To learn, you have to study. To enjoy life, you have to take breaks.
Studying is an intricate part of our lives, especially nowadays that we can acquire knowledge by interacting with new information in so many different ways. From boardrooms to classrooms, from laptops to smart phones, we can have a day full of “study parties”. By the way, you’ll probably not find those two words, study and party, put together side-by-side in a phrase very often. Ha. Maybe this post can change that. That’s a big maybe but it’s worth a shot. If nothing else, I hope this post gives you some creative thoughts to take with you into your next study break.
Partying is also a part of our lives. As the saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. The idea is that we ought to strike a balance between spending time working and spending time relaxing. From that standpoint, there is a sense that taking a break allows this balance to take shape; in essence, with a break, we allow ourselves to make a transition – from work to play or from play to work. So a break in studying and a break in partying can have a lot in common.
It is true that the activities of studying are quite different from the activities of partying. For example, consider how much fun it is to be snacking on your favorite treats at a party while cracking jokes with friends. That’s delicious on so many levels. What is not as delicious is having to test your knowledge during a study session; in fact, the taste of ink from biting your fingernails while lost in thought can be really bitter. Moreover, a light bulb moment from studying in the library just can’t compete with the moment when you hear your favorite song and decide to head to the dance floor.
But a study break need not involve study activities. A study break can be enjoyed for what it is — a transition — even if you plan to resume your study immediately after the break. A transition makes it possible for us to regain our balance and turn dull activities into fun activities. So here are some tips to turn your next study break into a study party.
5. Snack deliciously. Make it a healthy snack, but one that is worth savoring.
4. If you’re at home, hand-wash the dishes. This is a healthy way to act like you’re cleaning up after a party. It can also give you a chance to gather your thoughts while being productive.
3. Take a hot or cold shower. Act like you’re getting ready to go to a party.
2. Make up and type up a joke, perhaps in 140 characters or less. This is a fun activity to do if you’re in the library or office break-room and have access to your smart phone. You can imagine that you’re at a party delivering the joke.
1. Take a walk or do a light workout. See if you can sneak in a few dance moves as you do the workout.
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