Study Breaking Done Right!
When you feel like you’ve been staring at your computer screen longer than you’ve been outside, that’s when you know that it’s time for a study break! With finals upon us, it is important to take time for yourself in order to refresh and recharge. If you are struggling with procrastination and work overload, take the time to read the do’s and don'ts of study breaking; these tips may just get you through finals week!
Do’s
Take a Walk
Fresh air is good for the soul and works wonder for the mind! Enjoy the fresh air by going for a walk around the block. Moving your body is essential and will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your next round of studying.
Set Timers
Yes, there is in fact an art to studying intervals that may be a game changer. Study breaks can range anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes depending on how long you have been studying. It is important to vary your break times. For example, if you have been studying for 1 hour, try to take a 5-10 minute break. If you have been studying for 3+ hours, reward yourself with a 30-45 break.
Make A Healthy Snack
I hate to break it to you, but you’re going to need more than caffeine during finals! A study break is the perfect time to make a quick, healthy snack to nourish your body and brain. Some ideas are an apple with peanut butter, a sandwich, trail mix, or fruit!
Tidy Up!
Your best work doesn’t happen on a cluttered desk with notebooks and papers all over. During your study break, take the time to organize your study space. Tidying up can range from organizing your notes, to clearing out some of the tabs you aren’t using on your computer.
Coffee Run
I know that I said you’ll need more than coffee to get through finals, but the caffeine pick-me-up doesn't hurt. Head over to your favorite coffee shop to grab a latte, tea, or cold brew to power through your study sesh! Or, if you’re in a time crunch, make a yummy coffee in the comfort of your own home.
Don’ts
Take A Nap
I know that it may seem like the best way to recharge is to lay down and rest for a few minutes. Although sleep is essential, taking a nap in the middle of studying can leave you feeling sluggish and unmotivated. (Plus, once you lay in bed, it may be hard to get up and stick to your study break timer). Make sure that you’re getting 6-8 hours of sleep every night to fight off the mid-day nap temptations!
Stay Behind A Screen
I think that we can all agree that we have spent way too much time behind screens this past year. Study breaks should be your way of getting off of your phone or computer to truly feel refreshed and ready to tackle more work. Set your phone down, close your laptop and go outside!
Snack On Junk Food
It may be tempting to grab a bag of hot Cheetos instead of a bowl of fresh fruit, but I can promise you that junk food will only satisfy your cravings, rather than fuel your mind. Try one of the healthy snack options above during your study session and save the junk food as a reward once you have completed all your tasks.
Study Late At Night
Avoid saving assignments for the night before they are due. It is proven that students do not produce their best work in the late hours of the night. Schedule your study sessions for the morning or afternoon, to ensure that you will be able to get a full night’s sleep!
Enable Distractions
Our world is full of distractions! For the procrastinators out there, our phones, roommates, family members, and TV screens will only serve as distractions during studying. In order to limit distractions, be sure to turn your phone on do not disturb and find a quiet place to get all of your work done.
Don’t forget to take breaks and take care of yourself during finals. You’ve got this, Seawolves!