Early October means one thing at N.C. State: Fall Break.

This long-awaited vacation comes at a perfect time, as instructors tend to plan around the break and schedule exams and due dates in the days preceding it.

The stress of the weeks before fall break is enough — students should take this opportunity to relax and take some time out for themselves.

Dr. Michael Bachman, associate director of the Counseling Center, said students should ideally take some time every week to relax and put aside some time for themselves.

Unfortunately, he said, with busy class schedules, upcoming exams, project deadlines and jobs, students do not take the time to relax and reflect during the week.

We agree — students do not often set aside time to relax throughout the week because they can’t, and fall break gives them the opportunity to relax.

Bachman said these breaks always seem to come at the right time, simply because no one takes time to relax during the academic year.

While it is good that students are studying, it may not be the healthiest thing for them.

The Counseling Center advises students to set aside a specific time every week to relax, take stock of what’s important in life and have a life outside the expectations surrounding coursework, Bachman said.

He also said students are prone to higher stress levels when they do not take some time to reflect on where they are and what they are doing during the week.

Obviously, stress is undesirable, and students need to find constructive, enjoyable ways to unwind.

Bachman said one way students can find ways to relax is to look for some of the on-campus resources.

Whether students like to exercise, read books or work on a hobby, the University has resources for students to use.

Read a book. Talk with an old friend. Pick up an old hobby you didn’t have time for.

This is what Fall Break is about, and if students don’t have the opportunity to relax after the stress of the first several weeks of school, something needs to change.