Dead Week is upon us, and finals are looming large. Thanksgiving is a thing of the past. (Turkey what? Grandma who?) We all know the drill: Write those last papers, meet for group projects and study for that cumulative O-Chem final.
But as appealing as it is to stake out a table in the library, hunker down and study all your books for six hours straight, it isn’t necessarily the best way to study for finals. Late-night cramming is often stressful, and retention can be limited. Study breaks are a way to relieve your sanity, clear your mind and rejuvenate before the next bout of reading.
Don’t be fooled by the “break” part in “study break.” Resist the temptation to go on Facebook, Twitter or other social media sites — it’s too easy to get absorbed and waste time.
Instead, close your books every so often, breathe and do one of the study break ideas listed below. Try to schedule breaks in whenever it suits you. You might want a 10-minute break every hour, a half-hour break every two hours or something else.
1. Have a healthy snack
I know you want to throw back and indulge to get through the pain of Dead Week, and rewarding yourself with candy every once in a while is acceptable. But otherwise, choose a healthy, light snack such as a handful of nuts and dried fruit, wholegrain crackers with peanut butter, granola with yogurt or a power bar. Don’t eat a large meal in the middle of studying; it can make you sleepy. Just thinking about something besides what you’re studying can refresh your mind, and a boost of nutrients is also good for your body. Remember to drink water and only limited amounts of coffee.
2. Exercise
Take a walk outside and get some fresh air. A 10- to 20-minute walk can help you clear your mind and observe your surroundings. If the weather is abysmal and rainy or if it’s already dark, head to the Student Recreation Center. Working out for half an hour gives you something to focus on. Even stopping to do some crunches on your bedroom floor can be a good idea. The rush of adrenaline can keep your energy up and wake up your body.
3. Read for pleasure
I know, who has time? But making a study break gives you time to read something you enjoy, like a novel or a long magazine article. You can set an alarm if you want or limit reading time until that next chapter. Sure, you’re reading when you study, but choosing something you enjoy is a reward, and it keeps your brain focused and your body relaxed.
4. Watch something that will make you laugh
Mindless TV is a no-no — as is an endless stream of cute kitten videos on YouTube. They can be a major time-suck: Before you know it, two hours have gone by. Instead, find something to enjoy in a specific amount of time. Watch “The Daily Show” to laugh and learn a little about current politics. If you want, watch a movie as a reward at the end of your study day, something to amuse and de-stress, like “A Knight’s Tale” with Heath Ledger, “I Love You Phillip Morris” with Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor or “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” with Cary Elwes.
5. Clean your room or apartment
This may at first seem like more of a chore than a break, but think about it: When you’re constantly hitting the books, your household tasks are not getting covered. An organized study area and clean work space can help you focus. Plus, being productive will give you a sense of accomplishment, help you focus and motivate you to do more.
6. Put together a playlist
Listening to music is relaxing and enjoyable. Just a few, well-loved songs can compose the perfect study break. If you’re alone, dance around to your music to wake up your body. Otherwise, create a new playlist on your iTunes. Putting songs together with a specific theme helps keep your logical side of the brain working even as you relax.
7. Brain puzzles
Sit down and do a crossword, Sudoku or word game. These are fun and feel like a break, but they keep you thinking and focused. Pick them up in a newspaper, a cheap game book from a drugstore or online.