With the hustle and bustle of everyday college life, students rarely take a moment to enjoy the world around them. But if they simply pause for a moment and look up at the sky, they can see nature’s greatest art form: clouds. So without further ado, here’s 10 reasons why you should get your nose out of that textbook for a few minutes and look up at the sky.

1. Who doesn’t love looking at funny shapes?

When you look up at the clouds, you’re not just looking at fluffy white floating pillows. Rather, you’re looking at ducks, pirate ships, maybe even a taco dancing with a fish. The shapes and actions clouds can create are a mesmerizing art form in itself.

2. Cloud-watching reduces stress.

It is a proven fact that taking some time to partake in a leisure activity is one of the best ways to reduce stress. With all the stress college can put on a person, it’s important to have at least one activity that has no relation to your future. What better activity than sitting back and watching the sky past by?

3. It makes you feel like a kid again.

It’s hard to find someone who didn’t love cloud watching when they were a kid. Simply running around outside and seeing who could find the weirdest shapes was an afternoon well spent in elementary school. That nostalgic feeling can come back simply by taking the time to look up.

4. Clouds have a nice aesthetic.

They say nature is the best art form there is. That’s hard to deny when you take a look at the world around you. From the grass to the sky, the beauty is all around.

5. It's a good distraction from everyday norms.

Considering all your problems at home, doing homework, or even thinking about what to do next weekend, it’s nice to have the time to take your mind off things both good and bad. Looking at the clouds is a good way to distract yourself from everything ahead if need be.

6. You need to keep your head in the clouds and your feet on the ground.

It’s nice to be firm and know what you want in life. However, sometimes filling your head with imagination and wonder is the best thing in life. When you look up at the sky, you realize just how big the world is and all the possibilities it holds. We are more than just college students, we are a part of a world of wonder and possibilities. If ever in need of reminder of that, look up at the endless world around you

7. It kills time.

Sometimes students have long breaks in between classes or are simply waiting for their next activity. Usually students fill this time with taking a nap or trying to get ahead in class. But sometimes just having some time to relax or think doesn’t need to be filled with crashing in a stuffy dorm. Take some time to sit on the lawn and look at the sky. Before you know it, you’ll realize a lot of time has passed.

8. It's a great creative outlet.

Everyone knows college students usually get into a slump and end up going through the motions of everyday life without actually living in the moment. They end up finding themselves stuck in a rut. Cloud watching is a nice creative outlet to get your mind going again.

9. There’s all different kinds of clouds.

Aside from clouds taking on different shapes, they come in so many different kinds. Cirrocumulus, cirrus, cirrostratus--the list goes on and on. You’ll find it amazing that there’s more than just “fluffy clouds” or “foggy clouds” if you take the time to notice them.

10. It’s a free activity.

College students are notorious for making five dollars last two weeks. The usual problem is that having fun seems to always require money these days. Instead of searching for the cheapest party or restaurant near campus, just lay down a blanket and get some friends together. Sitting on the lawn and seeing who can find the coolest cloud is actually a very rewarding way to spend an afternoon.

So what are you waiting for? Go outside and take a look at the sky. You’ll be surprised at the amazement you can find in the clouds around you.