For when blue light burnout is real

Whether your summatives look like essays or exams, exam season means spending countless hours in front of a laptop screen. It's easy to get carried away during revisions and dissertation writing. Before you know it, it's dark outside and you haven't spent a second away from your laptop since you woke up.

If you're anything like me, you'll turn to Netflix to wind down before bed, only to find that your eyes are strained and tired. This article describes six alternative, screen-free study break ideas for when you need a break from blue light. 

🧶 Get crafty

One of my favorite ways to take a study break is working on a craft. You don't need to be artistic to get crafty! In my opinion, the most relaxing craft is diamond painting (google it!). You can order cheap diamond painting kits on Amazon. Other ideas are watercolor painting and crochet. If you're needing extra motivation this exam season, consider creating a vision board of what your summer will look like after your exams are complete! 

🧩 Work on a puzzle or a board game with friends

You may think puzzles and board games are boring or old fashioned, but they're great screen-free activities. I love putting on my favorite playlist and working on a puzzle for an hour or so. It really quiets my mind and helps me relax. 

Another similar way to relax is playing a board game with your friends or flatmates. Check out what board games you can find in your hall's common room! 

🌳 Take a walk without maps

Sometimes an outdoor study break is needed. Next time you need to unplug, challenge yourself to walk to specific shops and sights around your hall without using your phone as a map. Alternatively, take a color walk, looking out for specific colors in the natural environment. 

🍽️ Cook a meal with friends

When I've spent an entire day studying solo in my room, I like to invite friends over for dinner. A makeshift dinner party doesn't need to be anything fancy. Grab some pasta and sauce at Tesco and have a pasta party. If you're looking to do something more exciting, find a fun recipe online and try to execute it together (but try not to look at your phone too much!). A phone-free dinner is a great way to recharge during exam season. Check out my fave recipe to cook here:  

🏛️ Explore a museum

Is there a museum near your favorite study spot? London is full of free museums to explore. A trip to the museum doesn't have to take up an entire day. Instead, plan to visit a museum around lunch time for an hour or so. Walk around, explore, and avoid the urge to take your phone out. 

🌮 Try a new food market

This exam season, treat yourself by trying out a food market near your hall. Living in Butler's Wharf, I enjoy visiting Tower Bridge Collective and Borough Market. Step away from your laptop for an hour or so and take your time picking out a snack or treat you'll enjoy. My personal favorite treat is the (overpriced) chocolate covered strawberries from Borough Market. 

📚 Studying is most effective when you allow yourself to breathe and take breaks. Don't be afraid to step away from your laptop and practice self-care this exam season!