Over the course of my Marlbor- ough career, I have taken on many free periods. Although my fresh- man-year advisor seemed thor- oughly confused as to why I chose to have two free periods during my first year, I had the time of my life. This year, though, amid col- lege applications and a capstone, I have the opportunity for three free periods. Traditionally, free periods are used to do homework, but sometimes you need a break and I’m here to help. My vast ex- perience with free periods has not only minimized my homework stress but has also given me the jurisdiction to provide you with the most thorough and accurate list of the best things to do during your free period when you need a break from your homework.
SLEEP
Although our class periods are only 70 minutes, power naps are the way to go. Take yourself right over to one of those cushy brown leather couches in the CEI and curl up. A timer for 15 or 30 min- utes is best for maximum energy, but even I can admit that some- times the time slips away, and if you need to enjoy a 70-minute nap, you should do it. In the likely chance that the couches are occu- pied — hear me out — the field is the move. Laying in the sun is in- sanely relaxing, and you have the space to sprawl out wherever you please.
GET FOOD
The perfect thing to eat at Café M during a free period is a burrito. I know the Café M burritos have already been heavily praised, but it is well deserved. Ricardo puts in the work to deliver these effortless high-level burritos every single day. If you’re an upperclassman, I also highly recommend going off campus to get a coffee or anything that will fuel you (my favorite is Verve for coffee). One very un- derrated resource is the basket of fruits in the CEI, a bountiful hidden gem. Being a member of Ms. Beck’s advisory, I feel obligated to encourage you to grab some fruit to nourish your healthy growing minds during the day.
WORK OUT
I know this is a hot take, and won’t be everyone’s top choice, but working out during a free pe- riod is my personal favorite thing to do when I’m not in the mood for homework. With our new PE requirements, it’s also a great opportunity to get hours in and do “work” of sorts if not home- work. I don’t know about you, but when I’m overrun with stress, I just need to release energy and the fitness center is the perfect place. There’s not only great AC in there, but you can also play your own music and hang out with Coach Wilde. If you don’t want to do a full workout, you can also just stretch and bounce around on a yoga ball or whatever you feel compelled to do.
Although these are my top three favorite things to do dur- ing my free periods, there are so many other ways you can fill the time and ease your stress. You can always talk to your friend or wander the halls, but I hope this list can inspire you to use your free periods to de-stress and take care of yourself.
