Exact results can vary from person to person, with some people doing best if they break every 50 minutes and others being able to go for about 90 minutes before crashing. Experiment with amounts of time within this range to find what works best for you. The length of your break may also vary slightly from person to person, but 15 minutes is usually a good place to start. Avoid breaks that are less than 10 minutes long or longer than 25 minutes, and factor in the amount of time between breaks when determining how much time to take. For instance, a 25-minute break might be appropriate if you spend 90 minutes in between each one, but it would be more appropriate to take a 10-minute break if you only study for 50 minutes straight.
For instance, if you’re reading through a chapter of a textbook, stop once you reach the bottom of the page you’re on or the end of a sub-chapter (for more complex material), instead of waiting until you reach the end of the chapter or unit. Postponing the break may mean working past your brain’s ability to concentrate, or worse, inadvertently skipping it altogether.
On a similar note, it may even be beneficial to set an alarm on your phone to remind you when to start your break, as well. Setting alarms should make it easier to concentrate, whether you’re concentrating on your learning material or your break time activity.
For instance, if you were studying chemistry before your break, you might switch to language arts after your break.
If you do exercise or play a sport, make sure you don’t feel too sweaty, tired, or uncomfortable afterward. It’s best to stick with a moderate energy activity instead of a vigorous one. For instance, you could shoot a few baskets, but it might not be a good idea to play an actual game of basketball. If the weather isn’t good or if you don’t want to exercise outside for another reason, consider including some indoor physical activity. Even marching or jogging in place for a few minutes should give you a quick energy boost.
At the same time, keep in mind that this should be a break. If cleaning your study area seems like a long or demanding process–something to dread–it might be best to skip this activity during your break time and save it for after you finish this study session or before you start tomorrow’s session.
Just make sure you’re able to stop talking once your time is up. Choose someone who will be understanding and willing to end the conversation early–a parent, for instance, or another friend who can coordinate their study schedule with yours. Briefly explain that you’re on a time limit, set your timer as usual, and avoid heavy conversations that are likely to extend past your break time.
Consider snacking on a handful of nut or seeds for some energizing vitamin E, or biting into a bar of dark chocolate (which also contains antioxidants and a small dose of caffeine). Since these foods tend to be high in calories and fat, however, you should stick to only an ounce a day. [2] X Research source Other options might include whole grain popcorn, crackers, or chips, avocados, and blueberries.
After setting your timer, sit somewhere quiet and comfortable, with your eyes closed or fixed on a blank space (like an undecorated wall). Take deep breaths–inhaling over five seconds, holding for five seconds, and exhaling for five seconds–and focus on the way it feels to have your lungs fill with and release the air. There are other forms of meditation you can also dabble with. For example, you might try mantra meditation, in which you’ll repeat a short, calming word or sound–like “om”–to help clear your mind and release tension.
Like any other break activity, you should make sure that you choose reading material you can break away from easily when your timer goes off. This is not the time to pick up that captivating, page-turning novel you’ve been dying to read. Instead, consider something like an anthology of short stories or a magazine.
If you’re the dancing type, consider dancing around or singing as you listen to your music, too. Doing so could also provide some physical activity, which gets your blood flowing in a way that energizes the mind.
Depending on how long your normal “beauty routine” is, you might want to save this for a break time happening later in the night, when you can skip the routine without worrying about leaving the house and being seen with your hair still unstyled and your clothes looking wrinkled.
Use your best judgment for what is ok to do on a break and ask your teacher if you’re not sure about something. If your teacher doesn’t seem to understand, try to explain that you learn better if you are able to take some study breaks.
Limit caffeine intake, too. Caffeine offers temporary effects as a stimulant, and can cause you to feel more tired after its effects wear off. Limit yourself to just one or two cups of coffee or tea, and rely on healthy food, exercise, and quick power naps for a burst of energy. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
For prolonged study sessions requiring more than one break (e. g. , a four-hour study session in which you’ll take three breaks), limit the napping to one break only and try to balance it out by exercising for a few minutes during one of your other breaks.
Staring at the artificially lit screen can wear out your eyes, making them feel tired and tiring out your brain as an eventual result. If you need to socialize during your break, skip the texting and opt for a phone call, instead.
