Staring at the computer screen or your textbook for hours on end can lead to headaches, fatigue, and overall grumpiness. In this state, how can you expect to study effectively? What you need is a study break! There is nothing wrong with healthy procrastination to restore your sanity.  When you schedule your study time, plan to take 10-30 minute study breaks periodically, and do something during these breaks that rejuvenates you.  In between long study sessions, block out a couple of hours of time to relax and forget about your workload for awhile. What should you do on your study break? Anything that relaxes you and lets you work some of the stress out of your system. Here are a few suggestions for both long and short study breaks:

• Take a brisk walk or go to the gym. Physically and psychologically, this is an ideal way to relieve stress, even for a short period of time. Make yourself an "study break mix" on your iPod to energize you while you exercise.
• Read a novel. Students tend to get really sick of books and avoid reading for fun. This is too bad because reading a novel is a great way to escape your stress and relax. Find a good novel, keep it nearby, and read a few chapters when you need a break. Here are some suggestions for study break novels from our fiction collection.
• Watch a movie. When you plan a marathon study session, be sure to schedule in a couple hours for a longer break. A movie is great way to relax.  Did you know the Dibner library has a selection of dvds and video cassettes available?  Here are some study break movie suggestions.
• Have a snack. Skipping meals when you're studying definitely won't help you study effectively. Make sure you get some nutrition in, as well as some good old fashioned comfort food - just make sure you eat it in the snack lounge in LC 440!