With one last week of exams left, every group of friends is probably incomplete at the moment since some people are done and others are still feeling the pressure of finals. Despite an immense effort to focus and even pulling all-nighters trying to retain as much knowledge as possible for exams, it’s difficult not to get distracted (especially when so many others are already finished and consequently chilling).
Breaks are important, but making these breaks count in order to avoid veering off the course of studying completely is important. Throughout this last school year at York, there have been various mental health art therapy sessions around campus. Art therapy is a fantastic way to cope with the anxiety of exam-time, especially for those who are prone to struggle with balancing their mental health amidst school pressure. Here are a few other ways to take short study breaks in order to give your mind a rest, re-energize your brain, but not get too distracted to the point of no return:
1. Colouring
This is probably the most common one. Adult colouring books are kind of a revelation. One day years and years ago, when I was still in elementary school, my little sister and I were seated on the floor colouring in our shared bedroom. An elder man who I knew only from the temple was visiting and asked if he could colour with us. I remember being mesmerized in the way that he coloured so calmly. That’s the first time that I truly witnessed the joy of art rather than seeing it so simply as a kind of challenge or competition.
2. Finger Painting
This may be too much of a mess in taking a break from your work, but if you’re feeling up to it, roll up your sleeves, pour some paint on a plate, and get to it.
3. Stream of Consciousness Writing
This may actually help you get some studying done. Perhaps you will discover that your understanding of the subject that you’re studying for is actually much deeper than you thought. What you write may also just be gibberish, but doing it anyways is effective because it helps to get some voices out of your head since your hours spent reading notes have probably overstuffed your brain.
4. Poetry/Writing a Song
Since this isn’t really a passive activity, it’s probably not the best idea to get your brain running in a completely new direction from your work. Rather, write an acrostic poem or lyrics to a catchy tune that will help you memorize some of the content for your exam. And with this sort of a study break, you don’t need to feel guilty about the fact that you’re wasting time by taking a break because you’re still technically studying.
5. Taking a Short Nap
Let your dreams take over.
6. Cooking
Rather than grabbing a bag of chips, or even a granola bar, go make something for yourself. If you aren’t much of a cook, you can even just use the time to put together a satisfying salad or make a sandwich with some (natural) peanut butter and fruit.
7. Going for a Walk
You don’t necessarily have to be creating art. Get some fresh air and appreciate mother nature.
8. Working Out
Blast some music, and dance around your room. Advice: Don’t do this in the library.
9. Listen to Music
Turn on some songs that you know well. Close your eyes and relax while you sing along.
Study hard folks, but try not to lose your minds in the process!