With exams coming up soon, it may be difficult to actually take the time to have a real break and relax. And even if you do decide to take some time off, with Lent Term having just finished, perhaps you feel guilty for it – you might think that you are ‘wasting’ revision time. I know I have definitely felt like this in the past. However, with time, I have realised the importance of actually taking a break, not just in order to rest after a busy term, but also to improve productivity in the long run.

Why you should take a break

Possibly the most important reason to take a break is to reduce levels of stress. Whether it has accumulated throughout the term or has been triggered by revision, taking a break where you manage to engage in other activities you enjoy could help relieve stress. Additionally, you may find that after your break you are better able to organize your schedule and studying such that it may seem more manageable. Hand in hand with stress relief, there is the ability to get an energy boost. If you feel drained after Lent Term, you are definitely not alone. Taking a couple days to relax and rest (or do anything other than study) will most likely help you recharge your batteries. This, of course, also leads to improvements in your health. Whether you choose to be more active or simply catch up on sleep during your break, this will have a positive impact on your immune system (which is certainly something that we should all strive to improve during a pandemic). Ideally, you could continue these healthy habits in the long run.

What you could potentially do on a break

As mentioned, you could use this time to build lasting healthy habits. Perhaps throughout the term you had certain fitness goals that you could not quite achieve due to being flooded with work. In this break you could, therefore, reach your activity targets and even try to maintain these afterwards. Reaching such personal goals could also help you feel productive during your break, even if you are not doing actual work. Of course, it is also always a good idea to use this break to spend more time with friends, family and pets (walking my dog, for example, always manages to de-stress me). Lastly, as mentioned throughout, catching up on sleep may also be key to feeling reinvigorated and productive after your break.