With the school year now in full swing, the homework is piling up. Personally, after doing homework for 2-3 hours, I know my brain starts to turn to mush. We all need to take a break every now and then, so here are some great ways to help you escape the homework world for a little. The following options will give your mind a break without wasting too much of that precious study time.
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1. Clean your room
That laundry you did earlier this week? This is the perfect opportunity to finally fold it and put it all away. Cleaning is a great way to take a break from studying, because you’re still accomplishing something productive. Make sure your study area is clean and organized too. Clutter on your desk will distract you, so make sure everything has a designated spot.
2. Â Get something to eat
All of this studying has probably made you hungry! Or you’re like me and can’t stop thinking about food until you eat something. Your brain needs food too, so make sure you find a healthy snack to munch on while taking a break. Or better yet, treat yourself to your favorite Starbucks drink. You finished 30 problems on your macro homework? You deserve a pumpkin spice latte, girlfriend. Maybe even a venti. You’ve got a lot of studying ahead of you.
3. Â Exercise
After being cramped in your room or the library for hours of studying, nothing is better getting outside for some fresh air. Go for a quick run around the lakes. Or if you hate running like I do, take a peaceful walk to the Grotto. Have a bike? Take a ride to clear your mind. Too cold or dark outside? No problem. If you’re in your room, do some simple stretches to relax for a while. Try some squats and lunges to wake up your body and to stay in shape while taking your break. I wouldn’t recommend doing this study break in the middle of the library, but, hey, if you want to start a library yoga session, you have all my respect.
4. Â Paint your nails
Don’t force yourself to look at those chipping nails as you type that paper, take a break and paint them. Grab your favorite color and paint away. You’ll look and feel so much better with a fresh manicure, and stay stylish while typing away on your computer (for hours…and hours).
5. Â Read a book
Believe it or not reading for fun is actually…well, fun! Even though you might be taking a break from reading Plato’s Republic or 18 chapters in your Marketing textbook, a leisurely read will let brain take a break from all of that homework. Curl up with a good book and let your mind drift away from all things school. After living in wonderland for a few minutes, you will be ready to dive back into the world of not so fun reading.
6. Â Take a nap
For some of us this could be potentially dangerous, but for those brave people who are willing to get into the comfy cozy world known as bed and actually get out (whoa) to study more, this one is for you. When your eyes just cannot read another line without closing, it might be time for you to slip into dreamland for a little bit. Whether it’s 2 minutes or 2 hours, MAKE SURE YOU SET YOUR ALARM. Do not trust yourself to wake up naturally; you won’t.
7. Â Call a friend
Have a friend at another school? Call them up and don’t mention schoolwork. This is your break time; catch up about each others’ lives outside of the classroom. Gossip about One Direction, the latest political decision, or the newest episode of Breaking Bad. Whatever it is, limit yourself to about 20 minutes max. I know when I talk to my best friend we can chitchat about absolutely nothing for hours. Don’t let yourself do that because you will be mad at yourself for it. If you’ve got a lot of studying to do, call a different friend every hour or so. It is a great way to take a break and catch up with friends.Â
Therese Burke is a Saint Mary’s College contributor to Her Campus Notre Dame.