Study breaks are something we constantly think about while studying, especially with finals fast approaching. If you’re anything like me, they usually consist of laying motionless on the couch with my face in my phone or grabbing a not-so-healthy study snack, but there are so many better ways to spend your study breaks which will have immense benefits for your body and mind alike.
1. Get some exercise
Exercise is important any day, but especially during exams when you’re sitting in the same position studying nonstop. If you notice yourself getting fidgety or start to feel your neck and shoulders get tense from leaning over your books for too long, take a break and participate in some physical activity. This can be anything from going for a walk or a run to blaring some music and having a dance party for one in your room. Easy, right?! I find that exercising helps improve my concentration and decrease stress, allowing for more effective studying.
2. Grab a HEALTHY snack
You deserve to treat yourself once in a while, especially when you’ve been studying all day, but if you’re reaching for chips or chocolate every time you’re taking a break from your studying, this can have detrimental effects on your health. Keeping your body fueled with the right foods is important. Avocados and other foods rich in antioxidants like blueberries, blackberries, and even dark chocolate can help to boost energy and concentration. Throw them in a smoothie, or just eat them plain, but don’t forget to indulge in your favourite treats once in a while, treating yourself is important too!
3. Do some yoga
Yoga is an incredible relaxation technique for both the body and mind. It can help you escape from that exam stress for a little while and loosen those tense muscles. Not an experienced yogi? Worry not! There are TONS of instructional videos on YouTube for any skill level. Check out one of my favourite yoga channels here, offering sessions specific to targeting specific parts of the body, stress, and colds. You name it and there’s likely a video for it!
4. Take a nap
If you’re in the middle of studying and fighting to keep your eyes open, there’s no point in trying to push through until you’ve gotten some rest. Personally, I’m a huge fan of 20 minute “power naps”- I find that they refresh me just enough to finish studying without the groggy feeling that can come with longer naps. I find if I’m studying later in the evening, a nap of this length doesn’t affect my sleep at night either, which is a huge bonus! Even though you may feel stressed about taking time away from your studying to nap, you will find that you have a much easier time studying effectively when you wake up feeling rested and refreshed.