Studies show that breaks in your study routine can positively affect your attention abilities. Taking breaks from studying every ninety minutes or so can improve both focus and attention.
In addition to taking regular study breaks, what you do with each break can matter, too.
It’s important to choose the right type of activity for your study break so that you can return back refreshed and focused, ready to get back to your books.
Whether you're studying for your next class or your college finals, below are some healthy, beneficial activities you may want to consider taking on during your next study break as well as what you should try to avoid doing, too.
Additionally, you should set a timer so that you can space out your study breaks and not take a break for longer than necessary. When the timer sounds, you know it’s time to get back to work.
Take a Walk
Get outside and get some fresh air, no matter how short the walk may be. Moving your body helps blood flow, which is going to help reenergize you. Any form of exercise will be beneficial to your physical and mental well-being – during your study breaks or otherwise.
Stretch
Chances are, your body is tense from the anxiety of studying. Plus, you are more likely than not working in the same position for hours on end. Taking some time to stretch will help to alleviate your body’s tension.
Tidy Up
It can be difficult to focus amidst chaos. Though you should never clean as a means of procrastination, it can be relaxing to tidy up during one of your regularly scheduled study breaks. Then, you can return to your studies in a relaxed setting – sans pigsty.
Phone a Friend
When you haven’t spoken to anyone for hours and you begin to enter zombie-mode, calling someone to actually have a conversation out loud can help. It takes your mind off the task at hand and makes you feel less like a zombie and more like a human.
Take a Quick Shower
Everyone feels invigorated when they are fresh out of the shower. During your next study break, take a five or ten minute shower to help revitalize and refresh your body and mind. We also recommend you sing at the top of your lungs -- just for the fun of it.
Run a Quick Errand
If you find that your mind is racing between your studies and your to-do list, running a quick errand can help you take a break and knock something off your to-do list at the same time. This can give you a sense of productivity, especially during study sessions that are particularly difficult.
Cook a Healthy Meal
Knock out two tasks at once: a low-thought level activity to take your mind off studying for a few minutes and eat something healthy. While it’s easy to order carry-out, taking the time to make yourself a simple healthy meal (whether it’s on a stove or in the microwave) will benefit your body and your mindset.
Meditate
During one of your scheduled breaks, take a few mindful minutes to meditate in a calm and quiet setting. Focus on some breathing exercises, which can really revive and invigorate the mind so that it’s ready to absorb more information!
Express Yourself through Creativity
Creative activities, like coloring, drawing or a quick dance-off with a friend can boost energy, clear your mind and enhance your mood – even if you aren’t artistic.
Energizing Study Break Ideas & What to Avoid
It’s important to choose the right type of activity for your study break so that you can return back refreshed and focused, ready to get back to your books.
Studies show that taking study breaks will help you retain information. Ensure that they're productive too.

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