How To Get The Most Out Of Your Study Breaks

Study breaks are essential for students. Studies show that effective revision breaks ensure effective studying. Everyone ─ no matter what grade they’re averaging out with ─ needs breaks. So many breaks, however, can be spent staring into thin air, scrolling through social media or playing on an app.

If study breaks are spent badly, you’re going to feel reluctant to open up the book and get back down to business. Always include space in your revision timetable for breaks. There is always time for breaks. But how should those breaks be spent?

Go outside

Whether it’s for a walk with a friend or a pop to the shop for dinner, going outside could do you wonders. Sitting in one place for too long will get your legs itching for some movement. Put aside your work and spend 10-30 minutes in the fresh air.

Exercise

If you’re needing a short break, do some sit ups and press ups. If you’re wanting an hour-long trip out, head to the gym. If you’re longing to completely detach yourself, go for a 10k run. Exercise does wonders for efficient studying.

According to Active, those who work out during their work day are 23% more productive than when they don’t workout. Endorphins will push you through the final stretch of writing an essay.

Eat something healthy

Healthy study snacks, as all the adults say, are your best friend when writing an essay or revising. Brain food could power you through the last couple edits of that big essay. When break time rolls around, make yourself a fruit salad or some rice cakes with peanut butter.

BBC Good Food suggest eating regularly and, of course, keeping hydrated will help studying. Take breaks as a chance to fill up your glass of water and fuel your body the right way.

Do something fun

Sometimes a study break needs to last a couple of hours; go see a friend or go shopping. Watch a film with your housemate or catch up with your favourite Netflix series. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by work and as if you’ll never be prepared for your next exam. Do something fun when everything is getting a bit too panic-inducing.

Do what makes you calm

Stress is not fun. Yet, as a student, it seems to be a given. It’s vital that breaks are spent feeling calm and collected, leaving you ready to tackle your queue cards or conclusion.

While taking breaks is one method that aids this, there are ways to make your breaks as chilled as possible. Do some yoga or get in your pyjamas and chill on the sofa with your housemate. Even tidying your workspace will help your mind feel on track. A tidy space is a tidy mind and all that!

Listen to some relaxing music

Switching on your favourite tunes or a relaxing playlist on Spotify might just make your revision break extra relaxing. If you’re the dancing type, a bit of a boogie could help shake off that leftover stress.

Sometimes university work can appear so overwhelming that you feel you simply don’t have the time for breaks. Stress can lead to headaches and other problems, according to NHS Choices. Make sure you’re taking regular breaks to ensure you’re not adding another problem onto your list of things to do.

It’s important to note tha,t while revision breaks are important in aiding studying, so are other factors. Make sure you’re prioritising rest and mental health as well as giving yourself plenty of time to relax!

Kathryn ─ known as Kat even though she prefers Kath ─ studied English Language at Cardiff University and now wants to finally write that book she’s always been meaning to write. Check out her Twitter, Instagram and blog to delve into her mind further.