With PSATs, extracurriculars, and societal pressures looming over us, it can be difficult, as a student, to find the time and motivation to get work done and meet deadlines. Sometimes, even just your struggle being seen and recognized by another student who can relate is enough to slightly improve your mentality towards school.

In school, you may feel alone, but nearly everybody around you can understand the difficulties of being a student in a stressful academic period. And, let’s be honest–our student body has been through a lot! That’s why I feel it to be very important to promote self-care as a student.

When working or studying, studies have shown it is vital to take breaks. Taking short breaks can improve your learning and increase your motivation to study longer. Breaks should be around 15-20 minutes, as this will give you a sufficient amount of time to rest your mind while also not allowing your mind to get entirely distracted. If your breaks are too short, they will no longer be helpful, and if they are too long, it will be difficult to return to your work.

Examples of things to do during your break can be napping, taking a short walk in nature, drinking tea or coffee, meditation, sketching, and physical activity. Some may need this time to take care of hygiene and health, while others may need to use it as a creative outlet.

The important thing is to customize your breaks to your own needs, and don’t overdo it. Both your body and mind needs reset periods. Allow yourself time to yourself to rest, relax, and rewind.