TAP, the monotonous sound of swift fingers tapping the keyboard ferociously in an attempt to meet an essay deadline. The flipping of pages and occasional hand cramps that occur in the darkest hours of the night while studying for a test can be tiresome. Studies have proved that physical activity boosts brain power and we think it’s a great way to kick yours in to high gear while cramming for an exam. Looking for some efficient ways to take study breaks without feeling entirely too guilty?
1. 10 Minutes of Yoga: Buy a yoga mat and video, and plop yourself in the middle of your dorm, your room, and let out all the unnecessary stress building up from all that studying! This is a peaceful, beneficial way to stay fit and release some nerves.
2. Exercise balls: Take a seat! Replace your desk chair with an exercise ball and multitask. Stretch on this bouncy chair, or use this stability ball to encourage better posture. Sitting on this unstable object also forces you to use your core muscles, which can conveniently tone your midsection while you study economics.
3. Lift weights: Expending the type of energy utilized in strength training, a few minutes with some dumbbells or resistance bands is sure to get out your body’s frustration with being so sedentary.
4. Crunches and planks: Every few chapters you study, promise yourself that you’ll match that number with an equal amount of core training. Nothing’s better than the great grade/ripped abs combo!
5. Dancing: Crank up your favorite tunes on your mp3 player (so you won’t wake anyone up), and burn off some stress (and calories) getting funky. Your friends are at a bar doing that, so just pretend you’re with them.
6. Squats: An awesome stationary exercise. Do these by simply standing up and sitting down at your desk chair. Easy breezy.
7. Jump rope: If you’re about to conk out, reach for your rope instead of a crack-like sugary soda. We love this natural adrenaline rush!
8. Late night bike ride: Cruise around campus with some friends in a safe, well-lit area. The fresh air may do you some good!
9. YouTube it: Check out YouTube for some short, but effective training videos. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish from the comfort of your own room!
10. Multitask: If you’re just reading, plan to do it on a cardio machine like a bike, stepper or elliptical rider. Why not?
11. Climb real stairs: If there are stairs in your apartment or dorm building, it definitely proves beneficial after a long night of studying to plug your ear buds in and spend 15 or 20 minutes decompressing.
