The Length Of The Break Can Determine The Success Your Next Session

Learning is an extraordinary and most rewarding thing you can do to a human being. But it can be discouragement and source of stress especial when you don’t study breaks. A well-planned study break can don’t lead to procrastination. The primary purpose of a study break is to rejuvenate one to focus on the task at hand when it’s time to resume your work. Research shows that regular breaks from studying help to improve the concentration, productivity, and creativity of a student. There are different ways to have a break from your studies based on your preferences, and what can work best.

Include breaks in your daily schedule

Always take 15 minutes break for every 50-90 minutes of studying to recharge your wits. Scientific studies show that your brain can only focus up to 90 minutes before it needs refreshment due to ultradian rhythm, a natural cycle of concentration of human experience throughout the activity. Research proves that some people need a break after 50 minutes of studying while others can have a break after 90 minutes of learning. In other words, the length of the pause varies from one person to another but 15 minutes is ideal. Avoid breaks shorter than 10 minutes or longer than 25 minutes.

Stick to the daily break schedule

At first, you'll need to experiment how often your breaks should be then set a break schedule that suits you best. Study only until a natural stopping point, then take pause even when not done with a research topic. For instance, in case you are reading a text, you don’t need to wait until the chapter is over before taking a break. Strictly follow your break schedule and postponing it may lead to working past your ability to concentrate which may result in reduced understanding and body fatigue.

Time your breaks

Timing every breaks prevents you from losing focus so that you can get back to your study table with a refreshed mind. You can set the alarm on your phone once you step outside or use kitchen alarm to take a food break. It will be of more significant advantage to using your phone to remind when to start or end a break.

Shift your after every break

Although it’s not a necessity, you might find it helpful to switch subject after each break to stimulate your mind in different ways. To achieve this, you need to have a timetable that can accommodate various changes in every break. For an instant, if you are studying mathematics, you may consider switching chemistry after 15 minutes of break.

Healthy study break activities

Outdoor exercise

Fresh physical exercise can help clear your mind. A 15 minutes exercise can promote blood flow and make you feel more energetic to continue with your studies. You take a brief walk or engage in your favorite sport. Avoid strenuous activities that consume your energy. It is best to stick to moderate exercise that you don’t feel too sweety or uncomfortable to proceed with your study. For instance, you might take few shots instead of playing the game. In case the weather isn’t favorable, perform indoor activities like jogging or matching.

Clean up your study area

Coffee mugs, loose papers, and trash can be distracting and prevent you from concentrating during the studying. Use your break time to clean up your table and prepare it for the next study. In case cleaning up the table is lengthy, you might save your time by postponing the cleaning to the following day.

What to avoid during study break

There are some things you must avoid during your study breaks. Wrong types of activities on a break can distract you to have the opposite of you need after a break.

Snacking junk food

While on a study break, stay away from junk food. Junk foods like pizza can zap your brain and energy for your next session. High sugar content food and fried foodstuffs are especially unhealthy for a student. Also, limit caffeine intake as it only has temporary stimulation effects which will make you feel tired after its results are over.

Avoid taking lengthy naps
Short power naps are healthy as they help to refresh the brain. Naps longer than 20 minutes can only make you feel more tired and unmotivated. Set a 15 minutes alarm to ensure that you don’t exceed the limit. Balance your nap by exercising a few minutes during the next session’s break.

Avoid socail media
Avoid spending your free time on the mobile device, your computer or watching television. Playing video games and browsing social media can hinder your productivity and make you feel tired. Socializing is during study break is recommended but skip texting and opt a phone call.