Students can take mindfulness breaks at the Brock Library while they tirelessly study for exams and write final projects.
The arrival of December means snow and the holiday season, but also exams. For many, this means tedious work sessions that stretch around the clock, caffeine-soaked all-nighters and countless hours spent at the library trying to stay motivated.
While hours spent working are crucial to getting lots of tasks done, the best practice for students’ productivity is taking conscious, mindful breaks when they feel their focus slipping.
These purposeful breaks are intentional pauses from work where students try to disconnect from the stresses of life and school and give their minds a break. These breaks may entail being creative or napping for half an hour, cooking a meal or even going for a short walk; going on social media is not considered a productive break.
Students can find a larger list of ideas here, but the main idea is to be distracted for a short time so that when returning to work, students feel energized, productive and focused.
The Brock Library’s Unstudy Spot, on the main floor in the Learning Commons, can allow students to take purposeful mindfulness breaks. They will provide colouring sheets, crossword puzzles, origami and sudoku, and students can write motivational notes for each other on their public whiteboard. ‘Pop-up’ snacks and button-making will also happen when students “least expect it.” The Unstudy Spot runs from Dec. 7 to Dec. 20, from 10 a.m to 2:30 a.m following the library’s extended hours during exam season.
On Dec. 7, the Library is also hosting Sip & Scent: Mindful Studying with Coffee and Essential Oils. With librarians Justine and Vanja, students can “explore mindfulness and use coffee and aromatherapy to boost focus, ease stress and enhance overall wellbeing.” This event will run from 10:30 a.m to 11:30 a.m in the Learning Commons Classroom B (ST230).
Like being in nature, practicing yoga or meditation can help students forget about their stresses and reconnect with themselves.
On Dec. 11 from 12 p.m to 1 p.m and Dec. 13 from 10:30 a.m to 11:30 p.m., the Brock Library is hosting Library Yoga with Justine Cotton, a librarian and yoga instructor. Students don’t need any yoga experience to practice gentle poses and breathing exercises, but they should RSVP by using the link at the bottom of the article if they wish to attend, as spots are limited.
In addition to these yoga sessions, the Library is hosting Mindful Moments on Dec. 11, Dec. 13 and Dec. 15 from 1 to 1:30 p.m in the Learning Commons Classroom B (ST230). Laurie Morrison, a librarian and long-time meditator, will guide these sessions where students can practice “sitting mindfully” and reconnecting with themselves, the perfect intentional break from lengthy library study sessions.
The Brock Library provides students with many opportunities to take purposeful breaks during their busy, stressful study periods. While it may seem like a waste of precious time, taking these breaks can increase focus, productivity and quality of work.
Students can find more information on and RSVP to Brock Library events at their ExperienceBU page.
