committed to providing resources to assist you and help you succeed. Take one assignment or task at a time. Stay focused, be calm, and find the joy in learning.

Remember, this week will not last forever. Good luck Cougs, you got this.