Being a college student could be hugely demanding. Even the smartest students can find themselves overwhelmed by the stress of classes and exams. If you’ve felt weighed down by school, you might have wondered about taking a break. These are four benefits of taking a gap year in college.

Travel

There’s a big world out there, and it can be very exciting to experience. Travel is something you should do when you’re young and have time on your hands. Taking a gap year can be a great opportunity for you to see the world. You don’t have to go across the world to get a good travel experience. You could spend a few weeks in another city or region of your own country. Take plenty of photos and keep a log to reflect on your travel time.

De-stress

If you can’t remember the last time you felt remotely at ease, you should consider taking a gap year. You can’t possibly enjoy college if you’re feeling tense 24/7. A gap year is your time to reboot. Consider how stress got the best of you and what can be done to better handle your return to college. You might consider going to therapy. You should also evaluate your current relationships and think about how they might be giving you stress.

Get professional experience

Just because you’re taking a gap year, it doesn’t mean you’re slacking. You can take up jobs that will help you understand the professional world all the better. You could also take on internships and volunteer opportunities. If you’re on good terms with professors and are prepared to come back to school, ask if they can get you in touch with any colleagues who are looking for additional help.

Learn new things

Learning doesn’t have to be confined to being enrolled in college. You can learn anything at any time. By taking a gap year, you could look into new paths. For instance, if you’re curious about medical school, you can take an MCAT preparation course. The sky is truly the limit.

Taking a gap year in college doesn’t mean that you’re giving up or that you’re not serious about your education. If anything, it can show just how seriously you take your education as well as your mental health. This is your opportunity to grow and come up back to school feeling utterly refreshed. By taking a gap year, you can reset yourself and get the most out of your college experience.

Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer currently living in Boston, MA. She writes most often on education and business. To see more from Emma, say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2