While in college, or even high school, it seems most of our work is done on a laptop. Notes in class, essays, studying, even lecture slides are all just a foot from our faces. Many of us even decorate our computers with stickers to reflect our favorite things, quotes, and hobbies that are a part of us. While most of this is far from optional, as much as we wish it were, it's important to find ways to take a break from the screen and take time for ourselves. Especially with midterm exams looming, finding a distraction can be just the thing to get you through.
Breaking up your studying into increments can not only make it less daunting but allow for you to take a break and be more productive. Studying for 20-30 minutes and then taking a five-minute break can decrease your screen time while still giving you time to get things done. While you are on hiatus from your laptop, here are a few small ways to rest your brain and your eyes.
Unplugging and walking across campus or town to your favorite place to eat can be the perfect break while still doing something you need to do: eat. It can also make you more comfortable with eating alone, which can be great once you get used to it. Pick a table in the sun, eat slow, and treat yourself to a relaxing break in your day.
Though I am sure everyone has heard before that we all should give up some Netflix time in favor of picking up a book, it helps give your eyes and mind a break from the dozens of tabs in exchange for a story of your choosing. If you are a picky reader scarred from having to read hundreds of pages of "Wuthering Heights" for an English class at some point in your life, research a book that you are sure you will like beforehand so you can look forward to picking it up as much as watching the next episode of "The Great British Baking Show."
Listening to podcasts can be a happy compromise; it's like watching a YouTube video but while letting your eyes rest, and in my case, entertaining myself with something more positive than another BuzzFeed video. Spotify has endless options to choose from, and the iPhone also comes with a whole app designed just for podcasts. One of my favorites is "Ologies" by Allie Ward, which explores a specific niche of science each week. I especially love the ones that deal with psychology or the environment because maybe one day they will help me with a class. "TED Radio Hour" by NPR is also always interesting and sometimes a feel-good that can give you a push of motivation to make it through the week.
Participating in a service club or organization gives you a built-in break where you can gain a completely new experience and learn something that you couldn't from lecture slides. You can volunteer in a way that interests you and often get flexible hours, as little or as many as you want, and an impressive bullet point to add to your resume. Setting aside time in the week to mix up your routine and step away from the endless typing and reading can make you feel better and keep you focused.
I have a laptop sticker that says "keep it simple," and yet it is often my computer and the seemingly endless list of assignments I have to do on it that makes me forget to keep it simple and make time for myself. We all need to know when it is time to step away and do something that we enjoy, even if it is walking to your favorite coffee shop or listening to a (maybe somewhat nerdy) podcast.
