Electronic Highways
Virtual vacations
It’s that time of the semester again—that long, sluggish stretch between spring break and summer, when the start of semester is a dim memory and the end not yet in sight. Once leisurely “to dos” tromp toward “too due.” Anxiety looms. There comes a point in every semester when suddenly the balance between what needs to be done and the time to do it in shifts, that time of the semester when what we really need to do is—relax. Don’t stress. Stress is bad for you—just ask the Mayo Clinic. The times you are busiest are the times you most need to take a break. Fortunately, virtual R&R is at your fingertips!
In five minutes, you can take a virtual vacation. Go sightseeing with Google Street View or on a National Geographic Expedition. Tour the galaxy at the Sky View Cafe or use Google Earth to extend your journey—not only through space, but also time.
Those looking for a less-literal vacation can find diversion in such activities as coloring, music, “Let Them Sing It For You”, or a “One-Minute Vacation” in sound. Do you know at least “6 Time-Wasting Internet Tips”? After all, a University of Melbourne study found that “Surfing the net at work for pleasure actually increases our concentration levels and helps make a more productive workforce.”
Still stressed? Try some online zen or the healthful and restful techniques shared in the audio and video clips of UB’s DesktopSpa.
Don’t worry about wasting too much time browsing; with the Firefox “Leechblock” plugin, you can set time limits for various sites. And remember: A break from computer work benefits physical, as well as emotional health, and is ergonomically essential. Let your computer remind you to take a break from it with such Firefox plugins as “Take a Break” and “Stretch Clock,” or another “take a break” timer.
Get up, stretch, take a walk—and return to work with a fresh perspective. It may be that time of semester now, but it won’t be forever. You’ll get there!
—Nancy Babb, University Libraries
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