From iPods to IMing, from Nintendo to night-time jogs -- within every pastime is hidden the potential for ... a study break. Whether it is the recommended five minutes or the sometimes seemingly inevitable five hours, nearly every student needs a break from studying, especially with midterm season in full swing. And just as every student has a special corner in the library or a preferred table in the lounge, every student has an ideal study break (or two) that almost never fails to refresh and revive the mind.
"My study breaks usually include the I'm-just-going-to-check-facebook-really-quickly study break, which usually turns into a one-hour stalking session," third-year College student Veronica Brooks said.
In addition to facebook, checking e-mail, instant messaging and surfing the Web are all popular Internet-related study breaks.
"I accidentally stumble upon pictures of really scary babies online," first-year College student Erin Kazaz said, explaining that she uses Google to find pictures for her computer background.
According to many, often even more addicting than the Internet is the allegedly magnetic pull of the gaming consul. Some prefer X-box, some prefer Game Cube, but without a doubt, nearly all prefer moving their fingers at lightning speed over the video game controllers to moving them over the keys on their laptop in an attempt to finish their latest paper.
"I play quite a bit of Super Smash Brothers," first-year College student Bob Weaver said. "Beating the crap out of people is a good way to unwind."
Another great way to relax, many said, is sleeping. Particularly with the infamous lack of sleep experienced by the average college student, a quick power nap can do wonders for the brain.
"I go and fall asleep in other people's suites," first-year Engineering student Matt Fiefer said.
Others enjoy visiting other people for different reasons.
"When I'm taking a break from studying, I go bother other people that are studying," Weaver said.
Eating also proves to be another almost universally beloved break from the books.
"Mostly, I'm going to go eat even when I'm not hungry," second-year Engineering student Jackie Rosser said. "But sometimes, I go exercise."
Preferred exercise options span far and wide, ranging from jogging to dancing.
"When I need a break, I dance around to a Spanish song, namely salsa music," first-year Engineering student Kim Everett said.
And just as reenergizing as music are the more unique breaks some students prefer.
"I worry about whether or not I have my assassins gear on, race a balloon down the stairs, redesign our common room," first-year Engineering student Megan Bell said.
But regardless of whether students opt for the common or the original, the nutritious or the unhealthy, all students need a break. But then again, there is another option.
"You just don't start studying in the first place," first-year Engineering student Jack McKay said.
Problem solved.
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