Top Study Break Ideas You Need for Success

Consider study breaks your secret weapon to success! By taking the right kind of breaks, you can not only improve your studying experience but also enhance your overall well-being. 

Whether it’s taking a quick walk outside, practicing some deep breathing techniques, or indulging in a healthy snack, study breaks can be a powerful tool to help you achieve your academic goals while maintaining a healthy balance in your life. But how can you ensure your study breaks are effective without getting distracted from your work? We got you covered.  

WHY DO YOU NEED STUDY BREAKS? 

Some students tend to get stuck in a rut when exams are just around the corner. Here are just a few perks you can get from a good study break:  

• Improved memory: Multiple studies have shown that short, repeated learning sessions with breaks increase concentration and help you remember what you study. 
• Reduced stress: Students are more likely to suffer higher stress levels due to academic workloads and concerns about their academic careers. Taking mindfulness and meditation breaks between study sessions can help calm your mind and increase focus. 
• Energy boost: Studying for longer periods of time can leave you drained. By taking even a quick break, you’ll return to your work revitalized and refreshed. 

HOW LONG SHOULD AN IDEAL STUDY BREAK BE? 

Taking breaks is essential, but how long should you rest for? Generally, a study break should be between 10 and 20 minutes. This amount of time is optimal for giving your mind a break without losing focus on your studies. 

However, the length of your break should depend on your personal style as well as the type of task you’re working on. For example, if trying to tackle an intense, long-term project, you might need to take more extended breaks to avoid burnout. 

HOW TO INCORPORATE STUDY BREAKS INTO YOUR STUDY METHOD 

Planning your study schedule is a great way to ensure that you’re taking enough breaks and staying on track. Before you sit down at your desk, take some time to plan out how long you want to study for and how many breaks you want to take. The Pomodoro Method can be a great place to start.  

This way, you can create a routine that is tailored to your study needs and avoid overworking yourself. By breaking your study sessions into smaller, more manageable chunks, you can stay focused and productive while also giving your brain a chance to rest and recharge. 

Remember to be realistic when planning your study schedule. Don’t plan for hours of intense studying with only one or two short breaks. This is a surefire way to burn out quickly. Instead, aim to study for shorter periods with regular breaks in between. Remember, the goal is not to study for the longest possible time, but rather to study effectively and efficiently. 

When you’re sitting for long periods of time, it’s easy to feel tired and sluggish. Incorporating active breaks, like walking or going to a job, can help you stay focused and alert throughout your study sessions. By taking an active break, you can get your body moving and wake up your mind.  

TOP STUDY BREAK IDEAS TO BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY 

Ready to take a break? Here are a few of the best ways to recharge your brain and boost your focus and productivity. 
 

1. REFRESH YOUR MIND AND BODY WITH A WALK 

Going for a walk is a great way to take a study break while also getting some exercise and fresh air. It’s a simple but effective way to get your body moving and clear your mind. Whether it’s a quick 10-minute walk around your neighborhood or a longer stroll through a park, research has shown that walking can help boost creativity and enhance problem-solving skills. It’s also a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. 

2. TUNE OUT TO SOME MUSIC 

Listening to music can be a highly effective way to get the most out of your study break and recharge your mental batteries. Music can help improve your mood, boost your energy levels, and reduce stress and anxiety. 

When selecting music to listen to during your study break, choose calming or upbeat tunes that help you feel refreshed and motivated. Many people find classical music, nature sounds, or instrumental music to be particularly effective in helping them relax and refocus. 

3. CONNECT WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY 

Studying can be lonely. Take a break by reaching out to friends and family for a quick chat. Whether it’s catching up over a phone call, texting with a friend, or meeting up for a quick coffee, spending time with loved ones can help you feel more energized and less stressed. However, it’s helpful to set a time limit and not let socializing distract you from your studies. 

4. MEDITATE 

Meditation and mindfulness practices can be a great way to reduce stress and increase focus during study breaks. These techniques involve paying attention to your thoughts and feelings in the present moment without judgment, allowing you to become more aware of your mental and emotional states. 

There are many types of meditation and mindfulness practices you can try, such as breathing exercises, body scans, and visualization techniques. There are plenty of apps to walk you through different kinds of mediations. These practices can help reduce anxiety and improve concentration, making them a great choice for study breaks. 

5. WORK ON A HOBBY 

Recharge and boost your creativity by taking a break to focus on one of your hobbies. This can be anything from painting or drawing to playing a musical instrument or practicing yoga. By engaging in a hobby, you give your brain a chance to rest and recharge while also engaging in an activity that you enjoy. 

It doesn’t have to be expensive either! At the University of the People, we encourage students to explore affordable hobbies like drawing, coloring, reading, or even practicing yoga. These activities can be done at home and require minimal supplies. 

6. HAVE A HEALTHY SNACK 

Don’t study on an empty stomach! Fueling your body with snacks can improve your brain function. But don’t reach for a candy bar. Instead, try to get a healthy snack like nuts, fruits, or veggies.  

According to research, eating a nutritious, varied diet improves concentration, enhances memory, prolongs attention span, and improves thinking. Moreover, eating nutrient-rich foods gives you a stronger mental recall and greater fact comprehension. 

WHAT TO AVOID DURING STUDY BREAKS 

There are certain things you should avoid doing during study breaks. For example, browsing social media, playing video games, or watching TV can easily lead to distraction and waste valuable time.

Also, try to avoid napping as it can have negative effects such as increasing your tiredness, reducing your speed, and hindering your productivity. However, if you need to take a nap during your study break, a brief nap lasting no more than 20 minutes is recommended.

READY TO TAKE YOUR STUDY BREAKS TO THE NEXT LEVEL? 

Try out some of these study break ideas the next time you need to rest and see how they improve your productivity and focus. Some may help you more than others, so feel free to experiment until you find a system that works for you! Good luck!