Taking the occasional timeout when studying is necessary if you want to keep your brain fresh, and by time out, we mean doing literally nothing. New research suggests that we should aim for “minimal interference” during study breaks. It can boost both our short and long-term memory and improves the brain’s capacity to learn. So instead of running errands or surfing the web during a break, try dimming the lights and enjoying 10-15 minutes of quiet contemplation. Your brain will thank you when you get back to studying.