Every time my study timer goes off, I sigh, roll onto my bed, and go back to scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest… you name it. Yet, when this “break” is over, it feels like I didn’t get much rest. The truth is, not all breaks recharge you. Although scrolling through social media might seem like a low-effort way to relax, it doesn’t quite reset your mind like other methods do. But why is this? And what should you do instead to actually take a break? 

Why isn’t scrolling a break? 

To explain this properly, let’s first look at a break. A break, especially while studying, is when you engage in a different activity to rest your mind and body. Scrolling is not a break since it fails to provide rest and does quite the opposite. Scrolling can be mentally stimulating and addictive since, while swiping, your brain releases dopamine, inadvertently creating a cycle that urges you to keep scrolling. For this reason, once your timer runs out, you may feel inclined to keep scrolling or have a harder time getting back to studying. 

Now that that mystery is solved let’s take a look at things you can do instead of scrolling to reset your mind while studying: 

• Hydrate and eat a snack  

Eating healthily and staying hydrated are crucial not only to one’s health but also to studying. According to the Journal of Nutrition, those who remained hydrated performed better at multitasking and focus. This is because when you hydrate, the brain receives adequate oxygen and, therefore, functions better. The same logic applies to eating. Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet positively impacts your brain as it aids in its function by providing it with all the nutrients necessary. So, the next time you have a break, crack open a water bottle and eat a nutritious snack while you sit back and relax. 

• Read a book 

Although reading a book after a long study session might seem counterintuitive, reading reduces stress. A study from Mindlab International at the University of Sussex found that reading for just six minutes daily reduced stress levels by 68%. This significant drop in stress levels is primarily due to reading serving as a distraction from daily worries, including school/studying. 

• Take a power nap 

When I study, I sometimes feel my eyes getting heavy and losing focus. These are usually signs that a power nap is desperately needed for 10-30 minutes. Not only will taking one energize you, but it will also aid your long-term memory, which is precisely what you need for studying. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, when people were tested 30 min after learning, cramming and napping led to significantly better memory than taking a break. This is because while taking a power nap, your brain is actively working to process information and retain what you just learned. 

Remember to think twice before grabbing your phone during a break in your next study session. Instead, reach for water, snacks, a good book, or a lovely blanket and pillow. Happy studying!