It's that time of year again, folks. It's finals and we should all be locking ourselves away and studying diligently for the tests that will be the deciding factor for our GPA. Our to-do lists are longer than we'd like to admit and we're running on even less sleep than usual. However, even the best of us need a break sometimes, even if those breaks occur before we've even opened our books and seemed to last for hours at a time. Here at the amazing University of North Alabama we have so many ways to procrastinate, who could blame us? It's almost a crime not to try them all at least once.
1. Hammocking
This is by far one of the most popular pass times now that the weather is nice. On or off campus, you're bound to see at least one of these neon cocoons tied between two trees, pillars, or any other sturdy structure.
2. Spending quality time with Leo and Una
I'm pretty sure biology majors could actually count this as studying. For everyone else, we could just pass it off as admiring one of the many things that makes UNA unique, our two live mascots.
3. "Studying" at Rivertown
Free WiFi, good coffee, and friends. What could go wrong? While you may have good intentions, you're chances of actually getting any studying done is low. On the flip side, you're pretty much guaranteed to have a great time.
4. Visiting the fountain
Day or night, the fountain is the centerpiece of campus and it's just a short walk from the library. They say good air is good for you, so it counts as being productive if you go sit by the fountain for five minutes, or hours, right?
5. Counting Stairs
Exercise is great for your brain, body, and general mood and UNA has no shortage of stairs. This task should keep you distracted, I mean relaxed and productive, for at least an hour. Still not satisfied? Make sure you count all the stair inside as well. And don't forget to double check.
6. Hopscotch
With the weather finally warming up, there's bound to be a game that a family left on the sidewalk. Take a few minutes to let out your inner child. Also, children don't have any sense of time so make sure you stay true to character by accidenttaly staying outside for a few hours instead. Can't find a game already set up? It's worth a "quick" run to the store for some chalk. Maybe you can walk downtown to get some, and what would stopping by Rivertown on the way hurt?
7. Skateboarding
If you've ever been on UNA's campus when it's above freezing, you've undoubtedly noticed the skateboarders on campus. If you have that kind of talent, why not show it off? I can't think of a better way to get nothing done and still look impressive and cool.
8. Making a Starbucks run
Honestly, I do this so often that I almost forgot to put it on the list. It's the same premise as going to Rivertown with your "study group" except it's on campus and you can always tell yourself that you'll go to the library in just a minute.
9. Grab Lunch Downtown
There's so many awesome businesses downtown that you can't find anywhere else. You could easily spend an entire day exploring, and isn't it almost your duty to know the place you'll be calling home for four years like the back of your hand?
10. Take a Hike
Fresh air is good for you, and this is the freshest. With so many great trails near by it's almost impossible to think of a reason not to spend all your time exploring the great outdoors.
11. Lounge on the Lawn
Lay out a blanket, or just sit right on the ground, and soak up the sun during a well deserved study break, And when I say well deserved I mean congratulate yourself on making it halfway to the library, baby steps are the key to success.
