Studying or doing homework for a long period can be tiresome and draining.

However, taking a study break can be a great way to help keep you focused and energized. So while there are multiple ways to take a break from studying, here’s just a few:

“I like to go on social media on my phone. I’m usually on there for however long it takes to go through what’s new. When I reload it to see if there’s anything new and there’s not then I decide that ‘OK I’ve been on this long enough’ then I put my phone away,” said Brett Maier, freshman in agricultural business. “I’ll usually take a break half way through my homework so I can get back into it easier when I come back.” 

Taking a walk outside and getting some fresh air is also a good wait to boost energy. Getting up and moving around helps get your blood flowing and a little light exercise will also help the same. 

Emily Ung, sophomore in business, said for her study breaks she likes to listen to music and browse online shopping sites.

Sometimes she will take a nap during her break. She tries to stick to around an hour, but if she falls asleep it could turn into a two-hour break. To get back on track she said she has to force herself back into it.

 “I will jump around or drink tea to re-energize myself,” Ung said.

Stretching can help relieve anxiety from studying. Stretching your muscles can help relax you from sitting in the same position for a long time.

Calling a friend is another good idea if you need a quick break. 

That is what Kacey Pietz, sophomore in early childhood education, likes to do for her breaks.

“I leave my room and go visit my roommates or I go on my phone. My breaks usually end up being longer than I anticipated because I get caught up in talking or being on social media. When I have to get back to it I literally have to tell myself out loud ‘Kacey, you need to get focused’ and then I get back to work,” Piestz said.

Plan a schedule before you start studying and stick to it. It’s easy to lose track of time when you take a break, but be sure to stick to the allowed amount of time for the break and not a minute more. If you go over the time limit it becomes easy to keep pushing it off longer.

Madeline Johnson, senior in psychology, tries to stick to a schedule, too.

“I’ll go on social media or go get food quick. I like to stay around fifteen minutes for my break. I plan the time and tell myself, ‘OK in fifteen minutes I’ll get back to work.

Johnson said she also tries to look more studious so she feels more studious.

The similar goes for Joe Uribe, sophomore in genetics. He likes to check his emails and refill his coffee if needed. He only takes about a ten-minute break so he doesn’t lose the momentum he has going.

“I stop for a break midway through a problem or answering a question so I can get right back into that frame of mind easily,” Uribe said.

There are many ways to take breaks and everyone is different with theirs. Testing new ideas for taking breaks can help find what is right for you.