Whether you have a super long to-do list or you’re approaching a stressful midterm week, it can feel like the amount of work you have in college is never-ending. If you’re anything like me, you tend to get a bit overwhelmed by studying, or you tend to study too hard and too long — which can lead to actually forgetting the information you’re supposed to be retaining. If you need to step away from homework for a second or just need a quick brain break, here’s how to spend your next study break, according to your zodiac sign.
Aries: Watch TV
While I don’t believe in spending the entire day watching TV, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying it in moderation. Make sure you’re watching something fun and lighthearted, like an episode of your favorite show. After all, Aries have a great sense of humor, so sometimes, it might make sense for you to sit down and watch a sitcom while you give your brain a break from studying.
Taurus: ENJOY a movie
Along the same lines as Aries, Tauruses will love a movie break after lots of studying. Rom-coms or Disney movies will usually do the trick to help your brain relax, but it doesn’t matter as long as it’s a movie that you enjoy. Tauruses are down-to-earth yet extremely motivated — and because of that, it can be easy to get so concentrated on what you’re doing that you don’t give yourself a break. Enjoying a movie and getting grounded and cozy is the perfect way to spend your next study break.
Gemini: Read for fun
While you’re probably used to reading your textbook all day, Geminis should try the “fun” kind of reading. Whether it’s your favorite magazine, blog, romance novel, fanfic, or all of the above, take a break from academic studies and simply read for pleasure. A 2019 study conducted at Sam Houston University found that reading for pleasure builds reading comprehension, increases background knowledge, increases student vocabulary skills, and can help to empathize with others. Gemini is a sign that loves adventure, so what better way to travel to faraway places than sitting down and getting lost in a good book?
Cancer: HAVE a snack
I know plenty of people (myself included) that get so caught up in studying that they forget to eat. That’s actually counterproductive to your studying because if you don’t eat, you’ll get tired and you won’t remember what you need to for your exams. Cancers are always trying to take care of other people and check up on those around them. However, what you need to remember, Cancer, is that you need to take care of yourself, too. Make sure you’re staying nourished and balanced by snacking on something during the day, drinking enough water, and keeping yourself healthy for when studying gets intense.
Leo: MOVE YOUR BODY
Movement and exercise can help you balance both your physical and mental health during your next study break. Not only that, but there are a wide range of exercises you can do in anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours, depending on how much time you have. Like Tauruses, Leos are extremely devoted to their work and typically have lots of energy. So, Leo, sweat out your stressors with movement and exercise the next time you need a break. Whether it’s a jog, doing simple exercises in your dorm, or attending a group workout class, movement will help you feel better in the long run.
Virgo: Take a nap
Although getting quality sleep in college can be rare, sleep hygiene is crucial for your health and your academic success. According to a 2015 study on memory recall and sleep published by ScienceDirect, people who sleep for eight hours are more likely to recall new faces and names remembered than those that didn’t get as much rest. Virgos are extremely hard workers, so next time you need a break, try taking a power nap.
If you’re concerned about sleeping too long, try setting an alarm so you don’t oversleep and feel groggy or throw your circadian rhythm off. As a Virgo, I can also say that I have pulled multiple all-nighters to get my school work done, but by taking a nap during your study break, you can catch up on the sleep and stay healthier in the long term.
Libra: Drink tea
While coffee is super popular for late-night study sessions (and, TBH, all the time), tea can be a great way to provide some balance to your system. Both coffee and tea can offer you a caffeine boost to get you through schoolwork and long study sessions, but it’s all about finding a comforting beverage that works for you. Libras have a calming presence about them that allow others to feel comfortable and at peace, and they’re all about keeping balance and harmony. By drinking tea, hopefully, you will feel as calm while studying as others do when they are around you.
Scorpio: Meditate
Scorpios are known for their intensity, and meditation can be a wonderful way to feel grounded during high-intensity moments. The practice allows you to clear your mind and let go of anything that could be stressing you out, whether it’s school-related or otherwise. Scorpios also tend to feel a wide range of emotions, and they feel them deeply — so, meditating can help you process those emotions, including ones that may feel negative, difficult, or particularly intense.
Sagittarius: TAKE A YOUTUBE BREAK
Watching something from your favorite YouTube channel is the perfect way to destress when you need something quick to unwind before going back to studying. Sagittarians can be unpredictable and hard to pin down at times, always looking for a sense of excitement and novelty. Fortunately, since YouTube is such a wide platform, there are multiple options out there for everyone. There’s more than enough content to keep Sagittarius students entertained (and stress-free) on their next study break.
Capricorn: TIDY your workspace
Having a clean workspace will make it easier for you to concentrate on whatever it is you’re doing. If your workspace feels busy or cluttered, chances are it’ll be harder for you to be productive and focus with a clear mind. It’s true what they say about clean space, clean mind. Given how responsible, grounded, and self-reliant Capricorns tend to be, you’ll likely be less stressed if you spend your next break organizing your desk or rearranging your study space.
Aquarius: Reward yourself
Since school is so important, and many of us face such high expectations to do well, it can be easy to forget to congratulate yourself. After all, you’ve worked hard and deserve to treat yourself, however that may be. Aquarius is a sign that is super fun, intellectual, and energetic. Therefore, if you’re an Aquarius, it’s important to treat yourself to relaxation time. Maybe you go shopping, paint your nails, have an at-home spa day — whatever makes you feel most pampered and rejuvenated.
Pisces: ARTS & CRAFTS
Pisceans are naturally artistic, so if you’re a Pisces, you may gravitate toward artsy activities. Getting creative with arts and crafts can be an easy and relaxing way to spend your study break, no matter what your artistic ability is. You can look up crafts on Pinterest or do something that gives you a little more freedom, like coloring or painting. Adult coloring books are also a wonderful option.