How often should you pause while studying?
Some people easily manage to study for hours at a time, without really needing a break. I'm like that myself. I have a good deal with it for a long time, but what I notice is that after that strong period I'm very weak. Besides, I don't succeed in taking a break and not letting it run out after that. I am tired, have run out of motivation and hide behind the fact that I have been very productive for several hours.
Divide your study time
This is true both in the short and long term. For example, it is better to study and repeat during the year than to try to stamp everything in the day or week before an exam. You will know the material to a further depth and will be able to work with it more easily.Â
In the short term, it's also important to divide your study time. As I mentioned above, you can go on for hours at a time without a break, but that leaves you drained and tired afterwards. To be the most productive, it's better to take enough breaks.Â
When to take a break?
It's best to study between 20 and 50 minutes before taking a break. You have to feel what you can handle. Are you tired? Then choose to study 30 minutes (or at least 20 minutes) before your break. Do you still feel like you can handle the world? Then you can go through up to 50 minutes. After that, you really have to take a break, because your brain needs rest too.Â
It may be wise to study up to your maximum just before a bigger break, such as your afternoon or supper or a workout break. This way, a longer study time is compensated for with a longer break. Just don't add longer breaks to your study schedule yourself. If you want to be able to eat quietly and maybe exercise, it's long breaks anyway. By inserting longer breaks in between yourself, you will shorten the time you are studying. So it feels like 50 minutes is too much? Don't compensate for that with longer breaks, but just choose to take your break earlier.Â
How long should the breaks last?
It is very important that you set a time limit on your breaks for yourself. Without this, before you know it, you left for an hour break or maybe even an entire afternoon. How long these breaks last? Ten minutes is a charity to pursue. If you take longer breaks, you're out of the flow and it's harder to get started again. So set a timer as soon as you start your break and just fly back in after ten minutes.Â
What to do during your break?
Now that you're on a break, you have to find something relaxing to do in the meantime. Ideally, you would spend your breaks on a stretch exercise or some yoga poses. That way you get your blood to flow a bit more and a little energy comes back. Getting a nice snack is also a good idea. Just make sure you choose the best option for your brain. Fast food makes your loom while healthy food gives you a boost of energy.
