A good break
Exam time can be a hectic period for college students for many reasons. It’s important to remember that breaks aren’t a hindrance to your productivity — rather, they’re a necessary part of an effective study plan.
Taking breaks can help you maintain motivation, especially when the weather is nice and the temptation to be outside is strong. Let’s delve into some good strategies and mindsets you can implement to make the most of your study time.
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The importance of breaks
– insights from experts
Research shows that breaks can improve concentration and productivity. A study from the University of Illinois concluded that short, regular breaks can prevent fatigue and enhance performance on prolonged tasks. When we work for long periods without breaks, our brains start to enter a monotonous state, reducing our ability to focus and process information effectively.
Break the monotony
Breaks help break the monotony. So feel free to take a break; you won’t become a better student by plowing through the entire syllabus in one week. If you commit to working with scheduled breaks, you can utilize techniques like the Pomodoro technique, where you work in 25-minute intervals followed by short breaks.
Screen-free breaks
Experts also recommend taking breaks mentally and physically away from digital devices. A break isn’t a real break if you’re doom-scrolling on TikTok or Instagram. Screen use can be mentally exhausting due to the constant stream of information and light stimuli. A break away from phones and computers can help refresh the mind.
Try going for a walk, exercising, or meditating during your breaks. From the Institute for Human Rights to the Danish Working Environment Authority and IDA, the advice is the same: put the screen down, free those endorphins with a walk or a good cup of coffee in silence — it reduces stress, improves your mood, and boosts your energy levels. You’re doing yourself and your exams a favor by taking that break.
Mental breaks
Taking mental breaks, such as meditating or doing deep breathing exercises, can also have a significantly positive effect. Allowing your brain to switch between focused reading and relaxation makes it easier to concentrate and maintain focus during those intense study periods.
Overall, experts point out that taking regular breaks is not only beneficial but necessary for your health and focus. So remember to schedule short and effective breaks into your daily routine. And when you take time off, really take that time off.
Procrastination: A aonstructive break
We often hear that procrastination is bad. And it’s easy to feel guilty when you put off reading a difficult text and instead start scrubbing the sink and defrosting the fridge. But procrastination isn’t inherently bad, as long as you don’t end up in a cycle of putting off something so much that you fall behind on prioritized tasks.
Procrastination can be seen as a signal from your brain that you need to step away from the intense task if you haven’t taken a break in a long time. A study from 2014 showed that moderate amounts of procrastination can increase creativity and problem-solving skills. It’s about finding balance and using procrastination constructively.
- The Pomodoro technique: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.
- Take a walk: Physical activity is a fantastic way to clear your head. A short walk outside can improve your mood and boost your energy.
- Meditation and mindfulness: Meditate or do deep breathing exercises. This can reduce stress and improve your ability to focus.
- Social breaks: Spend time with friends or family during short breaks. Social interactions can give you a mental lift and help you relax.
Mindset: Be kind to yourself
It’s easy to be extra critical of yourself during exam periods, but it’s important to remember that you’re not wasting time by taking breaks. On the contrary, breaks can be your key to success. By shifting your mindset from seeing breaks as a negative form of procrastination to viewing them as a necessity, you can reduce stress and help yourself during exam periods.
Seven ways to shift the perspective on breaks:
1. Understand the value of breaks
It’s important to understand that breaks aren’t a waste of time but rather an essential part of an effective work process. When you take a break, you give your brain the opportunity to process the information you’ve consumed and prepare to absorb more. A break is an investment in your productivity, not an excuse to avoid work.
2. Forgive yourself for procrastinating
Everyone experiences periods of procrastination, and it’s a natural part of any process that takes hard work and focussed efforts. Instead of beating yourself up over it, try to understand why you’re procrastinating. Perhaps you’re overwhelmed, tired, or just need a break. By acknowledging these feelings, you can take the necessary steps to address them, rather than blaming yourself.
3. Recognise your progress
Instead of only focusing on what you haven’t achieved, spend time acknowledging your progress. Make a list of what you’ve accomplished each day and be proud of your small victories. This can give you a motivational boost and help you see that you’re moving forward, even if it may feel slow.
4. Practise self-compassion
Self-compassion is about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would treat a good friend. When you make mistakes or have a bad day, remind yourself that it’s part of being human. Speak kindly to yourself and try to avoid self-critical thoughts. Research shows that self-compassion can reduce stress and improve well-being.
5. Set realistic goals
Setting unrealistically high goals can lead to disappointment and self-blame. Instead, set realistic and achievable goals for your day. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and can reduce feelings of overwhelm. Remember, it’s better to take small steps forward than no steps at all.
6. Prioritise your needs
During exam periods, it’s easy to ignore your own needs, but it’s important to take care of yourself. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthy, and take time for activities you enjoy. This will not only improve your overall well-being but also your ability to study effectively.
7. Create a supportive study environment
Create a study area that is free from distractions and contributes to focussed and calm studying. Ensure that your study area is comfortable and organized, and allow yourself to take breaks when needed. Remember to see people every once in a while. A supportive environment can make a big difference to your productivity and mental health.
Exam periods require hard work but can be much easier to manage with smart planning. By incorporating breaks strategically, you can maintain your motivation and performance. The Pomodoro technique, physical activity, and mindfulness are just some of the ways you can optimize your breaks. So the next time you feel tempted to take a break, remember, it’s not a waste of time —it’s an investment in your learning and study-life balance.
