A 70-minute class period is a long time to focus, and some teachers like to alleviate that pressure by providing a short break (typically 5 to 7 minutes) in the middle of class. The most popular location for students to spend their break is the WCC, presumably for a mid-class snack or beverage, but there are so many hidden gems on campus that might be easier to access, diversify break-time activities, and provide a more satisfying break. By building and class, here are the best spots and activities on campus that might give you new ideas for a quick reset during class.
Bliss: History and Language
Is your brain hurting from trying to figure out who killed Frank in history? Are you dreading learning yet another set of verb conjugations in a foreign language class? It might be time for some sugar. Head to the main office, say hi to Ms. Clark, and grab a gumball — if you’re going to figuratively chew on tough ideas, you might as well literally chew on something sweet. Of course, always make sure your teacher’s okay with gum in class, don’t eat annoyingly loudly, and please do not be someone who leaves their gum under a table or chair!
Moore: English
Just had a Harkness discussion? Analyzed the overarching theme of an English novel? Scratching your head over what a preposition is? If you’re in Moore, the best place to go might actually be the WCC. You can grab a snack to eat there or chomp on a banana as you walk back to class. But if you’re not in the mood for food, consider heading behind Moore to the spot that one freshman reports enjoying when they want to be in nature. It might be just the reset you need!
AAC: HD, PE, and English
If you’re worried about having to run to get back to class on time after heaving to the WCC, it might be time to try the swing sets just outside the AAC. It’s a fun way to spend some time outside, and even better if you swing with friends. In our busy lives, we don’t always get time to unleash our inner child, so you’re guaranteed to come back to class with a smile on your face!
Allen-Gates: Math and Science
Don’t understand why anyone would ever need the antiderivative of a function regarding the number of watermelons someone consumes? Saw one too many dead bugs in biology? If you’re the latter case, and also really like math, try the fun geometry problem posted just by the math trophy case on the second floor — and make sure to email Mr. Ballard if you find a solution. If you’re the former case and have been all math-ed out, you can head over to Bliss and check your mailbox. Or, even better, slip a nice note in your friend’s mailbox! You never know what can brighten someone’s day.
Some other great options for breaks are taking a walk around Red Square, lounging on one of the many benches on campus, catching up with a teacher, and heading out to the picnic tables on the balcony in front of the WCC. If you’re planning on staying indoors, even just hanging out in class could be a good option. Five minutes is the perfect amount of time to send off an email you’ve been procrastinating on, do some mindfulness exercises, or play the New York Times games like Pips and Wordle.
However you choose to spend your breaks this year, I hope you find them enjoyable and help you power through the second half of a tough class. Definitely try to explore and embrace the campus — we’re lucky to have so many diverse natural spaces all around us!
