Did you know taking short purposeful breaks during your study time can improve your focus, refresh your brain and help you to study more productively?
A purposeful break ideally ranges from 5 to 60 minutes and allows your brain to rest. While watching tv or checking social media may be our 'go-to' activity, it doesn't provide your brain with the break it needs. Instead, aim for something that allows your brain to step away from study mode, reenergize, and refocus once again. Even better, make it an active study break! Adding movement between your study sessions or even classes can clear your mind, make you feel better and boost your mood too!
Examples of a purposeful study break include:
- Go for a walk (bonus points if it's outdoors!)
- Visit with a friend
- Make a snack and drink water
- Organize your study space
- Get creative - draw, colour, play an instrument
- Meditate
- Take short 20-minute nap
- Run a quick errand
- Check out the campus Art Gallery
- Do a puzzle or play a board game
- Stretch or do yoga
- Pack a healthy lunch for tomorrow
- Do a load of laundry
- Go to the gym
Ready to get started? Here is a collection of short yoga, meditation and workout videos perfect for an active brain break:
Want to learn more? Check out this video on Physical Activity and Mental Health by Peer Learning Mentor Hayley Wall. She reviews the positive effects of physical activity on our mental health and offers practical tips on how to include physical activity into our daily lives. Video: https://youtu.be/EJxyPlkhQKc
A few quick links: