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I personally haven’t. But some key points

•Set a time frame

•Will both of you be able to see other people?

•How much texting/messaging will you two have?

Eh, I don't really think so. There'd have to be a really good reason, and a well defined time frame with boundaries.

What could you possibly be going through that make you feel the need to step back from the relationship? (I'm not referring to you specially, just generally speaking).

My boyfriend said he is scared of commitment right now, saying that he needs time to find independence from the relationship and not feel smothered. Plus, we are a LDR (3 hours away in college) and it has been difficult maintaining the relationship

I don't know the ins and outs of your relationship, but I've been in a similar LDR circumstance and it ended in heartbreak.

Now this is just my experience, but this sort of thing led to a three year on and off thing with my ex. Probably four times she ended up leaving the relationship telling me that she needed someone there with her, only to come back months later.

LDRs are really hard, and only work with really good communication and a solid plan to be in the same place together. Just don't go down the road I did. Ask yourself this: if you take a break, and he decides to come back, will you be able to stop yourself from fearing that this same thing will happen again?

No personal experience with success, but as to what to do with your time : focus on you. Spend time with friends , read some books , exercise , go on adventures, pick up a new hobby. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, you will have some long term personal growth and development.