Study Time Moments: Benefits and 5 Strategies for Students' Success
Taking regular study breaks is essential for a successful and productive learning experience. Here's why:
Study breaks offer several key benefits. They help to reset and recharge the brain, preventing mental fatigue and burnout. By taking breaks, students can enhance focus and concentration, improve memory retention and creativity, and boost overall academic performance[1][3][5].
During study breaks, it's important to engage in activities that provide both mental rest and mild physical movement or relaxation.
Physical exercise like short bursts of activity such as jumping jacks, squats, brisk walking, or running can increase heart rate, release endorphins, reduce stress, and invigorate both body and mind[2].
Nature exposure or relaxation helps restore attention and reduces psychological stress[3].
Healthy snacking and hydration refreshes energy levels without causing sluggishness[2].
Social interaction can reduce feelings of loneliness and stress[2].
Mindfulness and meditation support mental recovery and sustained focus[2].
For optimal results, breaks should be short (around 5 to 15 minutes), refreshing, and spaced appropriately (e.g., every 50 to 90 minutes) to maintain motivation and productivity without disrupting study momentum[1][5].
Studying is like a marathon, not a sprint. Study breaks should last long enough to allow the brain to rest but not so long that they interfere with the study session. Easy tasks like opening windows, clearing the desk, or organizing documents are a great opportunity for the brain to rest.
Chronic and excessive stress is detrimental to the body and brain. Breaks are essential for successful and long-term studying. Study breaks should provide a break from thinking. The brain works at different frequencies, and gamma waves are needed for high-intensity tasks like studying, which can only be reached from the alpha level.
Without breaks, it is harder to process and transmit study content into long-term memory. Guidelines for break schedule include taking a break as soon as performance starts to decline, and taking breaks every 90 minutes for about 15 minutes. Brain foods like nuts, fruit, or vegetables are ideal for study breaks.
The brain needs breaks to create necessary neuronal connections for remembering information. Study breaks are crucial for study success. Phones, TV, and other screens should be turned off during study breaks to allow for mental relaxation. Ignoring break signals can put the body under stress, releasing hormones that cause a state of stress.
Music or meditation can help with mental relaxation during study breaks. Concentration fades, sleepiness increases, motivation drops, and more mistakes are made when studying for too long without breaks. Regular ventilation is essential for a great work environment.
In summary, effective study breaks are those that allow both mental and physical rejuvenation, helping students return to study sessions with improved concentration, creativity, and productivity[1][2][3][5]. Saint John of the Cross once said, "One must concede calm relaxation to the inner self, even if one is convinced to lose time by doing nothing." Taking study breaks is not about losing time, but using it more efficiently.
Engaging in hobbies that align with a student's interests, such as reading a book from the 'education-and-self-development' genre, can provide a refreshing break and stimulate cognitive growth.
For a well-rounded lifestyle, students might consider dedicating part of their study breaks to activities related to 'home-and-garden', like nurturing a houseplant or planning a small garden, to foster a sense of accomplishment and relaxation.
