Do These 3 Exercises During Study Breaks

Because mental fatigue deserves a stretch too.

Studying is a Sport (Kind of)

Studying is mentally and physically exhausting. You sit for hours, your back starts acting like it’s 75 years old, your eyes blur, and your brain? Fried, like Kota chips. Now imagine this: what if just five minutes of movement could help you feel refreshed, focused, and less like a melted candle?

That is exactly what I started doing during long study weeks: taking short movement breaks that did not require equipment, space, or fancy gym wear (because my “gym wear” is literally pyjama shorts and a hoodie).

Here are my top 3 exercises you can do right now in your room, even in a tight student space.

1. The “Chair Stretch + Twist” Combo

Why it helps:

Studying in one spot messes with your posture and tightens your back and shoulders. This move helps with a gentle spinal twist and posture reset.

How to do it:

• Sit upright in your study chair.
• Place your right hand on the back of the chair and your left hand on your right thigh.
• Gently twist your torso to the right, looking over your shoulder.
• Hold for 20 seconds, then switch sides.

My experience:

I used to ignore how tense I felt while studying until I started getting headaches. This stretch helped me release that tension without even leaving my chair.

2. 5-Minute “Dance It Off” Reset

Why it helps:

When you are stressed, your body stores it as tightness. Dancing gets your blood flowing, your mood lifted, and your brain recharged.

How to do it:

• Play one of your favourite upbeat songs.
• Stand up and move. No rules, no rhythm needed, just shake it out.
• Think of it as emotional cardio.

My experience:

There were days I felt too anxious to focus. I would put on some Amapiano, jump around in my socks, and by the end of the song, I would be smiling, sweaty, but smiling.

3. Wall Push-Ups

Why it helps:

This strengthens your arms and core without the pressure of full-on floor push-ups (which, let us be honest, are not always fun in a cramped student room).

How to do it:

• Stand a few feet from the wall and place your hands flat against it at shoulder height.
• Lower yourself toward the wall, then push back up.
• Aim for 10–15 reps.

Bonus tip: Add deep breaths while you do it to calm your nervous system.

My experience:

I do these when I feel restless and need a productive reset. It is the closest thing to “gym vibes” I can manage during exam weeks.

Tiny Moves, Big Gains

You do not need to overhaul your life to feel better during study season. Just one or two intentional five-minute breaks can:

• Boost your focus
• Reduce stress
• Loosen up those stiff joints
• Help you reset emotionally

The best part?

You do not need fancy shoes, weights, or even a full workout plan. You just need your body, a little space, and a moment to breathe.