Students Guide: 7 Games You Can Play During Study Breaks

Studying for hours on end can be exhausting and have a negative impact on your concentration. Regular study breaks are essential to remain focused, boost productivity, and keep yourself from burning out. A great way to make the most of these much-needed breaks is by playing games or indulging in recreational activities conducive to learning. 

Here's a guide to some of the most popular games students can play during study breaks. Choose an activity that suits your schedule and let the fun begin!

1. Card Games 

Since many students have a pack of cards in their rooms, they can easily play card games during their study breaks. For example, the classic game of Solitaire is played with a single deck and provides hours of entertainment. Other popular two-player card games that require only one deck are Gin Rummy and War. Additionally, some larger groups might find traditional card games such as Spades or Texas Hold ‘Em more enjoyable. 

Online versions of Spades and other card games like Cribbage are also extremely popular. They offer the convenience of playing anytime and anywhere, often providing customizable settings, varying difficulty levels, and multiplayer options, while differing from physical card games by replacing cards and face-to-face games with virtual interfaces and the potential for a wider global player base.

2. Board Games

As a great way to have fun and promote strategic thinking, board games are a classic choice for taking study breaks. Board games also provide an opportunity for social interaction which can be beneficial for physical and mental health. Some popular board games among students include Monopoly, Chess, Uno, Scrabble, and Connect Four. 

Playing these games with friends can be a great way to have fun, improve problem-solving skills, and stay mentally sharp. With so many different varieties and styles of board games available, there is something for everyone!

3. Word and Puzzle Games 

When it comes to study breaks, word, and puzzle games are great options for students. Whether you want to play a game where you need to come up with an animal that starts with n, or crosswords and cryptograms, there are plenty of fun online apps or classic books with puzzles to keep you entertained. If you’re feeling particularly creative, try making your own word games and play them with friends during a study break. 

If you can’t think of anything else to do during a break, playing word games is an excellent way to keep your brain active and have fun at the same time.

4. Online/Computer Games 

There are plenty of free computer games students can play during their study breaks. Online multiplayer games have an added bonus; you get to interact with your friends and family, even when you’re apart. If playing online isn’t an option, there are still dozens of single-player or split-screen console games that offer hours of fun, from classics like Mario to new releases like Fortnite. You can also play the recently launched PlayStation 5 game Baldur's Gate 3. It is an RPG adventure game with a gripping tale and dynamic characters, particularly when utilizing the best Warlock build, that will put your wit to the test and capture your heart.

Just make sure that you allow yourself enough time to enjoy the game without feeling rushed. Some great online/computer games include: 

• Minecraft

• Portal 2

• League of Legends

• World of Warcraft 

• Candy Crush Saga 

• Fortnite 

• Animal Crossing 

• Call of Duty 

• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

5. Sports and Outdoor Games 

One great way of taking a break while still doing something active and productive is to play some sports or outdoor games. Sports like soccer, volleyball, basketball, and Frisbee are great for getting some energy out in an enjoyable way. 

Outdoor activities such as tag, hide-and-seek, capture the flag, ultimate Frisbee, badminton, and croquet are fun ways of getting some fresh air while having a break. All of these activities can be done safely in small groups, making them great for social distancing during the pandemic. Whatever game you choose to play, it’s sure to give you an enjoyable study break!

6. Set Your Mind Free

A great way to take a break from studying is to do something creative, such as drawing or painting. Grab some paper and pencils, choose a subject matter (anything goes!), and let your mind run wild. Creative activities can help de-stress and give you a much-needed mental break from studying. You can even turn your artwork into cards or decorations to give to friends and family. Whatever you create, it'll be something unique that embodies the moment in which you created it. Making art doesn't have to be a huge commitment - just let your thoughts guide you, and enjoy the process of creating something new!

7.  Charades

A timeless classic, charades is not only a fun game but also great for refreshing your language skills. To play, each person takes turns acting out different words or phrases without talking. Everyone else has to guess the word or phrase being acted out and can give clues as needed. This is a great game for when everyone needs a mental break and a good laugh.

Other Fun Activities to Change Things Up!

Of course, if you’re looking for something a little more creative, there are some other activities that can help break up the monotony of study breaks.

Try your hand at origami: Folding paper into different figures not only helps to develop fine motor skills, but it is also a great way to take a quick break and clear your head.

Take a quick walk: If you’re feeling too stagnant, try taking a break outside for some fresh air and movement. Not only can the exercise help to improve your concentration levels, but it can also be restorative if done in nature.

Do some stretching: Taking a few minutes to do some light stretches or yoga can help to reduce stress and improve your concentration levels.

In the end, taking a study break can be beneficial for your academic success. There are a variety of different games students can play to provide them with a mental break when studying, allowing their brains to relax and their creative juices to flow freely. Whether you like to play on your phone or console, there is something out there for everyone! 

From word games and puzzles to action-packed titles like Call of Duty, there is a game for every type of learner. Taking short study breaks can help you stay engaged and focused on your studies, so don’t be afraid to take a few minutes each day for some gaming pleasure!