Need a Study Break? Try These 3 Quick Workouts
By: Kristin Knight
With exams fast approaching, I know I’m dreading the long hours hunched over my laptop and textbooks. A quick workout can be a great way to get energized, raise your heart rate, and refocus. If you don’t have time to actually hit the gym, try these active study breaks that you can do from your dorm or favorite study spot.
Sticky Note Challenge
On sticky note, write down five workouts that target different parts of the body. For example: jumping jacks (cardio), push-ups (upper body), squats (lower body), crunches (core), and child’s pose (stretch). Set a timer to go off every hour; when the timer goes off, do each exercise for a minute. This five minute study break will warm up your body and help you refocus on your work.
Take the Stairs
If you’re studying in Farrell or the ZSR, walking throughout the building is a great 10 minute study break. Catch up with a friend or just enjoy the mental break while activating your legs. If you end up near Einstein’s or Starbucks, go ahead and treat yourself to a study snack or caffeine fix.
Stretch It Out
Even just standing up, twisting from side to side, and reaching for the sky can help energize your body. If you want a longer break, try doing a few Sun Salutations. Start by standing with your feet together. Reach your arms up looking towards them. Exhale and bend at the hip reaching your hands toward the floor. Inhale and bring our hands up to your shins so your back is parallel to the floor. Soften your knees and place your hands on the floor. Then, step your feet back to a plank position. Exhale as you lower your body to the floor. Inhale as you lift your chest to upward facing dog before pushing back to downward dog. Hold this pose for a few breaths before stepping your feet up to your hands. Inhale as you come up and reach your hands towards the sky. Watch this video if you need help visualizing this routine.
Good luck studying, Deacs! Hopefully these quick workouts will help you stay focused and energized through the end of the semester.
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