We all know that taking a study break can be hard. Distractions linger around all of us, and many of us are prone to Netflix-binges. Certainly, there are better ways to spend our short study breaks, rather than turning on Netflix, eating copious amounts of food, or procrastinating more. To be more studious during your study breaks, fret not, here are helpful things to do:
1. Yoga/Stretch
Do some yoga! Don't do yoga? How about doing some stretching? Stretching can help alleviate the typical, sluggish feeling that we get when we are overworked and tired. By rejuvenating for a few minutes, you'll not only feel better, but your brain will thank you for the break!
2. Have a healthy snack
By snack, we absolutely mean a snack, not a meal. An apple, some cashews, maybe a banana-- something that can give your brain more nourishment for the assignment you put off until today. Apples are your best friend here-- they're sweet, easy to grab, and require no prep. Less time preparing a snack means more time to study.
3. Free-write
Do you ever find yourself adding unnecessary words to your paper? Are you suffering from writer's block? Sometimes the best thing to do is to free write. Allow yourself approximately 5 minutes of uninterrupted writing time so that you can get all your word-vomit out. As humans, we are constantly thinking. If you are able to keep writing in a journal about everything, your mind can refocus on the more important things... your homework!
4. Doodle
If homework and studying is forcing your creativity down, why not take a few minutes to just doodle? Grab some loose paper and draw something. Give yourself a true break by drawing shapes, stick figures, write down quotes in cursive. Doodle like your life depends on it because really, your sanity will thank you.
5. Listen to a song! (Yes, a single song)
Play a song, sing along to it, and dance. Stop thinking about the world around you and that math problem you can't solve. Play a song that you loved when you were in middle-school. Dance to a song that played at your prom. Play a SINGLE song and give yourself some fun. Studying isn't fun, but good music is such a relief.
6. Five-minute workout, GO!
Quick! Do some abs! Work your biceps! Lunge across your living room! Jumping jacks! Sweat out the frustration and you'll be happy to sit down again.
7. Go outside, enjoy nature
Open a window and gaze out of it. Walk outside of your house or dorm and just admire what's around you. Grades aren't everything there is to life. Nature is here to help you out, friends! Take some pictures of flowers on your nature walk. Smell the great outdoors! Watch some birds, follow an ant trail and just enjoy the fact that you're on this Earth.
8. Light up some incense
If going outdoors isn't your thing, try lighting a candle or striking up some incense to clear the air. Try some lavender or vanilla to make your study space more pleasant. If you're somewhere where you can't light a candle or incense, find yourself a mini bottle of essential oil. Essential oils are great for relieving stress and tension.
9. Take a bath, and hey, throw in a bath bomb!
Run yourself a warm bath, drop in a bath bomb, and just relax! You certainly deserve some luxury every now and then. A study break is the perfect time to treat yourself. If you have the time to soak in a bath, do it. Play some soft background music and enjoy the peace.
10. Take a power nap
If all else fails, take a quick power nap. Set an alarm for 15 minutes and just shut your eyes. Allow yourself a dark enough setting so you can truly tune out for a little bit. If you sleep, even for just 5 minutes, you'll be surprised about how much it can help. Give yourself some space to sprawl out, get a cozy blanket, and just rest.
If one of these options works wonders for you, keep to it! Turn these into habits and you'll be well on your way to being productive during your study breaks. We're all rooting for you!
