10 things to do during a social distancing study break
Congratulations! You’ve almost completed your first week of online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, so it's time to try one of these fun study break activities that relate to different departments in the College of Liberal Arts.
By Alix Poth ’18 and Rachel Knight ’18
Congratulations! You’ve almost completed your first week of online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you feel like you could use something constructive to do during your study breaks, try one of these fun things that relate to different departments in the College of Liberal Arts.
1. Read books. [Department of English]
Now is the time to grab that fiction best-seller you’ve been wanting to read, or the suspenseful thriller everyone talks about, or a memoir or biography of your favorite celebrity or historical figure. You could even try reading some poetry! This is a great way to keep your brain sharp and active.
2. Watch well-made, insightful movies or plays. [Department of Performance Studies]
While there is always a place for re-watching your favorite TV show (hello, The Office!), the extra time you have now is perfect for watching well-made award winning movies or documentaries, or watching your favorite Broadway performance online. This allows you to continue to learn new things, and even can provide a topic of conversation for your various phone and video calls!
3. Call a friend or family member. [Department of Communication]
Speaking of calls, put your interpersonal communication skills to the test by scheduling consistent conversations with your friends and family members. Reach out to the grandparent you haven’t chatted with in a while, to the friend who might be living alone during this time, or the group of friends you miss hanging out with.
4. Learn about a historical event or person. [Department of History]
COVID-19 is invisible to the naked eye, but you can make your prediction for how it will be depicted in future history books. Read up on other events or people that have shaped the world, and discover both the challenging and positive effects that propelled humanity forward.
5. Get your budget in order. [Department of Economics]
Have you ever sat down to plan out a budget? Now is your time! Whether you have student debt or are going to school debt free, it’s never a bad idea to make a budget. There are many online resources (such as these suggestions) that provide a starting point for building and maintaining a budget. Sit down with a roommate or family member, look at your income and expenses, and make a plan for spending and saving money!
6. Read up on Women’s History Month. [Women’s and Gender Studies]
March is Women’s History Month — a time to read up on the stories of women who made history. Research globally and historically famous women, or even look closer to home by reading about women who have made history from our very own College of Liberal Arts.
7. Watch “The Rapping Professor” [Department of Sociology]
Who doesn’t know and love the Aggie-famous “Rapping Professor?” Reuben May is not only a professor of sociology, but an award winning teacher and researcher. Watch his finalist lecture for the nationally known Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching at Baylor.
8. Dream of the places you’ll go when the COVID-19 pandemic is over! [Department of International Studies]
Dreaming about places you’d like to see in the world doesn’t have to stop just because you’re social-distancing at home! Start learning about those cultures, learn a new language, and find a study abroad program to support your travel.
9. Beef-up your brain with snacks that promote healthy brain function. [Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences]
One of the best ways to take a study break is to refuel your energy with a good snack. Grab a cup of coffee and read up on some study tips to go with it. You can extend your break and get both your hands and your brain in action by cooking a full meal (and checking out these liberal arts recipe ideas!).
10. Use your free time to get caught up on 2020 elections. [Department of Political Science]
The 2020 elections are still coming, and now you have the free time to develop responsible citizens’ habits by learning about the issues and candidates at hand. Find a laptop or computer, and research local, state, and national candidates and issues to vote on in the coming months.
Finished studying for the day? Get some good sleep!