How To Prepare For Your Exams With Effective Study Breaks?

A student’s life revolves around effective exam preparation that includes managing time between classes, assignments, test/exam study to score your selection in competitive exams. All those aspects require you to stay focused while putting in a lot of time, effort & dedication. That’s why it is extremely important to take regular & effective study breaks.

Though many students will feel like they need to study all the time to get desired results. However, effective exam preparation techniques involve taking frequent & refreshing study breaks that allows you to reconnect after a tiresome study session. It is recommended that students should manage their time using the Pomodoro technique of study to improve their focus, productivity & motivation levels.

Here’s how the Pomodoro technique of study works…

Step 1: Pick A Task (It can be finishing one topic or solving a set of questions)

Step 2: Set the timer for 25 minutes (Pomodoro)

Step 3: Start working on your task with complete focus till the timer hits zero

Step 4: Take a five minutes break

Step 5: Repeat the same process again

Step 6: After four Pomodoro sessions, take a longer 15-30 minutes break.

Pomodoro technique of study allows students to break down complex topics/chapters into small actionable study sessions. This method help students to stay focused and study for longer durations without getting tired and frustrated. Remember the only way to eat an elephant is taking one bite at a time.

The effectiveness of Pomodoro technique of study lies in its model of allowing frequent study breaks. If you are wondering, here’s how these frequent small study breaks will benefit you…

Benefits of taking study breaks…

1. Optimize Productivity:

Taking regular study breaks will help in sharpening your brain & make it more attentive during study sessions.

2. Prevent Mental Fatigue:

Taking refreshing breaks will help you in warding off mental fatigue you are bound to feel after long & rigorous study sessions.

3. Improve Concept Retention Ability:

A small break provides enough time for your brain to better understand and retain the concepts you just learned.

4. Help You To Study For Longer Hours:

A break re-energizes your brain and prepares it for next study sessions, thus allowing you to study for longer hours.

ALLEN Overseas experts firmly believe that no exam preparation techniques ever worked without effective study breaks. But as important as taking study breaks, it is equally important to use your breaks for fun & productive activities that charge up your study sessions.

Here are a few ideas & tips for effective study breaks…

Study Breaks Tips For Smaller Breaks –

1. Stretch Your Body:

Stretching your body for 5 minutes helps in loosening your muscles & releasing pent-up tension. This way you can prepare your body for next study session.

2. Meditate:

Meditation helps in calming your mind & improving your concentration. Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes and take a few mindful deep breaths to reinvigorate your brain so that it gets ready to soak more information.

3. Reply To Your Messages:

Instead of checking your phone after every fifteen minutes, you can read & reply to important messages or check your notifications during your break time. This will save your time & eliminate distractions from your effective study sessions.

4. Eat A Healthy Snack:

Eating healthy and nutritious snacks during your breaks will refill your energy and keep you more focused during study sessions. Healthy snack options include fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, cheese, dark chocolate, yogurt, popcorn, etc. Avoid junk food in any case.

5. Tidy Up:

Organizing your notes, books, cleaning up your study space will relax your brain while maintaining the same productivity level. This way you can return to a neat & tidy study space with a relaxed mindset.

Tips & Ideas For Longer Study Breaks –

1. Take A Power Nap:

Research shows that taking a quick power nap of 20 minutes will boost your productivity, creativity, memory & reset your brain for better focus. Remember to always set an alarm so that you can wake up on time. However, if you are among those who feel more tired, disoriented & lazy after a nap, this study break technique is not for you.

2. Cook Something Delicious:

Engaging yourself in refreshing activities like cooking will take your mind off study anxiety and provide you with something to look forward to at the end of your study session. Whipping yourself a quick healthy meal will also help in fuelling your body with the required energy for effective exam preparation.

3. Take A Small Walk:

Walking is beneficial in improving your concentration by restoring your mind and body. Even a short 10-15 minutes of walk will improve your blood circulation and oxygenate your brain for better functioning. So step outside and get some fresh air during your break.

4. Talk To A Friend:

Isolating yourself from friends and family will slowly deteriorate your mental health. That’s why it is recommended to use your break time for a friendly chat. Having an open conversation with your friends will relax your mind and clear out your worries.

5. Do Something Creative:

Indulging yourself in creative activities like drawing, dancing, coloring, etc. will take your mind off from the task at hand, boost your energy and enhance your mood. These kinds of activities will lessen your stress and reboot your mind for better focus.

Effective Study Breaks – Tips & Ideas:

Don’t forget that effective exam preparation techniques involve regular and effective study breaks. Try the Pomodoro technique of study and implement those tips for effective study breaks and see the wonders they can do for you. If you have any queries, comments, and suggestions, feel free to reach out to us, we will gladly assist you.