If you sit here reading this struggling to keep your eyes open, you probably fit this description. The description of someone who is constantly saying “yes” to favors and odd jobs, who seems to never be off the clock, and so on. I can easily say that I am that girl.

During the school year, I take usually around 18 or 19 hours a semester. Classes plus sorority meetings, dinners, and formals; add onto that homework every day, worship sessions, eating, bible studies, and at some point, working out. 

When I would come home on some weekends to escape my college life, I would crash as soon as my head hit the pillow. All I did was sleep, and my mom would be slightly concerned, but I just pushed myself so hard to always say “yes” at school. 

As summer starts, so does work. I work over 40 hours a week, plus babysitting gigs, pet sitting, and finding time to hang out with friends and family. Yes, summer is supposed to be a relaxing time, but it is also one of the only opportunity most college students have to make money to support their college lifestyles. So, I work and work and sometimes when I have energy, I work a little more.

This summer I have just been completely exhausted, all the time. When I have days off, I spend my time watching tv, which usually leads to me napping. I get home from work, I nap, eat dinner, then go to sleep again. At one point it started to get a little concerning.

I was at the doctor’s office one day for a routine checkup, and I mentioned how I am exhausted 24/7, so we did some bloodwork. I was sort of hoping something was off, just so I had a reason for being so tired all time, but of course everything was perfect. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful nothing was wrong, but I now had no medical reason to be so tired all the time. 

I thought it may be because I had broken my elbows not too long ago, and I was not able to work out during that recovery process (obviously). But, once I was able to work out again, I was still exhausted throughout the day. I think it is because I do every single thing I am asked. If someone needs a ride, I’m there. If someone needs a last-minute babysitter, I’m there, and the list goes on. But what I am starting to learn is I don’t always have to say “yes” to every task handed to me, which is hard because I have control issues. If I know I can complete a task better than others, I would rather do it myself.

So, to the girl who is probably overworking herself, take a breath. Life can get overwhelming fast; it can overtake you like being hit by a tidal wave over and over again. Say “no” sometimes, even when it is hard. Which I know it is, because “no” is one of the least used words in my vocabulary. But, when life is hitting you too fast, and you feel like you can’t do anything but lay in bed and sleep for 13 hours and still not feel rejuvenated, take a step back. Step back and take time for yourself. I know I myself need to take my own advice and give myself some well-deserved me time.