Put down that problem set. Snap out of that literary haze. It’s time to take a break. Not the “I’m going to take a nap for 15 minutes at 2 a.m. to recharge” sort, but rather a physical and hopefully mental distancing from everything that’s stressing you out. Whether you are familiar with these suggested break sites or not, they’re all worth a visit.

The Dish Although it doesn’t provide satellite TV, the Dish and its surrounding area is a great place to take a hike on a pleasant afternoon. For a second, you might even forget you’re still in the Stanford Bubble.

MoonBean’s Disregarding the fact that it’s sandwiched between Green and Meyer Libraries, frequenting MoonBean’s is a fun way to pretend you’re at an actual, cute n’ trendy cafe. (They take real money and everything!)

Fountain in front of the Stanford Hospital Hanging out around a hospital may not be your idea of fun. Understandable. But weird location aside, this sizable fountain deserves a visit if only to catch the humorous mating antics of its resident mallard ducks. Fun, indeed.

The planters around the Quad One of the most accessible and stunningly beautiful places to sit on campus. Recline and stare off into some foliage until a tourist interrupts to ask you if he can take a picture with a real, live Stanford student.

The benches around the Claw It is almost impossible to sit within these four concrete parentheses and get work done. Between the baby-Gap model inches away from falling into the fountain and the unleashed doggy parading about, you will be distracted. And that’s a good thing.

The Arizona Cactus Garden. No need to get on a plane for this. If you’re willing to trek out to the Mausoleum and navigate from there, you will stumble across an unexpected garden of 500 cacti and succulents. Just remember to keep your hands to yourselves, kids.

Amy Blue Garden. In between the two Serra Complex buildings hides a little slice of paradise. The garden, which is reportedly Monet-inspired, features a footbridge, pond and charming foliage. It may not live up to the French countryside, but there are some rocking benches. Literally rocking. As in, they rock, back and forth.

Stanford Bookstore. If you can’t get off campus and really want to catch up on the latest issue of The Economist or Vogue, the Bookstore is the way to go. If you feel ridiculous sitting in the little kiddy seats by the magazine section, check out the ample seating in the back. The spots by the walls of windows are perfect for people watching. Until you realize how creepy it is that someone could potentially be viewing as you scamper from Meyer to White Plaza.

Storke Publication Building. Come keep the Daily staffers company. We have cable. Be sure to visit the Intermission office. It’s the most fun you’ll ever have in a windowless room.

Within walking or biking distance of campus:

The Stanford Shopping Center. Simply because it’s fun to make fun of ridiculously overpriced everything — and have staring contests with the bouncers in front of Tiffany’s and Cartier. But also because it’s pretty and there are some really nice places to eat. If you feel the urge to overindulge, try La Baguette. Their desserts taste as good as they look from the glass window.

Keplers bookstore. Support this sizable yet cozy independent bookstore, located at 1010 Camino Real. Be sure to check out Kepler’s Web site (www.keplers.com) for a calendar of their many events, especially visits by prominent authors. Then walk next door to Cafe Barone (http://www.cafeborrone.com/) for some of the most delectable fare around.

California Avenue. Basically the less-manicured, usually overlooked avatar of University Avenue. When you get tired of consuming Darbar and gelato every weekend, check out this avenue. There are some really good restaurants within a wide range of prices. Then, after chowing down, check out some of the interesting shops and used bookstores.

Coupa Café. The gems of “downtown” Palo Alto are not on University Ave. but rather on the side streets. With its warm lighting, cozy fireplace and eclectic seating options, Coupa (Coupacafe.com, 538 Ramona St.) sort of feels like the kitchen/living room of your favorite aunt. You know. The cool one. And like any hip aunt’s kitchen, Coupa features a wealth of yummy goodies and beverages, from special Venezuelan coffee and chocolates to crepes and fancy salads. At any given time, a handful of Stanford students will probably be sprinkled throughout the Palo Alto yuppies. Some of them will even be studying. But remember: You’re there to take a break!

Johnson Park. This place, located on 200 Kipling St. (on Everett Ave. between Kipling and Waverly Streets) is not a grassy field masquerading as a park — it is the park in which you and your friends frolicked, circa first grade. There are swings, sandboxes and whatever else your six-year-old heart desires. And when you’re sick of getting nasty looks from the little imps who want their swings back, check out the gigantic concrete slide. Bring a piece of cardboard (from a box or something) for the optimal experience. Amusement parks, shmamusement parks. This is the way to go.