When faced with situations that seem almost impossible to get past; (people aren’t compromising, deadlines seem to close together, perhaps a lack of funds etc) I am often left with a feeling of numbness.

That if I struggle to make my plans come to fruition that it has to be my fault because I am incapable of doing anything right. It is almost as if I am standing in line to hear the punchline of a joke only to discover when I get to the front end of the queue, that I am the punchline.

Sometimes it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel — especially when you are the one who put the over the flashlight.

But I have also found a new level of depth within myself, where I now look at the way I approach situations and how I can handle the situations I am putting myself in.

People often forget that even if their boss has asked them to take on an extra workload, or put in more hours at work to cover for a colleague- you have the power to say no. You also have the right to say no.

We often put ourselves in easily avoidable situations because we feel it is our job or our duty to be the ‘yes-man’.

One thing I would encourage everyone to do: make time for yourself. Every single day. If you are a student, or you’re employed full-time — take ten minutes a day morning and afternoon and…breathe.

I know that most of you by this point would be saying ‘well that’s stupid — I’m constantly breathing.’

What I mean by that is; find a quiet place to sit alone. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in and hold it for 5 seconds, then breathe out. Do this fifteen times. All the while I want you to concentrate only on the sound of your breath. Your mind may wander off for a few seconds here and there, but always bring your thoughts back to the sound of your breath. Once you have finished, go back to what you were doing before but always be present. If your mind is focused elsewhere the exercise will not work.