We are getting to that time of the year where the first round of tests and projects roll around. Projects and tests = stress, when stresses are high, study breaks are needed desperately. Here are a couple quick ways to get your mind out of the books.

1. Get Active

Whether it's hiking or running or whatever you like to do to get moving, sometimes all your body needs is some movement after sitting in the library for too many hours. Go be active, play a game of basketball with your friends, go chill in the hot tub, anything.

2. Take a Break and Get Some Ice Cream

Hit up your local ice cream or frozen yogurt shop, its bound to put you in a better mood and give you a break from all the studying.

3. Phone a Friend

Sometimes all you need is to take a break and catch up with a friend. Whether a roommate or your best friend from high school who lives halfway across the country and is in a different time zone, they are there to listen to you and be your support system.

4. Watch a Couple Episodes of Your Favorite Show

Now this one requires a lot of self control, because so often do you start to watch a show and then you tell yourself "one more episode" and then 3 hours later, you are still sitting there watching that "one more episode." Nonetheless, watching TV is a good way to just lay back and take a break. It switches the gears up.

5. Get Some Sleep

The easiest, and probabaly, most overlooked solution to a study break. When have stayed up for endless nights staring at notes and a computer screen, sometimes what your body really needs is just some good rest. In the form of a power nap or just a solid 8 hours of sleep, there is nothing better you can do for yourself than to catch up on the ZZZzzzz.

You got it! Take the break and get back to studying!