How to Take an Effective Study Break?
Study breaks seem counterintuitive at the outset: how can taking a break from studying be the best way to study? However, a lot of scientific literature and anecdotal evidence seems to corroborate this fact: study breaks are essential for consistent studying and retention.
It’s easy for people to fall into one of two extremes when it comes to studying. For the overly productive, study breaks are a source of guilt and anxiety. For the overwhelmed, study breaks aren’t long enough to cope with excessive workload. However, neither of these is efficient. Those who take breaks will, on average, achieve the best results. Here are some dos and don’ts for taking an effective study break.
Taking Breaks
DO Regularly Take Breaks: Periodically taking breaks is the most effective way to take study breaks. A break of about 15 to 20 minutes long is short enough to keep you motivated and long enough to give your mind a rest.
DON’T Take Long Breaks: Long study breaks are a recipe for disaster. You often get distracted by some other task, lose the motivation to study, and before you know it, multiple hours have passed.
Eating in Breaks
DO Eat a Snack and Have Enough Water: Having the right amount and kind of food before studying will give you the energy to focus and consistently study. Additionally, remaining hydrated is generally important for your body’s functioning.
DON’T Study on an Empty Stomach: Studying on an empty stomach is an additional distraction while studying. Your hunger can distract you, making it harder to focus while studying. Besides that, it could lead to taking long breaks.
Timing Your Breaks
DO Create a Study Routine: One of the keys to studying well is consistency. It’s easier to remain consistent with studying when you create a schedule around studying. This routine should include what you’re studying and for how long, as well as when you’ll take breaks and what you’ll do during them.
DON’T Study and Break Randomly: Studying “when you have time” is a hit-or-miss studying method because there’s no guarantee that you’ll study enough. Besides that, it’s also very easy to study too much or less because your study periods don’t have a predetermined time. Essentially, studying without prior knowledge of how long you’ll study for leads to wanting and ineffective study sessions.
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