1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Chat

10 Activities To Do When You Need a Study Break

10 Activities To Do When You Need a Study Break

Sep 20, 2021

It’s 2021, and for most college students, the semester is off to a busy start. With readings, assignments, quizzes, and midterms just around the corner, the impact of Zoom University continues to take its toll. Lectures feel longer (despite being on double speed), and our schedules are more confusing as we balance live classes with recorded content. Minutes stretch into hours, and days seem to blur together. Try as we may to get organized and stay motivated, it can be tough — especially when there aren’t many places to go or things to do to break up our day! Need a quick distraction? Here are 10 activities to do when you need a study break.

1. Go for a walk

It may be cold outside, but the fresh air and physical activity are totally worth it! Bundle up and get moving. Walking is a great way to reset your perspective, give your eyes a break from screens, and just think. Alternatively, you can use this time to fulfill some of your social obligations by phoning a friend or walking with a buddy.

2. Grab a coffee 

Nothing gives you that renewed jolt of energy like coffee! Grabbing coffee is an excellent study break option for when you feel your productivity starting to lag. It also forces you to get dressed and leave the house if you haven’t already.

3. Karaoke and Just Dance!

Looking for a fun study break activity to do with friends or roommates? Crank up the music and do some karaoke or Just Dance! This activity doesn’t need to be fancy — pull up the lyrics to your favorite songs on Spotify or find some Just Dance videos on YouTube. If you have a smart TV, you can even project the lyrics or dance onto your big screen. Let loose and sing/dance your heart out!

4. Stretch/exercise 

If you’ve been sitting at a desk or in bed all day, use your study break time to stretch out. Roll your shoulders back, go for a run, do some yoga or pilates, or turn up the heat with a HIIT workout — anything to get your body moving and releasing those endorphins! Your body and your mind will thank you later.

5. Catch up with a friend 

In an era of social distancing, it can be hard to maintain those social ties. Use a study break to catch up with a friend by giving them a call or inviting them over for an outdoor hangout. Combine this study break option with other ideas for a bit more fun.

6. Pick up an old/new hobby

Read. Watch. Work. Sleep. Repeat. If your day looks like this, it may be time to incorporate a hobby into your schedule and study break rotation. Pick up an instrument or try drawing. Practicing a new skill for even half an hour a day will enable you to hone that skill while also giving your mind a necessary break from textbooks and lectures. It will also make your day a bit more interesting and give you something to look forward to and work toward!

7. Play a game or do a puzzle 

Playing cards, chess, or board games are quick and easy ways to break up your day and reconnect with your inner child. Round up a few friends for a game of Codenames, Settlers of Catan, or Spit or work on a puzzle together. Use Alexa for other game options such as Escape the Room or “name that song.”

8. Bake or cook something 

Baking and cooking serve two main purposes: firstly, the end result is food (and who doesn’t love food?!), and secondly, the process itself can be fun! Look up an interesting recipe online or try making a family-favorite. You can even challenge friends to a cook-off or bake-off if you have time.

9. Watch an episode of TV

Watching TV is a classic study break option that works well if you’re feeling lazy. Just make sure that when you say you’re watching one episode, you don’t end up binge-watching the whole season!

10. Nap

Are you an exhausted college student? Cuddle in and recharge with a nice nap! Research shows that napping helps boost energy levels, memory, cognitive skills, and creativity. Get some extra sleep by setting an alarm for 20-30 minutes of nap time.

Avoid burnout this semester by adding study breaks into your daily routine. Get moving with Just Dance, stretches, or a walk, or be social by grabbing coffee with a friend. There may not be many places to go right now due to the pandemic but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take breaks. In fact, you should probably be taking more breaks this semester with all the screen time! Use these study break ideas to safely put some of the fun back into college during these trying times.

Follow us:
Written by

Naomi Fink


By Naomi Fink. From Uloop.com, Online Marketplace for College Life.

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled “New Around Here”: A Cinematic Journey into Struggles and Successes by Jennifer Hawkins, an Inspiring Student at LACC
“New Around Here”: A Cinematic Journey into Struggles and Successes by Jennifer Hawkins, an Inspiring Student at LACC
Main image for the article titled Exciting Changes to the TOEFL iBT® Test: Shorter Exam and Streamlined Experience
Exciting Changes to the TOEFL iBT® Test: Shorter Exam and Streamlined Experience
Main image for the article titled University of Pennsylvania ELP Profile: Odelia O. of France/Israel
University of Pennsylvania ELP Profile: Odelia O. of France/Israel
Main image for the article titled Read the new Global edition of Study in the USA today!
Read the new Global edition of Study in the USA today!
Read more

Check Out These Schools

University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Online Undergraduate Masters
Contact
James Madison University

James Madison University

$25,000—$30,000 Year

Bachelor Degree English Programs Undergraduate
Contact
Green River College

Green River College

$1,000—$5,000 Quarter

English Programs Summer Bachelor Degree
Contact

Featured Programs

Highline College

Typical cost per Year: $10,000 — $15,000

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term Summer
Learn More

University of Northern Iowa

Typical cost per Year: $15,000—$20,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Certificate/Short Term
Learn More

Northwest Missouri State University

Typical cost per Semester: $15,000—$20,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Certificate/Short Term
Learn More

Related Stories

English Is Still Essential for Studying in the U.S.

Main image for the article titled English Is Still Essential for Studying in the U.S.
6 Essential Tips for Finding Student Housing in the U.S.

Main image for the article titled 6 Essential Tips for Finding Student Housing in the U.S.
Spend a Summer Studying English in the USA - Why Choose a U.S. Summer English Program?

Main image for the article titled Spend a Summer Studying English in the USA - Why Choose a U.S. Summer English Program?

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for A cheaper, faster way to send money abroad

A cheaper, faster way to send money abroad

Join over 6 million people and businesses who get a better deal when they send money with the real exchange rate.

Read more
Partner service logo for Find an Advisor

Find an Advisor

Study in the USA’s advisors can work with you to navigate the requirements to study abroad in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. We help you find the right school and apply.

Read more
Partner service logo for The Michigan English Test for Higher Education Admissions in the U.S.

The Michigan English Test for Higher Education Admissions in the U.S.

Prove your English and achieve your goals with the Michigan English Test – widely recognized and available on your own schedule at a test center or from home.

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

Study in USA helped me to figure out how I could to achieve my educational goals, where do I need to start and which educational institutions suit me best. It was very helpful information and support.

Kamila Bizhanova Kazakhstan

Study in the USA helped me by providing information regarding fees and courses of the various universities I was interested in.

Sai Madhav Raju Goriparthi India

I regularly find information regarding the best university for me and which is available on StudyUSA.com

Andi Firman Muhibuddin Indonesia

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Featured Programs
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.