HOW OFTEN SHOULD STUDENTS STUDY? Students should study every day and not just before an examination (commonly referred to as "cramming").

HOW LONG SHOULD STUDY SESSIONS BE? The duration of each study session will vary depending on the subject, the student and other factors, however, leading educational institutions recommend studying in one-hour blocks (50 minutes of study with a ten minute break).

HOW OFTEN SHOULD STUDENTS TAKE STUDY BREAKS? At least once every hour.

WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS DO DURING STUDY BREAKS? Students should rest their minds and bodies to have a productive study break. Common study break activities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Take a power nap (For tips on good sleep hygiene for students, visit "Study Skills: Sleep Habits (General Tips)".)

• Take a walk away from the study area/school

• Stretch

• Organize/tidy up the study/work space

• Take a shower

• Cook a simple, healthy meal (For tips on good nutrition for students, visit "Study Skills: Nutrition (General Tips)".)

• Meditate, breathing exercises

• Connect with a loved one about non-school related topics

• Do a creative activity (e.g., coloring, drawing, etc.)

Students should not do the following during a study break:

• Snack on unhealthy food or eat a big meal

• Watch television or surf the Internet (For tips on limiting screen time, visit "Study Skills: Managing Screen Time (General Tips)."

• Drink excessive caffeine

• Exercise vigorously

• Study a different subject

Doing "low-thought" activities during study breaks will reduce decision fatigue, the deteriorating quality of decisions made by an individual after a long session of decision making (e.g., during a study/work session, etc.).

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF SITTING TOO MUCH (E.G., DURING AN EXTENDED STUDY SESSION)? According to the Mayo Clinic, extended sitting is linked to a number of health concerns including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. Being seated for a long time can cause postural problems such as Anterior Pelvic Tilt (APT). APT is caused by tight hip flexors (muscles of the front thigh that are shortened for prolonged periods of time when seated and can lead to lower back, hip and knee pain and other physical issues.

WHAT IS A CORRECT SITTING POSTURE FOR VIEWING A COMPUTER? The American Optometric Association provides guidance on proper body positioning for computer use, which includes guidance on desk and chair height, hand and feet positions, back and neck posture, viewing level and more here.

WHAT ARE SOME EFFECTIVE STRETCHING TECHNIQUES? To address Anterior Pelvic Tilt, Healthline suggests the following stretches and exercises:

• Half-kneeling hip flexor stretch

• Bridge to strengthen hamstrings and gluteus muscles

• Kneeling leg lift with back stretch

• Air squats

• Pelvic tilt

To get the full benefit of any stretching routine, WebMd, recommends the following:

• Hold the stretch (e.g., 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, etc.)

• Do not bounce during the stretch (bouncing can cause muscle tears)

• Stretch regularly (e.g., morning routine, repeatedly through extended study/work sessions, etc.)

Examples of general stretching routines and how to complete them properly are available below:

• VERYWELLFIT: 8 Relaxing Total Body Stretches

• SELF: The 21 Best Stretching Exercises for Better Flexibility

• HEART: Stretches for Exercise and Flexibility

There are many free stretching routines available on YouTube.

HOW CAN COLLEGE STUDENTS MAINTAIN A HEALTHY STUDY ROUTINE? Students can do the following:

• Set reminders to take regular study breaks

• Utilize study breaks to refresh the body and the mind, including light exercise and stretching

• Change positions at least every 30 minutes during an extended study session (e.g., alternate between standing and sitting, etc.)

• Use a standing desk station (or stand) for 15 to 30 minutes per hour

When sitting at a desk for classes/lectures, students can perform stretches and exercises at their desk (e.g., wrist and neck stretches, leg raises, etc.).