This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Dartmouth chapter.
When you don’t want to procrastinate, but you DO want a study break, here are five-minute activities to get your brain working again.
- Take a walk. It’s an easy exercise, and it allows blood flow to get back to your feet if you’ve been sitting down too long.
- Look around, enjoy the scenery. Stare out a window and people-watch, but not in a creepy way. It’s always good to be in the moment.
- Inhale and exhale. Take five deep breaths, holding each for at least a three-count before you exhale again.
- Sip at a nice, warm mug of tea. Aside from keeping you hydrated, it can also relax/stimulate you depending on what tea blend you get.
- Speaking of hydration, drink WATER. If you forget to drink water, you’re going to start feeling light-headed and won’t be able to work anymore.
- Listen to a song that you really enjoy. Dance a little bit to it. Try to find something you associate with good times and memories.
- Talk to a friend. Either if you’re studying together or need to make a cellphone call, have a nice little chat. It’s always good to reconnect with those you care about.
- Make a snack. Five-minute snacks should, ideally, have some kind of protein, a piece of fruit, or something else on the food pyramid. Need to fuel your mind!
Those are some good five-minute self-care ideas! Remember, you should never feel guilty for taking a study break. That time is for YOU, so embrace it.