It’s almost that time of year again – exams are right around the corner! That usually means that stressful days and long nights are going to become even more of a reality. However, sometimes you need to take a break from all the studying, so here is a list of activities to do during your study breaks! 

1. Get up and move 

Movement is a great way to focus your brain on something other than studying while still feeling productive. Activities like going to the gym, doing some yoga, or going for a walk get your heart rate up and can get your mind off studying for a little while. Additionally, getting outside and breathing in some fresh air can significantly improve your mood. 

2. Keep your hands busy with some quick and easy crafts 

If you are a crafty person or just want to try something new, activities like coloring, scrapbooking, journaling, or making clay magnets can be great ways to use your study break. These low-effort crafts let you put your brain on autopilot for a while and feel like a little kid again. 

3. Find activities that are going on around campus 

There are always fun activities going on at the UC, in the dorms, with student orgs, or just around campus. Taking a break to go attend one or some of these activities can be a great way to step away from studying and maybe even meet some new friends! To be in the know about what is going on around campus, visit https://events.uww.edu/.  

4. Move around to different study spots 

Studying in the same spot every day can get repetitive really fast and can cause burnout more easily. Try finding a new spot on campus to study each time for a change of scenery and a little extra motivation! There are so many great places to study in the UC, the library, and on the third and fourth floors of Hyland Hall. 

5. Get off campus if you can 

If you live on campus or spend a majority of your time on campus during exam season, you might feel cooped up in your room or study spaces. Getting off campus can feel like a fresh breath of air and can get your brain off study mode for a little while. Changing environments can also help your brain reset and be ready to study again when you get back to campus. 

6. Listen to your body 

It is very common for students to overwork themselves, especially during exam season when they are studying for hours every day. Sometimes the best thing to do in this situation is listen to what your body needs. This can look like taking a nap, eating some nutritious food, or just talking with your friends about anything other than studying. While this may not seem productive at the time, your body will thank you for allowing it to rest and regain the energy it needs to perform well. 

Exams may make this season stressful, but all these activities are examples of what you can do during your study breaks. Next time you find yourself needing to take a break from hours of studying, consider trying one (or a couple) of these activities to take your mind off school and reset your brain – and then go crush your exams! Good luck during this exam season Warhawks, and don’t forget to take study breaks along the way!