15 Fun Study Break Ideas You Must Know

It has been told over and over again, maybe a billion times now, that taking breaks (anywhere between 2-60 minutes) while studying refreshes your brain, boosts your energy and productivity level. It is a universally accepted fact, but there is a catch: this technique only works if one chooses to take up the right activity for study breaks. So what to do during study breaks? Well, let's discuss that in the blog, shall we?

Benefits of Study Breaks

We can still keep on arguing about whether Ross and Rachel were on a break or not, but you deserve to be on a break. According to research, taking regular breaks from studying to recharge your mind and body enhances your energy, productivity, and capacity for concentration. Engaging in activities that relax your mind, exercise your body, or spark creativity is all you need. 

15 Study Break Ideas

There is no need to worry. We have curated a list of healthy and fun study break ideas only for you! These ideas will help you use your study breaks in the right manner so that you can get back to work entirely revitalised.

1. Netflix and Chill

Example: Watching a 20-30min episode of a sitcom

What to avoid: Watching a movie or more than one episode of a series

At your own risk! You can pick any show which is 20 minutes long and give yourself a nice breather, like F.R.I.E.N.D.S., Two and a Half Men or How I Met Your Mother. Watching something short and nice can be one of the fun study break ideas. But again, you have to be just as careful in handling fire as you are highly prone to falling into the traps of binge-watching.

‍2. Listen to Music

Example: Listening to instrumental music

What to avoid: Rock, Metal music

If you can't read your notes anymore, let the musical notes hit you. Music undoubtedly helps you calm and relax (unless you decide to listen to pump-up metal or Joji). Studies have shown that (see, studying helps) listening to music can enhance memory, mood, sleep quality, and mental clarity while lowering anxiety, blood pressure, and discomfort. So a small music break will be beneficial for you. 

3. Work Out

Example: Zumba, Stretches, Yoga, Meditation

What to avoid: Hardcore workout

If things aren't working out between you and your studies, you can take a break and work out. Stretch your body and your muscles, and you can do a quick workout session, Zumba session, or even meditate. Your muscles might have become stiff after sitting for long hours to study; this is one of the study break ideas which help you relax your muscles and mind. If you want to start immediately with meditation, then check out this blog to know everything about meditation.

4. Take a Power Nap

What to avoid: Taking a 2 hr nap

Let us remind you that power naps are 10-20 minutes long and not 2 hours. Power naps have the potential to boost cognitive function, strengthen logical reasoning, and improve memory. A small power nap will help you recharge yourself and refresh your mind so you can concentrate again. Maintaining a good sleep cycle is as important as having a good diet and exercise. Check out this blog to know how important is to have a good sleep cycle as a student.

5. Read a Book

Example: Comic books, one chapter of the book you're reading

What to avoid: Dont prolong the reading time

We saw you roll your eyes at us! But, reading a nice book, be it light-hearted or a thriller, can be one of the fun study break ideas. Reading something other than your college books can be a nice break for your mind while being in productive mode, so you don't feel lazy once you resume your study session. Want some recommendations, check out these amazing books that you should definitely try!

6. Online Shopping

Example: Myntra, Nykaa, Urbanic

What to avoid: Dont go overboard 

A nice quick online shopping can be one of the fun study break ideas. This can be fun only when you shop like your bank is going to pay for your shopping. Maybe you don't need another matching pyjama set with your cat, but shopping can be therapeutic, even if it is window shopping. Unleash your inner devil wears Prada worshipper and mix-match and build yourself a great outfit.

7. Check Your Phone

Example: Play a game, read the news

What to avoid: Limit the phone usage to 10-15 mins

This can be a perfect excuse to check your mobile phone finally. Check your messages, emails, or social media. This is your time to scroll through your social media guilt-free because you've earned it! You can also send nice- warm messages to your loved ones so that you can make their day as well as yours.

8. A Quick Gossip Session

What to avoid: Dont go overboard; walls have ears, too

Hey, Upper East Siders… Gossip Girl here! You can call your best friend and start the call with this line, and surely they wouldn't want to hang up on you. This is one of the study break ideas where you can indulge in a nice session of gossip, venting or ranting session with your friend. And this is completely a unisex idea.

9. A Quick Walk

What to avoid: A quick walk, not a run

Going for a nice walk outside for a while can be one of the healthy study break ideas you can try. Wear your comfortable shoes and go outside for a nice walk in the neighbourhood. Maybe a little music can help boost your energy.

10. Make Yourself Coffee

Example: A hot cup of brew with some biscuits 

What to avoid: Dont make it strong

Nobody needs a list of study break ideas to remind them to make a cup of coffee. But still, we've added it here, just in case. A nicely brewed cup of aromatic coffee, be it hot or cold, can make almost everyone happy. 

11. Have a Quick Bite

Example: Chocolates, Chips

What to avoid: Dont make it a meal

Treat yourself to nice munchies or food because you definitely deserve a snack for your hard work. You can order something nice and warm or rip open a pack of Cheetos, cookies or even gummy bears, anything that makes your mouth water. But make sure that the food doesn't make you feel sleepy because the books will still be staring at you.

12. Cook Yourself a Nice and Quick Meal

This is another thing you can do if you are looking for healthy study break ideas. You can cook a nice healthy and quick meal for yourself while you take a break from your studies. Cooking for some can be therapeutic; if you are one of those people, this will be a nice, fun break. Does it take a lot to cook after a long tiring day? Check out these easy recipes you should use as a college student. Plus, don't forget to take advantage of student discounts on food to make your meals both affordable and delicious.

13. Draw or Paint

Example: sketching on the sidebar of your sheet

What to avoid: Dont prolong it

It is time for you to get the creative side of your brain out. Pick up your pen or paints and sheet and paint it red. Sketch, paint or even doodle; anything that comes easily to you. You can watch quick doodle tutorials online and put them out on paper. This is one of the study break ideas that you will definitely enjoy, even if you draw a stickman figurine. Don't just restrict yourself to drawing or painting. You can also do origami or quick 5 minutes D.I.Y. sessions. 

14. Mindfulness activities

Example: Journaling, Mindful Breathing, Making a Gratitude List, etc

Mindfulness is the capacity to be fully present and aware of where we are and what we are doing without being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what is occurring around us. Being mindful helps us lower stress, perform better, observe our thoughts to acquire awareness and insight, and pay more attention to the well-being of others. This is one of the calming and beneficial healthy study break ideas. Also, don't hesitate to reach out to student well-being services for support in managing stress and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

15. Play online games

Example: Mario Cart, Chess, Black Jack

What to avoid: Try playing one or two rounds of the game

This is one of the study break ideas which will again give you a chance to pick up your phone or turn your computer on. You can play a quick round of any online games to refresh your mind. You can play games alone or with your friends online. 

Tried and tested tip: A cheat code won't make your studies go away from your life, so you will eventually have to pick your books up again.

We hope we have answered your question about what to do on a study break with these fun study break ideas. There are many options to consider when planning a study break, like taking a walk, playing a game, listening to music, watching a movie, talking to a friend, or simply taking a nap. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it's something enjoyable that will help you relax and refresh your mind.