Spring break is nearly here and light can be seen at the end of the tunnel.  It’s very faint, but it is getting brighter every day. 

I am taking an online class that I love, but it is a lot of work.  My Creative Writing class is a three credit class with homework every night, but after this Friday I will be done with the class and I will only have to worry about 13 credits.  I have two major projects after this week and two small papers to write.  I’m so excited, but I feel like this week could kill me. 

I am sure that you have dealt with this feeling before.  Knowing there is light ahead, but not quite sure you’re going to make it.  Let me give you 4 tips on what I have been doing to keep my cool for this week.

• Prayer- I pray when I get up in the morning, before each class, and before I go to bed.  I thank God for who he is and that he has gotten me through this far.  Then I pray for strength, guidance, and patience for the day ahead.
• Reading the Bible- I am reading through the Psalms.  You will see that David goes from sadness to thanksgiving at the end of each Psalm.  I recommend Psalms 13,18, and 136
• Relaxing- I love to do things with my hands so I’ve been making cards for people and doing some drawing.  Find something that you love to do as a form of relaxing.  I make sure that I spend 5 to 10 minutes between each hour of work to let my mind slow down.
• Sleep- I am trying to get 8 hours of sleep a night.  Sleep is very important.  It gives my body and mind a rest from the stress and it gives me strength to face the next day. 

I hope you find these tips helpful during your times of stress.  God Bless.