There are different schools of thought when it comes to defining what makes a good study session. For some, it might mean focusing on deep work for long periods of time. Others might need regular breaks. And while study breaks are usually meant to give you a chance to reset and refresh, in some cases they can be used to push you to work even harder. This is related to a phenomenon called the Zeigarnik effect, and if you struggle to focus or feel bad about not finishing a study session, here’s how to make it work for you.

This effect is named after the psychologist who discovered it, Bluma Zeigarnik. It refers to the ease of recall you can experience when you think about an activity that was interrupted in some way. Here’s how it works: Once you start a task, your brain creates some tension around it to enhance the cognitive functioning associated with completing it, so you can work on it as best you can. That tension goes away when the task is done, but if you don’t finish it, the tension remains.

You may notice this in a negative way in your daily life. If you have a big task, like studying for a test or cleaning your house, and you don’t finish it, it can linger in the back of your mind until it’s done. When you tap into the Zeigarnik effect, you take control of that nagging feeling and use it to your advantage. What makes this approach special is that it allows you to reframe procrastination and reap its benefits, rather than getting bogged down by it. And if you have multiple subjects to study for, it’s especially helpful.

When you’re studying, you can use the Zeigarnik effect by switching tasks for a moment. The best way to do this is to do something completely different, like studying a completely different subject or working on another responsibility you have. Maybe you’ve been putting off calling your mom or doing the dishes? Cross it off your list halfway through your study session.