Studying for long periods requires concentration, but also breaks. Taking a short break while studying can help reduce prolonged sitting, switch activities for a few minutes, and return to your work with renewed focus.

That’s why the Library offers a space dedicated to active breaks: a selection of simple activities you can do during a study break, either on your own or with others.

An active break is a short interruption of sedentary activities, dedicated to movement, social interaction, or simply doing something different from what you have been focusing on.

You don’t need much time: even a few minutes can be an opportunity to get up from your chair, move around, give your mind a rest, or spend some time with other people.

In the dedicated area of the Library, you’ll find a poster with different suggestions: choose the activity that best suits the time you have available and what you need at that moment.

Only have a few minutes? Choose one of the activities suggested on the poster, for example:

• take a short walk: get up and walk around for a few minutes, preferably outdoors (but remember not to leave your belongings unattended!);
• do some stretching: release tension and change position;
• listen to some music: listening to your favourite songs can help you take your mind off studying;
• take a smartphone-free break: spend a few minutes away from screens;
• have something to eat or drink: enjoy your snack outside the Library spaces.

Among the activities available, you’ll also find the Library’s shared puzzle.

The puzzle is open to everyone: during your break, stop by and see if you can add a few pieces. There’s no need to finish it, and there’s no minimum number of pieces to find: you can spend just two minutes on it or stay a little longer.

Piece by piece, the puzzle takes shape thanks to everyone who stops by the Library.

If you’d like to take a slightly longer break, you can also borrow some board games from the Library and use them in the Library spaces.

You can play with friends and fellow students or invite someone to share your break.

How to borrow them: Ask at the Library Front Desk.

Where you can play: Inside the Library spaces.

Loan period and conditions: Games can be borrowed for one day. All board games must be used with consideration for other people using the Library to study and concentrate. Library staff reserve the right to end the loan if the games or materials are not being used appropriately.

Not every break has to be the same. Sometimes a few minutes of movement are enough; at other times, you might enjoy spending a little longer working on a puzzle, playing a game, or chatting with someone.

When you’re studying at the Library, remember to switch activities from time to time: choose your break, then get back to studying refreshed.