Does it ever feel like you are being pulled in all different directions? Like someone always needs you be somewhere or do something? Is your schedule crammed with group meetings, internship obligations and homework sessions?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you are not alone.

It is normal to have jam-packed days. There is so much to conquer in college that it would be almost impossible to avoid a hectic schedule. However, it is important to remember that while you are making time for everyone else, it is also important to make time for yourself.

“Me time” is not only enjoyable, but also necessary. For me, it is necessary for maintaining my sanity. Spending time around coworkers, fellow students and even friends can be exhausting; “me time” is the perfect refueling device. “Me time” allows me to hone in on my feelings and focus on my personal wants and beliefs. “Me time” is my time to reflect on my past and plan for my future. “Me time” is my time to be alone with only my thoughts and my desires.

It is often easy to lose sight of what you truly want when you are bombarded with opinions from others. Spending time alone with your thoughts is the perfect way to uncover your deepest passions. It is also the perfect setting for distinguishing your personal goals.

Now, it is more difficult than ever to disconnect and to truly be alone. Social sites like Facebook and Twitter make it seem like you are always connected, even when you don’t want to be. This makes it especially hard to escape the influences of others. Now, it is more important than ever to get serious about scheduling “me time” and ensuring it happens.

I realized a while ago that I donated so much of my time to others that I was totally forgetting to make time for myself. I began to lose sight of my aspirations as those aspirations merged with what everyone else wanted for me.

It was then that I vowed to devote time to myself every single day. I schedule time just for me, and I use that time to relax and to think or to simply do whatever I feel like doing at the time. I restore myself when I am alone.

“Me time” can be spent in many ways because it is, by definition, a time only for you. There is no pressure to do anything. You make all the rules.

Doesn’t that sound nice?

Stop giving away all your time to others, and start devoting time to yourself.