Take a Study Break

If you’ve ever studied for a long time without a break, you’ve probably gotten to the point where you stopped retaining information. It’s the point where everything you read just stops making sense and you’ve gone over the same paragraph four times, and you still don’t know what it’s about. When you get to that point, it’s probably time for a study break. I want to share some ideas for refreshing your mind so that your studying can be as effective as possible.  

Get active 

Doing something active is a great way to get out of your chair and give your mind a break from reading or staring at the computer. For a short break, take a walk around your neighborhood, play a game with your siblings, or even do some stretching. If you have some more time, playing a sport can be a great way to refresh yourself. Whether you’re on a team and you’re going to practice, or you just go for a run or play catch with siblings or friends, you’ll likely be able to better focus on studying afterward.  

Get out of the house 

Maybe you don’t necessarily feel like running around, or the weather just isn’t cooperating. In those cases, going for a drive, running an errand, or (in the case of good weather) sitting on your porch can all be effective ways to reenergize yourself and especially give your eyes a break from the book or computer screen.  

Do something creative 

Another fantastic way to relieve your mind is to do something creative. Do you like drawing or painting? Playing an instrument or taking photos? Even if you’re not an amazing artist, being creative can give your mind a chance to focus on something other than studying and engage different parts of your brain. And if you really wouldn’t consider yourself creative, finding a fun, challenging coloring book could be an excellent option.  

Rest 

If studying tends to exhaust you, you might enjoy taking a short rest between study sessions. This could be taking a nap, listening to music, or reading a book (or listening to an audiobook). Just set a timer for 15-30 minutes and put away your computer and textbooks. It’s a great chance to reset your mind and rest your brain and eyes.  

Spend time with your family and friends 

A final wonderful way to refresh is to just spend some time with your family or friends. You could play a board game, a card game, or watch a show with them. Or you could simply talk and laugh with them. As I mentioned in my last post, laughing is a great way to improve your mood and relieve your stress, which makes it a very beneficial way to take a study break.  

Whenever you find yourself studying for an extended period, remember to take a break before you stop retaining information. Even during your normal school day, it’s a wonderful idea to schedule some breaks so that you don’t become overwhelmed, and your brain and eyes get some rest. Whether you prefer one type of break, or whether you like to rotate through different kinds, the ideas in this post are great ways to refocus.