Since we’ve been posting recently about the problems associated with over-study, it seems appropriate to revisit an observation I made last year, namely that one of the best things you can do during your EPPP exam study is to take frequent and structured breaks.
When combined with other activities such as short walks, regular rest periods help to oxygenate brain cells and can be a powerful antidote to over-study and cognitive overload.
Here’s what I suggest: at the beginning of the day, strategically select activities that you will do during your study breaks, and proactively decide to do those activities before the mental fatigue sets in. Set a timer if you need to, so that you stop at regular structured times to break.
Here are some great activities for refreshing the brain during breaks.
- exercise;
- listening to music;
- yoga;
- walking;
- taking a nap
- reading fiction;
- sewing;
- cooking a meal;
- gardening;
- taking a bath;
- eating a proper sit-down meal;
- meditating;
You might have other ideas but the key is to find something that you enjoy doing which you can insert into your studying at regularly structured intervals in the middle of your EPPP exam study.
You should also take an activity you particularly enjoy and reward yourself with it after you’ve achieved your goals for that day. That way your brain can associate something that may be challenging (studying for the EPPP exam) with something that is particularly enjoyable.
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