College is great and all, in terms of living with your best friends and having the opportunity to learn things you never would have before, but sometimes you just need a break.

If you're like me, Columbus Day break was much needed. Responsibilities are at an all time high and motivation seems at an all time low. Midterm exams have either already stressed you out or are looming over you, and you just need a couple of day's break to rest, recuperate, and breath before you get back into the whole "school" thing again.

Most people that I know, even the most studious among us, can't deny the relief of a well-earned long weekend and break to relax.

I know you understand too, the top reasons why you needed Columbus Day break:

1. Family

Many, if not most, of the people that I know take this break as an excuse to return home, even for just a couple of days. Nothing beats a trip back home, returning to be around your family and loved ones. It's nice not to have to act quite so much like an adult for just one weekend more.

2. Sleeping

At home, the nights of doing homework until 2 am and getting up at 6 am are over. For at least a few extra days you can get the recommended amount of sleep for people our age (would you believe it's 7-9 hours a night?) and make up for the loss you've suffered throughout the semester.

3. Catching up

Sometimes you need time to breath in order to buckle down. Having so much to do and often getting overwhelmed at the sheer amount, it's helpful psychologically to know you have extra time to do it, and a relief. You can use every second of your vacation not only to unwind but also as a way to ease your mental state and play some much needed catch-up.

4. Friends

If you're home, surely some of your friends from back in your hometown are too. Being reunited feels so good and this is a great time in the year to catch up on each others' lives and drama before you're too far into the year.

5. Mental break

And finally, for the first time since Labor Day weekend, you have a few extra days to relax and take some much needed time to yourself. While it's great to have constant friends and support during the school year, it's sometimes just as good to have some time for your own thoughts. Time to do what you want, independent of those around you, feels pretty good after such a long time coming.

At it's best, Columbus Day break is a time to unwind, catch up, and enjoy the freedom of a long weekend leading to a shorter school week.

Unfortunately, at it's worst, it's also a bitter reminder of just how far away and just how sweet Thanksgiving break is going to be in another month.