Three ways to take a study break at Ohio State

By: Jane Greco

Since we are approaching the middle of the semester, midterm season is upon us. This can be a stressful time whether you are a freshman and new to midterms or a senior like me and just trying to get through it the best you can. Here are some things you can do to take a break between study sessions to clear your mind or just take a break when you need it.

Take a Walk on the Olentangy Trail

Studying for midterms can mean sitting and staring at screens for long periods of time. This can cause not just your eyes and mind to be tired but your body too. One of my favorite ways to take a break during studying is to walk on the Olentangy Trail at Ohio State.

 Depending on where you are on campus, you may have to walk to get to the trail but it is worth it. Getting up and outside in the fresh air, whether you are by yourself or with a friend, can reset your whole mood and help break up some longer study sessions you have or be a nice break if you have more than one in a day. 

Todd Cameron Haery

Change Locations

Sitting in one spot for long periods of time can feel boring or even distracting. Changing locations is something I like to do so I can change my environment. This can help with focusing or just resetting.

 For example, if you are working on an essay at a coffee shop,, walk to the library and work on something different like a group project for a different class. Even the act of walking to a new location can be helpful like having a pair of fresh eyes but for studying.  

Reward Yourself

Whether you have been studying for two hours or two weeks, it is important to recognize the hard work you are doing for yourself. Rewarding yourself can be really helpful in keeping you motivated to continue studying and get through midterms. This can look different for everyone.

 Some of my favorite ways to reward myself after a long study session is to grab my favorite food for dinner, have an iced coffee during my study session or catch up with a friend in between studying and class. 

HR Magazine

Studying for multiple days in a row can get monotonous or feel like nothing is changing so it is important to break up your time and allow for a reset in whatever way works best for you. I hope you found these tips helpful and good luck on your exams!