As more tasks are added to our overflowing plates, we find ourselves itching for that upcoming winter break. Anxiety has a funny way of twisting us into a tightly-wound stress ball until exams are over. But there’s one important thing to remember. Study breaks are necessary. It’s all about balance, so find a way to insert those study breaks into your daily schedule.

Study breaks offer a ton of benefits:

Boost Learning and Productivity 

If you’re steadily working on one thing for a long period of time, you will discover how gradually you lose your focus on the task at hand. If you’re studying for a lengthy period of time without stopping, you can be less productive. So, include breaks! Typically, students who take at least two breaks to stretch their legs or give their brains a break tend to be more focused and enthusiastic about what they’re working on. Doesn’t that sound like a better way to study?

Reduce Stress

As students, our brains often run on one speed: overdrive. Now, a bit of stress is totally normal. However, you need to manage it. Try taking a break for meditation or exercise. Both activities have a positive effect on your mental wellbeing, so you can destress. 

Improve Memory

Even taking a 20-minute nap can leave you feeling refreshed and ready to go. Napping allows your brain cells to process and reorganize your stored thoughts. You’re basically giving your brain a break from incoming information, so it can process what’s already there.

Increase Happiness 

Everyone wants to feel happy. Working hard can be emotionally and mentally draining. This can lead to academic burnout, which will negatively affect your grades as well as your personal life. Take a break to do something that makes you happy. Whether that’s going for a walk, listening to music, watching a movie—anything that offers a short distraction from whatever is stressing you out is essential for increasing your happiness. Just make sure this is a healthy distraction! 

Take a break from your regular routine by introducing healthy study breaks. Refresh your mind and get ready to take on the day when you include short breaks!