Managing Breaks during USMLE Step 1, 2 CK & 3

How many of you noticed that while you thoroughly enjoy a head massage that comes from your barber or your significant other - it never feels as good when you do it yourself !Somethings are better if it came from others, even if you know how to do it - and that is my lame premise for writing about something seemingly as basic as managing breaks during the USMLEs ;-)

Break management is seldom a point of focus or only comes to one's focus during day before the Computer Based USMLE tests (CBTs). As you might already know, the total' minimum' break time alloted for each exam day is 45 Minutes, which implies 45 minutes each day for USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 3 Day 1 and Step 3 Day 2. It is called 'minimum' break time because, you can add to it - This is How:1. You can easlily add 15 minutes more to the break time by skipping the testing software using tutorial (and Primium CCS tutorial for Step 3 Day 2)
2. Finishing a block earlier than the alloted time (60 Minutes per block for Steps 1 & 2 CK while 45 Minutes per block for Step 3) adds the unspent block minutes to the break too.

Managing Break Time:

Remember that it is upto you to maintain track of your break time. If your break time exceeds alloted total of 45 minutes for the day, the time for remaining blocks will automatically be reduced accordingly. It's always a bad idea to not take breaks like people with 'get home fast' attitude. The stiff, tense posture and fixed eye-gaze we maintain during a test block sets in fatigue towards the final blocks, and this fatigue will set in faster if a break does not break that stiffness often !
For me, a mini-break after every single block was more desirable than sitting through several blocks at a time and tiring myself out faster. There are others suggested strategies like sitting through after good block and taking a short break after a bad block, or taking the first break after every two blocks, etc. :-) You are allowed to access your belongings in the locker - including your watch - during the break time and you can use that watch to time your break, besides the wall-mounted watch in the locker area.

Eating / Drinking during USMLE exam breaks:

You gotta focus on adequate Sugar and fluids and carry food items accordingly. Excessively Starchy food can make you sleepy, while proteins are known to help keep mood levels spirited. During each mini-break I took, I consumed a mix of granola bars, chocolate (and a few salty chips if the sweetness got irritating) and sips of Gatorade and water rather than having one big lunch meal which always gets me in a siesta mood..lol. My center did have coffee, but I am not sure I can generalize that to each USMLE exam center in the world. Short, nifty eating kept me peppy, ready and never too full to feel sleepy.
And of course - Conciously remember to void out that Glomerular filtrate at each Break you take ! :-D