1. Take a warm shower or bath
An oldie, but a goodie. Let your muscles relax in the warm water with a bath or shower.
2. Unwind with some exercise
Maybe you can shake up your normal routine by trying something new? Or if you normally don’t exercise, maybe now is the time to start. For beginners, you might like to try group fitness classes like Zumba or yoga. Or group sports like Oztag or netball. Doing 3 fast walks a day can actually have the same if not more benefits than a 30 minute run. For the more advanced, maybe shake up your routine and try something new like bungee fitness. Just get your heart rate up and give your brain a well needed break from all the study.
3. Listen to music
Having trouble thinking of your next essay thesis? Why not grab your iPod and take a break by listening to some music. Your brain will continue to think about your work while you take a well deserved break and listen to some tunes.
Here are some suggestions from our fellow Wellbeing Warriors, Tom and Georgia: 10 Uplifting Songs to Get You Through Exams.
4. Get out of the house
Spring is on it’s way so take full advantage by grabbing some rays. You don’t have to go further than your garden. Just 10 minutes in the sun relaxing can feel so great. It also makes a great study break.
5. Watch a classic movie
Why not take a longer break and grab your favourite classic movie and get ready to experience some serious déjà vu. To get the ball rolling, classics could include Zoolander, Toy Story or the Lion King!
6. Try something new
If you feel like you’re lacking motivation to make it through the end of semester, try add something new into your routine so you don’t feel lethargic or that your routine is too mundane. Pop into the Sydney Dance Company which runs classes throughout the week in a variety of dance styles and you might just find a new hobby.
https://www.sydneydancecompany.com/
7. Meditate
Meditation and mindfulness is proven to relieve stress, sleep better and improve physical health. Even swapping just 10 minutes of Facebook browsing for meditation will help improve your focus and help you feel refreshed enough to catch up on those pesky readings. If you find it difficult, there are several apps to help guide you: Headspace, Calm etc.
8. Catch up with friends
Arrange to meet up with friends you haven’t seen in a while. Whether it’s over brunch or drinks, socialising is the perfect way to get some R&R whilst having some fun.
9. Have a quick stretch and tidy up
After sitting in the same position for long hours, taking some time to stretch out your muscles can re-energize you and be more beneficial than you think. As well as this, as we near exams, your study setting may have become a disaster zone without you even realising. Tidying up can be a therapeutic and relaxing means of being productive during your break. It is always easier to study in a clean and less chaotic setting. Also means you won’t waste time scrambling around trying to find stuff.
10. Sleep
At this point in the semester, it is more important than ever to focus on your sleep cycle. Research suggests that adults need a minimum of 8 hours each night. Productivity and alertness is also improved when a sleep routine is established ie. going to bed and waking up at the same time.
