Study Breaks to Keep You Motivated

Taking regular breaks is the key to a successful study session. Instead of overworking your brain, helping it to recover will help you in the long run. Here are some suggestions for how to best use those 20-minute rests to refocus and reenergize yourself:

Organise yourself

You could use this 20 minutes to organise your workload. Jotting down a to-do list is a great way of sorting through the deadlines and other jobs swirling around your head, helping to prevent you from feeling swamped. You will use your time more effectively and there’s nothing more satisfying than ticking off tasks as you complete them.

Get moving

Try to avoid sitting in the same place for the entirety of your study session. A bit of exercise, fresh air, and a change of scenery is invaluable in boosting productivity. Why not go for a short walk, either around the block or, in unfavourable weather, around the house/library. Even popping to the kitchen can help you to regain your energy.

Grab an energy-boosting snack

When faced with a lot of work, you’ll need some fuel in the form of a tasty snack – healthy or indulgent, whatever helps! Make yourself an energising smoothie or grab a power bar. You could also use a longer break to do some baking so that you can reward yourself for your hard work throughout the day with sweet treats. When in doubt, put the kettle on – a dose of caffeine is always a good idea!

Listen to music

Take some time to just sit and listen to whatever album or playlist you’re loving at the moment. This could be something chilled and allow you to switch off, or alternatively, something more high-tempo to boost your mood and give you the motivation you need to get back to work.

Take a power nap

Getting some rest in the middle of the day is a great way to rejuvenate for a productive afternoon. Anywhere between 10-20 minutes is the ideal length of time for a power-nap, leaving you ready to get back to work. Any longer can have the opposite effect, leaving you groggy for the rest of the day. Just make sure to set an alarm so your 20-minute break doesn’t turn into an hour!