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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
FINALS GUIDE 2012
ACADEMICS
Prioritizing, sporadic breaks vital to studying
LYDIA YOUNG
lyoung@kansan.com
Finals week is finally in full swing, which means less time for social activities and sleep, and more time in the library under stress.
In order to maximize time, taking breaks from constant studying is vital to academic performance, and helps to refuel your mind in order to attack the information at hand.
According to a "Brainscape" blog by Sruthi Swami, the central point of a study break is to rejuvenate the mind, and should consist of activities that distract the brain from the subject matter.
That way, Swami said, you can come back to the material renewed and refreshed.
Before studying begins, students should plan ahead for scheduled breaks from study. Breaks should be set for short amounts of time depending on the student and subject matter.
However, it is imperative that students stick to the time allotted for the break: usually 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
Swami stressed the importance of remembering to eat during study breaks, but warns against the dangers of junk food.
Taking a break from studying to cook a meal and sitting down away from work helps
to refresh the mind and body.
"I feel like anymore, my breaks are eating or looks at apps like iFunny. Usually I walk away from the books and maybe watch TV while I eat," said Jon Simpson, a second-year law student from Wichita.
Exercise and physical activity offers stimulation to the brain, making studying more effective, while also loosening up the body during a study break.
According to an online article by Nicole Riccardi in Points Sports Health, exercise "improves attention, speed of processing and the ability to perform cognitive tasks."
Riccardi said the body stimulates the hormone epinephrine during exercise, increasing awareness and students' ability to concentrate, helping to improve study habits and promote healthy bodies and minds.
"[My friends and I] would try to find ways to exercise and figured we might as well do it during a study break. Wed either go outside and do a set distance or run on the treadmill for 40 minutes," said Cliff Brazil, a second year law student from Chanute.
In addition, the Office of Academic Achievement offers various ways for students to prepare themselves for the upcoming exams, featuring a final exam planner, procrastination
In the University's Academic Achievement Top Ten Tips for Better Study Habits, students should avoid "faking study behavior," advising students to take breaks to allow themselves to daydream if they are having difficulties with concentrating.
In order to help finish these tasks, students should prepare prioritized to do lists and cross off completed tasks while studying.
prevention tools and general study tips and test taking advice.
For additional information on healthy and effective study breaks, visit the KU Academic Achievement website.
—Edited by Allison Kohn
TARA BRYANT/KANSAN
Brenna Eaton, a sophomore from Lawrence,
ties her shoes before going on a run Wednesday
night. Eaton likes to workout to relieve stress
and as a study break.
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