Taking frequent study breaks is as important as having a productive study schedule since it gives you time to rest and recharge yourself. Studying continuously for long hours can drain your energy, make you feel sleepy and result in unproductivity. It can also foster stress.
However, students must ensure that their study break is productive in the sense that it provides you energy for the next study session, not drains it out of your body. This article will point out some ideas to have a productive study break, so that the break doesn’t encourage you to procrastinate the next study session.
- Listen to Music
This can be followed up in short breaks of 5-15 minutes. Listening to your favourite music freshens up your mind and keeps you boosted. It is suggested that you listen to energetic and motivational kind of music during short breaks for greater efficiency in the upcoming study slots.
However, it is not recommended that you go for music during longer break hours.
- 2. Take a walk
This is a great idea for longer breaks! If you have a break time of 30-60 mins, especially during the evening hours, you should definitely go for a walk in nearby park. A place with natural greenery is preferred and suggested.
You can also utilise this time for exercising or cycling as well. This reduces stress and tension, relaxes your mind and body, and makes you feel relieved.
- 3. Follow your hobbies
If those can be followed in the limited break time. Hobbies such as diary writing, scribbling, dancing, singing, gardening, etc. take less time and are very good stress relievers and rechargers. If you are into these, nothing would make a better study break other than practicing these during that time.
During shorter breaks, you can also check your social media to feel good.
- 4. Have a ‘me’ time
Probably one of the best use that you can make of your study break is to spend some time with yourself. You can talk to yourself, assess your progress, introspect, click your pictures, say positive and feel good about yourself.
This exercise is very helpful not only for students but for everyone. The more a person spends time with himself, the better he knows himself and the clearer he is about his goals, intentions and vision.
- 5. Take a short nap
Taking a nap of 20-25 minutes, especially in the breaks you take in the afternoon, actually increases productivity and makes you feel fresh.
However, this should be practiced with a disclaimer. You should not sleep very comfortably on your bed or sofa, which may lead you to sleep for hours. Set an alarm and prefer to sleep on your table or chair.
- 6. Do not eat heavy food
Especially if you have a short break, in the afternoon. Having heavy food triggers sleepiness and may reduce your productivity.
Prefer having a light snack. If you take a break during the afternoon session, make sure that you take a longer break so that you don’t have to study right after having lunch, which is usually heavier.
All the best for a productive study break!
