Today marks the first day of finals for LAHS students, otherwise known as the very worst part of the entire semester. On the plus side, finals mark holiday break in just three days (including today), a light at the end of the tunnel.

But for now, while finals are still going strong and the break is still three whole days away, surround yourself with your studies and take small breaks that provide not only a little motivation and study break, but also incorporates some holiday spirit into your day. Here are a couple study break ideas that always prove effective for me:

1) Take a walk around the block. Even though this doesn’t pertain immediately to the holidays, the icy air that comes every year during this season will wake up your brain and make you refreshed to start studying once again. Plus if you go with friends, it will give you a chance to have some fun!

2) Eat. Yes, I am aware that eating can be the biggest distraction out there, but it can always work as motivation instead. Rather than constantly deciding you are “hungry,” tell yourself that you will finish one thing and then reward yourself with a special holiday treat. If you have any holiday desserts in your house, they will work perfectly to get you to study.

3) Take a power nap. But I don’t mean a two hour nap that will keep you up all night studying. Sometimes, especially when you wear yourself so thin with stress for finals, your brain needs a minute to recharge. If you take a thirty minute nap (and are careful to set an alarm), you will be sharper for your finals and will be able to ace every test.

4) Log OFF of Facebook. Instead of trying to resist the temptation of checking Facebook, Twitter, texts, Snapchat and Instagram 24/7, log off the media completely and only go on them during breaks. I can guarantee you that anything anyone posts about “how much they hate finals” can wait for you to read during a break. Plus, it will give you something to look forward to! I know this one is easier said than done, but if you take on the challenge of logging out of your accounts while studying, I will promise you it will pay off.