Between study blocks

Between study blocks. This track is for students, for the five minutes between one block of study and the next. The phone stays where it is. Stand up now. If standing is hard, turn the chair away from the desk.

First, the eyes. They have been on a page or a screen for a long time. Close them for a moment, or look at something far away, across the room or out of a window.

Let them rest on something far.

Now the shoulders. They have probably crept up toward the ears. Lift them higher on purpose, hold for a count of two, one, two, and let them drop.

Once more. Up, and drop.

Roll the head slowly, once each way. Let the neck loosen.

Now walk. To the window if there is one, or to the door, or to the kitchen for water. Walk slowly. Feel the legs after sitting so long.

Look out, or look around. Breathe out, long and slow.

Again.

If the mind is still on the last problem, or already on the exam, let it be. You are not studying right now. That is allowed for five minutes.

Drink some water if you have it.

Now, before you go back, name one thing. One next task, said in your head: the next chapter, or the next ten questions, or one page of notes.

Walk back to the desk at the same slow pace. Sit down. Let the shoulders stay low.

Start the one task you named. The rest can wait its turn.