You Deserve To Take Time For Yourself By: Ella Simmons

    This time of year is always exciting and overwhelming. It's a time where usually, you'd rather be celebrating with friends and family than sitting in a classroom all day. Clearly this year is different; you not only have to be working instead of relaxing, but you can't see your friends everyday in school like we usually would be able to. 

    For a lot of people (including myself), online school makes them feel unmotivated and anxious a lot of the time. It's difficult for a many people to work at home where there are more distractions, and they aren't able to walk to their classes or interact with others. It is normal to feel unmotivated during online learning, and it's okay to not want to do work around the month of December because of the excitement of the holidays. What's unique about this year is that this time doesn't only bring demotivated feelings because of eagerness for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the New Year, but on top of that is the fact that we can't see our friends, and every day may feel the same during distance learning.

    That being said, it's completely normal to feel stressed and maybe even directionless during this crazy time. You deserve to take a break from schoolwork to do something you enjoy, because now of all times is when we all need it the most. Try to find things that make you happy, and that might help you feel more up to finishing schoolwork that you otherwise might not want to do. It's okay to take multiple breaks a day where you're not working, and it's good to take long breaks where you may talk to family, watch television, read, or even eat without working at the same time. You deserve to take time for yourself that will help you stay healthy and happy.