a cup of coffee sitting on top of a wooden table

Wellbeing

Making the most of your Revision Breaks

By QMHalls 21 Jan 2022

January can be a stressful time at uni. As the festivities start to slow down, you might start to remember that exams are just around the corner.

But don't worry, you've got this.

We know how hard you'll be working to get everything done in time, but it's also important that you don't burn yourself out and give yourself plenty of breaks. Having good revision breaks will improve your memory, reduce stress and even boost your energy so it's essential that you step away from your work every now and then, no matter how much you've got to do.

Here are some tips on how to make the most of your downtime so you're ready for your next study session:

1. Excercise

Exercise is a great stress reliever, and getting active during your revision breaks will help to refresh your mind and body. Obviously, you can't really fit a full gym session in a 20-minute break, but going for a walk, or doing some yoga are some things you can do to boost your endorphins. Yoga With Adriene on Youtube has some videos on how to cram in a 5-minute yoga break and there's one down below if you need some inspo.

2. Socialise

If you've been revising on your own for the past hour, no doubt you might be starting to feel a bit lonely. Socialising will help to improve your mood and stop you from going stir crazy. If you live with other people, time your revision so that you can all go and chat during your breaks. If not, call a friend or a family member and see what they're up to. This way, you'll remember there is a world outside your work and feel better about taking on your next revision session.

Take a look at the QM Halls events calendar for some more activities you can do on your breaks!

3. Make yourself a Revision Snack

Healthy snacks increase your focus and boost your brainpower, which in turn will help you feel more alert whilst you're working. Grab yourself a healthy snack, or if you're working in the library bring some with you. Nuts, carrots, and fruit are all healthy snack options that'll help get you through your revision day.

an apple sitting on top of a wooden cutting board

4. Take a Tech Break

You’ve probably spent a lot of time staring at your laptop, and for some reason, mindlessly scrolling through your phone tends to make revision breaks go a lot quicker. So it’s a good idea to step away from your screen and give your eyes a break. This way you'll be able to really make the most of your downtime and not strain your eyes too much.

5. Tidy up

This one might not sound like a good way to spend your free time, but it's true when they say a tidy desk means a tidy mind. Tidying your workspace is proven to boost your focus and productivity and working in a clean space just feels a lot better.

If you give yourself a 20-minute break, try spending 5 minutes or so tidying up your workstation. Clear up any coffee mugs you have lying around, or just give your desk a wipe down to clear your mind ready for your next round of revision.

Do whatever works for you on your revision breaks, the main thing is that you're giving yourself time away from your work to refresh your mind and de-stress!