Relaxation Technique During Study Sessions
Taking a walk during study breaks is an effective strategy to enhance productivity and problem-solving under academic stress. This approach combines physical activity with mental rest, leading to multiple cognitive and emotional benefits.
Restores Cognitive Resources
Focused mental effort depletes glucose in the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for higher cognitive functions. Taking breaks, especially with light exercise like walking, helps restore this energy source, improving subsequent mental performance [1].
Enhances Memory Consolidation
During breaks, brain networks like the default mode network become active, organizing and consolidating information from short-term to long-term memory. Walking can promote this mental processing rather than passive rest [1].
Boosts Brain Blood Flow
Physical activity such as walking increases blood circulation to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that improve cognitive function and alertness when returning to study [1].
Aligns with Natural Biological Rhythms
Ultradian rhythms suggest natural cycles of concentration last about 90-120 minutes. Taking walking breaks in sync with these rhythms can prevent fatigue and maintain consistent performance levels [1].
Improves Productivity, Focus, and Motivation
Strategically timed breaks, including walking, recharge mental energy, increase motivation, and help maintain sustained attention during study sessions [3].
Promotes Stress Relief and Mood Enhancement
Walking relieves stress and improves mood through physical movement and a change of environment, which aids in reducing academic stress and improving problem-solving capabilities.
In practice, effective study break strategies involving walking include taking a 5-10 minute walk every 50-90 minutes of study. This not only revitalizes the brain for learning but also helps manage the cognitive load and emotional strain of intense academic work [1][3].
Incorporating such breaks into a balanced study plan encourages good habits, better work-life balance, and sustained academic performance overall [4]. Walking can serve as a study break and be a useful solution due to its simplicity.
Chance encounters with fellow students during a walk can provide priceless opportunities for checking in, catching up, and coming together. Utilizing the McGraw Center, the Writing Center, the Office of Undergraduate Research, and career advisors can offer valuable assistance for students managing their academic and professional lives.
For some students, activities other than walking might be more beneficial in avoiding burnout. However, finding restorative and formative ways to take a break can save time in the long run. What works best for avoiding burnout can differ for each individual, and taking time for oneself is a crucial step in avoiding burnout.
As a student at Princeton, the semester is short and classes are dense, leading to midterms and writing seminar papers. Walking allows physical removal from work without divorcing from focus. Walking can spark interesting lines of thought by engaging with the campus, buildings, nature, and fellow students.
Moments of feeling academically overwhelmed can be challenging. However, finding restorative and formative ways to take a break can help manage academic stress and improve problem-solving capabilities. Walking is one way to take a break that can be restorative and formative.
Undergraduate research can provide personal growth and self-development opportunities, as it encourages students to delve deeper into a specific subject, promoting learning and problem-solving skills beyond the academic realm.
Integrating walking breaks into one's study strategy, not only enhances memory consolidation and improves productivity, but also serves as a form of education-and-self-development, fostering stress relief and mood enhancement for greater overall learning and personal growth.
