The Right Tips for a Productive Study Break

The Right Tips for a Productive Study Break

Ding! The alarm goes off on your phone signaling to you that it is finally time to take a well-deserved study break. So, what do you do? Obviously, you want to give your mind a break from the subject you've been studying. On the other hand, you don't want to your mind to become so disengaged that you can't get back on task once your break is over. The ideal study break is one where you can relax, do something enjoyable, get a few things done, and be ready to hit the books once the break is over. We've put together a few study break tips that will help you do just that.

Take Care of Potentially Distracting Tasks

While you were studying, were there any small tasks, that you were tempting you into distraction? Maybe checking your email, or reading your messages on Facebook? Cleaning is another distraction that lures students away from their studies. If so, take care of that right away so that it won't bother you when you begin studying again.

Go for a Walk

Pacing around your room doesn't count. Grab your phone and your jacket and go outside for a 15-minute walk. You'll clear your head, get a bit of exercise, and stave off any cramps and sore muscles from hunching over your laptop for hours at a time.

Play a Quick Game

The operative word here is quick. Avoid games with multiple levels. You'll be too tempted to keep playing until you get to the next stage. Instead, try a quick word puzzle. This is a great way to keep your mind engaged while still taking a break from your studying.

Give your Back a Good Stretch

Studying for long hours can be a strain on your back, especially if you are spending a long time on your laptop. Laptop back pain is a real thing! You should do some quick stretches for your back even if your break is short. The key to stretching your back is giving it a stretch on all the axis. That means you bend back to front, then side to side, then twist your back to the left and the right. Finally, stretch your arms up and pull the back upwards. Make sure you do all of these stretches nice and slow. Don't push yourself too hard to cause injury, but you should feel the stretch for sure. Go for slight discomfort, not pain. Another pro tip is to hold the stretch for 5 normal breaths.

Have a Snack

You need fuel to study, so get some during your break. You don't want to waste time on a lot of food preparation, but you don't want to eat junk either. You can solve this problem by keeping cut up fruit, crudites and dip, string cheese, and whole wheat crackers in your fridge. It's like having access to a 'lunchable' that's actually good for you.

Play Some Upbeat Music

It's okay to have music on while you are studying, but it is best if you keep it low and mellow. Your looking for background noise, not your jam. When it's break time, everything changes, find something upbeat and turn up the volume. You'll feel invigorated when it is time to study again.

Drink a Bottle of Water

Hydration is important, and if you are like many college students you aren't getting enough water. To keep up your hydration, for better studying and better health, commit to drinking one 8 ounce bottle of water during each study break until you reach your daily required intake.

Set an Alarm

Don't trust yourself to get back to studying in a timely manner. You're going to get distracted. Then, a 20 minute study break will turn into a 90 minute work stoppage, and you'll have a really hard time getting back into the swing of things.

There are plenty of things you can do at your study break. Just remember that getting distracted is ok. By any means, you can always turn to our services for help.