With AP and IB tests just around the corner, almost everyone is losing their minds trying to cram so they do not fail. Of course, if you just choose not to take such courses or opt out of studying, you will not find yourself in this agonizing situation. Unfortunately, most of us are stubborn enough to put ourselves through these classes in the hopes of maybe strengthening our chance of having a somewhat okay future. All this studying can quickly affect a student’s mental state and can often lead to a full-blown break-down, so it is extremely important to make sure you take study breaks.
Study breaks should not just be some boring, five minute rest, though. Why not live a little? Focus your short escape from that terrible place into something more entertaining and exciting.

One option for what you can do during a study break is to drink some water. I mean a lot of water. You have to stay hydrated; otherwise, what is the use of studying? Just chug it all down. You should not have too much, though, because that is probably not healthy.

If you own a toy keyboard, those can be pretty fun to mess with. You can relieve your stress by smashing keys and making the most hideous noise you can imagine as a representation of how you really feel. Maybe you will actually end up making some decent songs. If that happens, you should probably credit me.

To further explore your artistic side, you can pick up a pen or pencil and slap it down on some paper into some kind of drawing. It does not matter whether if it is good or not, No one is looking, so don’t worry. The sky’s the limit on how you want to translate your feelings of anxiety and frustration onto paper. Maybe you will be the next Jackson Pollock, who knows?

Lastly, you may want to consider adopting a pet. If you already have one, that is perfect. Pets are really miracle workers for stress, supported by the fact that there is literally such a thing as a pet therapy. Just take some time to chill out and hang with your favorite animal. Unconditional love is pretty much guaranteed, so that’s good. If you do not already have a pet or anything, you can take a trip to your local pet store or pound. If you cannot afford to buy something, maybe venture out into the desert and try to catch something. There are plenty of lizards and squirrels out here, and maybe you will even get lucky enough and catch a coyote.

So, study breaks are really important and crucial to surviving testing season. Do not be the one to end up burning out because you did not have enough of these great study breaks. Take this advice and do with it what you will. Happy testing!