Did you know that taking breaks can help you reduce stress, sustain motivation, and can even increase your productivity? That’s one of the reasons we're providing you with opportunities to take breaks during exam time.
"It is important to step away from the screen to give your brain and body a break, especially during exams when our routines change without a structured class schedule," said Jason Dodd, acting manager, Writing and Learning Services. "We recommend studying for relatively short periods of time and taking regular breaks, which allows you to limit distractions while studying (put your phone away for 25 minutes!) and improve focus."
The type of break you take matters
"Don't just spend your break on your phone, either. Get out of your chair and go for a short walk, stretch, eat and drink, or talk to a friend," said Dodd. "All of these things will refresh your physical and mental energy to allow you to learn more when you get back to studying." Learn more about the benefits of breaks and rewards.
Take a break with these ongoing activities at the library throughout exams
Exam Study Break Activity Table
Stop by the first floor of the library anytime you want to take a break during the exam period. At the Exam Study Break Activity Table, you’ll find:
- Colouring and activity sheets (like wordsearches and sudoku puzzles)
- Colouring utensils
- Giveaway items
When?
- Monday, Dec. 1 to Friday, Dec. 12
Where?
- Library, first floor
The Worry Box
Everyone experiences worry, for a variety of reasons, exam time may bring up some of these feelings. The Worry Box is an opportunity for you to write down a worry and then drop it in the box to let it go.
When?
- Monday, Dec. 1 to Friday, Dec. 12
Where?
- Library, first floor (on the Activity Table)
The Postcard Project
If you’re studying in the library, you may find a postcard with a message of encouragement and coupon for a treat. We hope you find one and that it brightens your day.
When?
- Monday, Dec. 1 to Friday, Dec. 12
Where?
- Various, throughout the library
Attend these events at the library during exams
Coffee, Tea, and Healthy Snacks
Enjoy a warm beverage and a snack as you start your studying for the day. Drinks and snacks will be available to self-serve until supplies run out.
When?
- Monday, Dec. 1, at 9 a.m.
Where?
- Library, first floor
Stretch Breaks with Gryphon Fitness
Join Gryphon Fitness for a guided 10-minute movement break to relieve stress in your body and mind through your busy study/workday.
Movement helps to:
- Relieve stress
- Promote relaxation and mindfulness
- Increase blood flow to the brain, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety
- Improve focus
When?
- Dec. 2, at 10:30 a.m.
- Dec. 3, at 2:30 p.m.
- Dec. 4, at 11 a.m.
Where?
Frosty’s Hot Chocolate Bar – with the CSA
Join members of the Central Students Association (CSA) for a hot chocolate bar on two days this exam period.
When?
- Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 12 to 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 12 to 2 p.m.
Where?
- Library, first floor
Library resources to help you get the most out of your study time
Here are a few helpful studying focused library guides to get started with:
- Control Procrastination Guide
- Master Time Management Guide
- Succeed at Exams Guide
- Study Effectively Guide
Find more studying resources in the Digital Learning Commons or by browsing Library Topic Guides.
Find campus wide study break activities
Explore Gryph Life to find all Exam Study Break activities happening on campus this semester.
Questions?
Contact us. We’re happy to help.
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
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