We just had fall break, and it would be an understatement to say that it was much needed. After spending countless hours studying, writing papers, balancing relationships and just being busy in general, it was nice to be able to simply sit on my couch, watch the opening week of the NBA and do nothing.
Now we’re back, and slowly but surely all the things that I didn’t have to worry about for a whole week are creeping up on me. School work is back on my mind, and I’m already feeling burnt out three days in. It’s almost like I need another fall break.
Okay, maybe that’s a little too much. But if there is anything that fall break taught me, it’s that a break is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
And I’m not alone in thinking this. Studies show that taking a break has a myriad of bonuses. Taking breaks can help keep you from getting bored of a project, help you retain more information for that test you’re cramming for and even help you evaluate your goals and understand what exactly it is you need to get done.
Taking breaks can also help you avoid getting constantly stressed from everything. When your problems become so overwhelming that it turns into a chronic stress, then it can really become an issue. Chronic stress can lead to serious physical health issues such as frequent headaches, gastrointestinal issues, high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease or a stroke. Stress can literally kill you, so taking breaks both big and small can make a huge difference.
I’m not saying you have to take a grand vacation (or staycation, if that’s more your style) in order to destress. You can do little things to decrease your daily stress. Whether that means going outdoors to take a mini hike or just curling up in bed with some hot chocolate and Netflix, these little breaks can help you snap your stress cycle and give you the psychological space you need.
So the next time you start having a full on meltdown because of the 658 finals that you have to study for and the 1,000,000 papers you have to write, just remember that it’s not only okay to take a break, but it’s probably exactly what you need.
Unless you actually have 1,000,000 papers. Then maybe you should bang out like two or three of them.
