“You can see it in their eyes,” the professor of psychology and management said. “There’s more cutting classes in spring. If you drive around campus at certain points in the day, you don’t see the traffic … you would see in the fall.”

And Schaubroeck’s students aren’t the only ones.

Scott Becker, associate director of the MSU Counseling Center, said students often experience an increase in their level of stress immediately before and after spring break.

“We tend to see mid-semester of the spring term as one of our busiest times of the academic year,” he said in an email. “The demand for counseling services is usually very high.”

But that doesn’t mean there is nothing students can do to escape from this motivationless state of mind.

Professor of psychology Thomas Carr said there are four things students can do to keep motivated and on track after spring break — create a schedule, have rewards for maintaining that schedule, choose study activities wisely and strive for efficiency while doing schoolwork.

He said taking short study or work breaks is crucial to coping with spring fever, but it’s important to make sure they don’t become counterproductive.

“Don’t stop in the middle of something to go with your buds to the coffee shop or play a little basketball, and don’t do those things until you’ve actually completed a work activity,” he said in an email. “Turn having fun into a reward for achievement. (This strategy) makes the work better and the fun more appreciated.”

Playful interactions

Zoology junior Samantha Grasley said when she needs a break from her studies, she turns to her dogs for help.

“It completely takes my mind off school,” she said.

Zoology senior Michelle Ardan also said she enjoys playing with her dog when she feels overwhelmed with schoolwork.

“It separates your mind from the real world, and you’re able to take a break,” she said.

For students without a pet, visiting a pet store or volunteering at a shelter, such as the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., in Lansing, can be an easy way to get the same enjoyment Grasley and Ardan do out of playing with their dogs, without taking on the responsibility of owning one.

Volunteers can participate in various hands-on activities, including walking dogs, entertaining cats and cleaning the animals and shelter.

Physical activity

Another way Grasley said she temporarily clears her mind is by exercising.

If the weather permits, Grasley said she runs outdoors, otherwise she finds exercise videos online or goes to IM Sports-West.

“It’s nice to get your mind off of school and do something productive,” she said.

Physicalfitnet.com provides hundreds of workout videos users can watch for free. While many of the routines require the use of some exercise equipment, there still are plenty of equipment-free exercises to practice as well. The site even has a search option that allows its users to find exercises focused on certain parts of their body at different degrees of difficulty.

For students who would like to take advantage of a professional gym’s equipment but can’t schedule a workout session during normal business hours, Snap Fitness, 115 E. Grand River Ave., is open 24 hours a day. The gym offers services such as personal training sessions as well as group fitness classes.

For those who prefer getting some fresh air while they work out, as Grasley does, gather up a group of friends and take advantage of the outdoor basketball, tennis and volleyball courts located throughout campus.

Caffeinated conversations

Ardan said although she appreciates the weeklong vacation spring break provides, she finds it difficult to make it through the months remaining after her return.

“You really need the break, but getting back in it, you realize you still have a month and a half (left of class), and you still have exams and papers to write,” she said.

One of her favorite ways to help pass the time is by planning dates with her friends to get a cup of coffee and catch up.

Whether students are taking notes in class, strolling down Grand River Avenue or exploring another area of East Lansing, chances are there is a coffee shop nearby.

The city has numerous cafés to choose from, and with about 20 Sparty’s stores on campus, students don’t have to travel far to reunite over their favorite brew.