What to do on a study break (and what to avoid)
Breaks are part of focused work, not a reward for it. A good break lets your attention recover so the next session goes better. A bad break leaves you more scattered than before.
Good breaks
- Move. Walk around, stretch, or climb a flight of stairs.
- Look far away. Step outside or look out of a window to rest your eyes after a screen.
- Drink water or make a tea. A small, simple task with a clear end.
- Do a quick chore. Wash a mug or tidy your desk for a few minutes.
- Do nothing. Sit, breathe and let your mind wander. It counts.
Breaks that backfire
- Social media and news. Endless feeds keep your brain busy and make it hard to stop after five minutes.
- Starting another task. Answering "just one email" pulls your attention somewhere new.
- Games and videos with no clear end. One more turn or one more episode quickly eats the next session.
How long should a break be?
After a 25 minute session, five minutes is usually enough. After 50 minutes, take around ten. After a long 90 minute block, or every few sessions, take a proper break of 15 to 30 minutes and ideally eat something.
Make it easy to come back
Before you stand up, write one line saying exactly what you'll do next. When the break ends you can sit down and start immediately, instead of spending ten minutes working out where you were.