At Sip & Paint, there was nothing to sip (except the water we used to clean our brushes) but plenty to snack on, and lots of paint. I was worried about spending time having fun instead of studying or working on assignments, but before I knew it, one hour turned into two and two hours turned in three. Overall, this semester has helped me really realize the importance of taking breaks and time for yourself, for the benefit of your own mental health. Using a system like the Pomodoro Method, where you work for set periods of time and take short breaks in between, have been proven to increase productivity and how well you retain information. In the past, I’ve always felt as if I was wasting time, or being inefficient by not working all the time. I’ve come to realize small reprieves, like checking up on friends, or painting with the rest of your dorm, can be the trick to helping you get out of that mental rut you’re stuck in. During this event, I painted the letters of my name, a little ornament to hang up on my wall, and part of the tree trunk I made in a previous activity. I can definitely say that I felt more refreshed afterwards and was able to work with a more clear, determined mindset.