Use effective study breaks to recharge during bar exam prep

You’ve probably heard that studying for the bar exam is a marathon, not a sprint. To make the most of your study time, it’s crucial to plan regular breaks throughout the day.

While some students try to “power through” studying without pausing, this often leads to diminished focus and effectiveness.

Instead of viewing breaks as a distraction, consider them an essential part of your study strategy.

Breaks can significantly enhance your efficiency and help you understand, recall and retain information. However, not all breaks are created equal.

- Advertisement -

Scrolling through social media or checking emails will likely not offer the restorative benefits that you need. The most effective breaks — what I like to call “power breaks” — are designed to refresh your mind or recharge your body, enabling you to tackle your next study session with renewed energy.

Here are some examples of effective study breaks:

Exercise: Take a walk around the block, go for a quick jog or hit the gym if you have a longer break.

Power naps: A short nap (15–20 minutes) can leave you feeling refreshed. (If you take a longer nap, you may feel groggy!)

- Advertisement -

Call a friend: Catch up with someone while moving around — whether you are doing chores or going on a quick walk around the block.

Do a good deed: Help someone out or perform an act of kindness that requires you to leave your study space.

Prepare and enjoy a healthy snack: Fuel your body with something nutritious to keep your energy levels stable.

On the other hand, ineffective breaks include scrolling through social media, sitting at your desk to check emails, eating junk food or indulging in unhealthy snacks.

- Advertisement -

To maximize the benefits of your breaks, plan them into your day.

Start each morning by outlining your study schedule and deciding when and how you’ll take breaks. For example, you might dedicate an hour to reviewing Torts, take a quick walk and then return to tackling multiple-choice questions.

A good routine might include a short break in the morning, a longer break for lunch and another short break in the afternoon.

You also may want to vary your breaks — perhaps in the morning you’ll go on a short walk, at lunch time you’ll make a healthy lunch and call a friend, and in the afternoon, you’ll take a power nap.

As you get into your routine, you’ll figure out the kind of breaks — and the length of breaks — that are best for you.

Thanks to Our Digital Partners | Learn More Here

Sign up for our email newsletters

Get the insights, news, and advice you need to succeed in your legal education and career.

Close the CTA
National Jurist