Hi Panthers! Summer is right around the corner, but we have just one more hurdle ahead: Finals Week. Exam season is tough and we can get caught up in our studies and forget to take time for ourselves. I wanted to share some information on how you can take mindful breaks between study time to increase your focus and reenergize.
Take a break that works for you
It’s important to figure out which breaks work for you. This means finding breaks that fit into your schedule and that won’t lead to procrastination. For example, if you’re doing homework on your computer, maybe a short walk is better for you than going on your phone. Also, the time you spend taking a break should be something to monitor. If exams are coming up, we want to have enough time to prepare, so keeping an eye on the clock during a break helps us make sure we get back to work.
What does mindfulness look like during a break?
Mindfulness is being completely aware of your surroundings, how you feel in the moment, and being in touch with your senses and thoughts. One way to practice in any environment is through a body scan. This process includes going through each part of your body and recognizing how it feels. Or, during your walks between classes, use that time to take in the air, notice the environment around you, and just breathe. Small, mindful breaks like these can help us slow down on a busy day.
Here are some tips for mindful breaks:
- Set intention for your breaks and limit the time the break lasts
- Setting intention for your breaks could include choosing to accomplish a small 5-minute task or going on your phone only to check your messages.
- Choose breaks that help you refocus and recharge
- Breaks like getting a snack or stretching help energize us for when we return to our tasks.
- Avoid activities that create distraction or procrastination from your original task
- It’s easy to get caught up doomscrolling on social media, cleaning a messy area, or fixing something that’s broken.
Here are some ideas for mindful breaks:
- Breathing exercises
- There are many breathing exercises you can practice while taking a mindful break. These can include box breathing, belly breathing, and other breath work techniques that can be guided or self-paced.
- Mindful or Rainbow Walk
- Taking a mindful walk can let us take in nature and fresh air. Try to find all of the colors of the rainbow around you.
- Screen Break
- Screens and scrolling can take time away from personal connections. Taking a screen break allows you to focus on yourself and come back recharged and ready to work!
Hope you can find more ways to incorporate mindfulness into your breaks these last few week. Let’s finish strong, Panthers!
Braydon (he/him/his)
Peer Health Educator