As midterms approach, stress across campus is reaching a familiar high. Between late-night study sessions, caffeine runs, and color-coded notes, many students assume success depends on constant studying. Research, however, suggests that the smartest way to prepare might actually be to stop…at least for a few minutes.

According to the American College Health Association, 76 percent of college students reported moderate or high stress levels in the 30 days leading up to their last survey. That kind of sustained pressure can backfire, draining focus and memory retention.

Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign show that short, intentional “micro-breaks,” even just a few minutes away from the task, can help the brain reset and restore concentration. Likewise, research from Stanford University found that participants who took walking breaks produced 60 percent more creative ideas than those who stayed seated. A National Institutes of Health report adds that regular breaks can protect against the physical and mental strain caused by prolonged work.

One effective approach is the 50/10 rule: study for 50 minutes, then take a 10-minute break. Stretch, step outside, or refill your water bottle; anything that gets you moving and away from screens. These small pauses refresh your focus far better than scrolling through social media.

For students seeking a deeper reset, a change of scenery can help, too. Just two hours north in Ottawa, Starved Rock State Park offers a perfect escape before midterms. The park’s sandstone canyons, carved by glacial meltwater, and its scenic overlooks provide a natural way to unwind. Trails like Saint Louis Canyon and Lover’s Leap Overlook let visitors clear their minds, and return to their studies renewed.

Midterms are a marathon, not a sprint. Research shows that pacing yourself and taking breaks doesn’t slow progress, it sustains it. So the next time your focus begins to fade, stand up, stretch, and give your brain the break it deserves.