Quiz: What type of study break should I take?

03 Jul 2018

When you’ve got a deadline looming, it can be hard to find the right balance between studying and relaxing.

We all know that study breaks can help us be more productive and we need to give our minds a rest from time to time, but it can sometimes be trickyst deciding how much time to take.

Sometimes, a quick coffee break is all you need to refresh your mind, but other times a weekend away from campus is a must for restoring wellbeing.

If you’re not sure which type of study break is best for you, take our quiz to see which will benefit you most…

How long have you been studying for?

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As long as I can remember

It's been a few weeks of hardcore studying now

Not too long but my brain is already fried

Not long - I just need a short break

Are you feeling motivated?

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Yeah - I'm still enthusiastic about my studies

I was this morning, but I'm flagging a little

Not really - I'm beginning to burn out

I have 0 motivation - I've used it all up

Are you still being productive?

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Not really - I keep losing myself in daydreams

Productive? I forgot I was even supposed to be studying at all...

I would be if I let my mind rest for a little while

Pretty much - just the odd moment of not concentrating

How close is your deadline?

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In a few days - it's crunch time

Not too far away - I need to get my head in the game

It's not that far away - but I'm so sick of studying already

Ages away - I'm in it for the long haul and I'm feeling the toll

Quiz: What type of study break should you take?

A quick coffee break

You're in the flow of studying but you're starting to lose concentration. You need a quick pick-me-up before carrying on with the books in your quest for academic success. Try to limit your break to 15 minutes with friends or your phone to rest your mind from your studies, ready to start again with a refreshed mind.

A few hours in the gym or nature

Your brain is a little frazzled from the studying and new information just isn't going in. You've been staring at the same page for hours, and anything you read is leaving your brain like a sieve. It might feel unproductive, but taking a few hours to recalibrate your mind and release stress will help in the long run. You'll feel refreshed and ready to tackle that tricky theory, rather than wasting hours procrastinating.

A day of rest

You've been working hard and you've run yourself down. Early mornings and late evenings have taken its toll and you're feeling drained of energy and motivation. In this case, it's time to grab that duvet, download your favourite films and spend a whole day curled up on the sofa relaxing. You might feel strange or even guilty for taking time for yourself - but overworking can take a big toll on your mental health, so it's important to schedule some down time.

A weekend away from campus

You're totally burnt out and you just need some time away from the books. Everything you read feels like its going straight over your head and you've almost forgotten what the outside world looks like. When this happens, sometimes the only option is to leave campus for a weekend and relax your mind, body and soul. Whether you choose to visit a friend's home, explore a local city or relax on a nearby beach, getting off campus for a short break can really help refresh your brain.