In the beginning, I thought that “wasting time” was the ultimate college sin. Like many first-year students, I entered Amherst with an intense desire to prove myself—overwhelmed with assignments, a packed schedule, and a mountain of expectations. Every moment of downtime felt like a wasted opportunity. If I wasn’t studying or doing something productive, I feared I was falling behind, letting my peers get ahead, and risking exposure as an imposter. But over time, I realized that study breaks—those moments I once viewed as distractions—are actually one of the most important parts of college life. What I once thought of as “wasting time” turned out to be the very thing I needed to recharge and even find new perspectives on my studies.
The Hidden Power of Study Breaks
At first, study breaks felt like an unnecessary interruption to my flow. I’d take a 15-minute walk or scroll through social media, guilt gnawing at me the whole time. Shouldn’t I be reviewing my notes? Shouldn’t I be reading that 50-page article? But here’s the thing: my mind wasn’t ready to absorb more. I needed the break to refresh, and in that pause, I discovered something that wasn’t on any syllabus: the power of simply being.
Whether it’s hanging with friends or just lying back and watching clouds drift across the sky, these seemingly small acts allowed me to breathe. They’re essential in preventing burnout and actually improving focus when I return to studying. It’s like a reset button for my brain.
The Unlikely Conversations and Connections
Some of the best conversations I’ve had at Amherst didn’t happen in the classroom—they happened during those 10-minute breaks between study sessions. Maybe it was over lunch in Val, or while waiting for the next class to start. These impromptu moments with friends and even strangers quickly turned into the type of meaningful exchanges that no textbook could offer.
One of my favorite memories was a late-night chat with a classmate I barely knew, discussing everything from existential questions to our favorite childhood cartoons. I had started that night feeling stressed and overwhelmed, but by the end of it, I felt a lot lighter. Those unstructured, “wasted” moments offered me a deeper sense of connection and belonging that wasn’t defined by grades or assignments.
Recharging and Rediscovering Interests
Study breaks also allowed me to rediscover parts of myself that I hadn’t realized were being neglected. In my rush to fit in and perform well, I had left little room for hobbies I used to love—writing for fun, doodling, even cooking a meal. One afternoon, feeling the weight of imposter syndrome creeping up, I decided to step away from my assignments and write in my journal. That simple act of creation—something so far removed from my academic obligations—reminded me that I wasn’t just a student; I was a person with interests, creativity, and passions that extended beyond the classroom.
Those moments became my little safe place. They gave me the permission I didn’t know I needed to stop worrying about fitting the “perfect” college mold and just exist as myself. And when I came back to my work, I returned with a renewed sense of energy and clarity.
The Weight of Imposter Syndrome and the Need for Balance
Here’s the thing: college can sometimes feel like a pressure cooker. Between high expectations, challenging coursework, and the constant comparison to other high-achieving students, it’s easy to fall into the trap of imposter syndrome. I found myself constantly questioning whether I truly belonged at Amherst. Was I as “smart” as my peers? Was I measuring up? Should I be doing more?
Taking study breaks forced me to confront this feeling head-on. Instead of diving into the next task with the same anxiety, I allowed myself to take the time to rest, recharge, and reflect. The more I let go of the need to be constantly busy or “productive,” the more I realized that I didn’t have to fit a perfect image of what a college student should be. I didn’t need to be perfect to belong—I just needed to be myself.
In those moments when I took a break, I wasn’t being lazy; I was being human. Embracing the balance of work and rest is part of what makes me a more effective student, friend, and community member. It’s okay to “waste” time sometimes, because it’s not truly wasted—those moments of relaxation or connection ultimately make the work I do more meaningful.
Embrace the Breaks
So, the next time you feel like you’re “wasting time,” I encourage you to lean into it. Embrace the power of study breaks, whether that means catching up with a friend, taking a walk, or simply giving your mind the freedom to wander. These seemingly small moments of “wasting time” hold the power to recharge you in ways that studying never could. And as for imposter syndrome? It fades when we stop pretending we have to be perfect and allow ourselves the space to simply be.
At the end of the day, college is not just about acing tests or finishing assignments—it’s about learning how to thrive as a whole person. And sometimes, thriving means stepping away from your laptop and allowing yourself to enjoy the “wasted” time.