Short answer: A small, fixed amount of fiction reading can help you rest, but it works best when it has a time limit and does not replace sleep or revision.
Why some reading can help
Study blocks are tiring. A short stretch of reading something you enjoy gives your mind a different task, which many students find more restful than scrolling through a phone. The point is rest, not escape.
Reading a book also keeps a habit alive that many students lose in the last months before an exam. Picking it up again after the exam becomes much easier if you never fully stopped.
Set a limit before you start
The risk is a novel that keeps you up until night. Decide your limit first: for example a fixed number of pages or a fixed time before sleep. Stop at the limit even in the middle of a chapter.
Choose lighter books during heavy study weeks. Short story collections and easy-to-read non-fiction fit better than a long novel with many characters, because you can stop at the end of a story without losing the thread.
Picking the right book
Think about what the book will give you. If you need calm, pick something familiar, such as a book you have read before. If you need a break from screens, choose a printed copy over an e-reader or phone.
You do not need to buy a new book for this. A used copy from second hand listings or a book borrowed from a friend works just as well, and you will not feel guilty about the price if you stop halfway.
Signs it is time to stop
If you are reading beyond your limit three days in a row, or if you notice that you cannot focus on study after a reading session, shorten the slot or pause until the exam is over.
Be kind to yourself about it. Pausing is not a failure, and the book will still be there. Many students keep a short list of books to read after the exam, which makes waiting easier.
Make it part of the routine
Attach reading to something you already do, such as the half hour after dinner. A fixed slot is easier to protect than "whenever I have time", and it keeps reading from spreading into study hours.
After the exam, reward yourself with a longer reading session. Many students plan the next book in advance so they have something to look forward to. If you want ideas, see how to pick your first novel after a long break.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop reading novels completely before exams?
Not necessarily. A short, fixed reading slot can help you rest. Stop only if it starts to cut into sleep or revision.
What kind of book is best during exam weeks?
Light and easy to pause, such as short stories or a book you have already read. Avoid long, complex plots that are hard to put down.
Do I need to buy new story books for this?
No. Used copies or borrowed books work well, and you can sell or pass them on after you finish.