Why Take a Study Break?

Studying is a crucial key to success in almost any academic setting. Whether it is preparing for an exam, writing a paper, or giving a presentation, proper preparation is a critical component to succeeding academically. But at what point does studying become too much?

For some, preparation for an upcoming exam may mean pulling an all-nighter fueled by caffeine. However,   it is important to note that habits like these can have a negative impact on one’s physical and mental health which could affect their ability to perform academically. Studying is important but it is just as important to remember to put your own health first. One of the most effective ways to study properly involves simply taking a break every now and then.

The Importance of Study Breaks
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have found that taking short breaks can help with learning a new skill. By giving the brain a chance to relax and recharge you are giving your brain a chance to compress and consolidate memories of what you had just practiced. In other words, taking breaks can help your brain retain new information

“Our brain, just like any muscle, needs time to rest or it’ll get fatigued and not work as efficiently as it could.” says Crystal Bedigian, MA, LPC “By allowing ourselves time to decompress between study sessions, we are better able to retain information and focus more so we can effectively study and make good use of the time we are devoting to it.”

External signs of needing to take a break may include fidgeting, eye fatigue, headaches, exhaustion, or tension throughout your body. In addition, the importance of sleep cannot be overlooked.

The Risks of Not Taking a Break
Cramming for exams can take a toll on both your body and your mind. More often than not, studying is a sedentary activity that requires little to no physical exertion. Meanwhile, too much studying can create a mental log jam that can cause stress, anxiety, focus issues, and sleep deprivation among other issues.

“When you try to overexert yourself and go without a break, it leads to difficulty staying focused and a harder time remembering what you are trying to study.” says Bedigian “This results in the study session taking so much longer because you keep having to go back through information.”

When you have a scheduled break, it provides a sense of relief to know exactly how much time you have left in which you need to stay focused before being able to step away from it for a set time. An effective break can be as simple as taking a few minutes to go through your phone or grab a quick snack but it can also be physical, like going to the gym or for a run. Try setting a timer during your breaks so you can manage the balance between studying and recharging.

How Uwill Can Help
While Uwill can’t do your studying for you, it can provide mental health support whenever you need it. Studying can be stressful and learning how to cope with that stress can make a positive impact on your academic performance.

With Uwill, students can book an immediate teletherapy appointment with a licensed counselor based on your needs and preferences at a time that can fit your schedule, including nights, weekends, and school breaks. Registering with Uwill is fast and easy and you can even book your first appointment in less than five minutes.

Students also have access to Urise, Uwill’s wellness component. Urise provides on-demand wellness programming to complement therapy, including videos from trauma-informed instructors covering a variety of topics from yoga and meditation to self-care and stress relief. 

While studying is an important key to success in academics, make sure not to sacrifice your mental and physical health in the process. When you have a scheduled break, it provides a sense of relief to know exactly how much time you have left in which you need to stay focused before being able to step away from it for a set time.

If you are looking for help:

If you are looking to bring Uwill to your organization:

Back to Blog

Share this: