The Power of Breaks: Balancing Study and Rest for Optimal Student Success

By – Deva Narayan

5th August 2024: Many students in today’s educational system are just too overloaded with the incredibly large amount of tasks and projects that they need to complete in that kind of situation. So, can breaks have some bad sides? There are certainly! Some studies show that if you take too many breaks or if those breaks last too long then you will easily lose your focus afterward, so it will be harder for you to get back in the studying “zone”.

Breaks are not a sign of weakness; they are essential for sustained cognitive function, mental health, and well-being. Neuroscientific research tells us that our brain is not designed to work at high-performance levels, day in, and day out without rest. The brain functions optimally when it works for approximately 90 minutes and takes a 20-minute break — this is known as an ultradian rhythm. This rhythm allows the brain to think over what it has just learned; reflect on experiences: successes and failures; recharge; and prepare for the next learning burst.

Mental Health and Well-being

Too much of anything is bad. The same goes for studies. Excessive studying leads to mental health problems like stress, anxiety, and depression. The pressure to perform well in an exam and the fear of failure are some examples that create such negative emotions leading to a toxic environment causing burnout kind of situation. Burnout is characterized by chronic fatigue, decreased motivation, feelings of self-doubt or incompetence about work or achievements, and increased negative feelings of vulnerability, etc., if we don’t take breaks regularly then it puts us at high risk for these symptoms which can prove dangerous both for our mental health as well as academics in long run.

Breaks offer an opportunity for students to relax, exercise, or do the activities they enjoy. Be it a short walk, a chat with a friend or family member, or engaging in your hobby – these activities help to cut off from the world of studies. And when it comes to mental well-being, you know that academic performance has much to do with how happy and relaxed your mind is.

Physical Health Concerns

Physical health is perhaps given little attention in an academic setting but is closely linked to cognitive functioning and learning capabilities. Prolonged sitting and poor posture during study can lead to issues like backache, headache, or eye strain. Regular breaks including physical activity like stretching, walking, or a quick exercise can help improve physical health by increasing circulation, reducing muscle tension, etc.

Ironically enough, the adage of all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy is as true as ever. Studying too hard for too long can be pretty counterproductive (not to mention unhealthy). We’ve all heard of (if not quite experienced) how the law of diminishing returns works concerning physical labor; well, it works just as effectively on cognitive effort! After you hit a certain point in your study session, focusing on additional time only results in diminishing quality (a.k.a. memory retention). You’ll quickly find yourself zoning out or getting needlessly distracted if you try working straight through it without allowing yourself a short breather now and again — which only compounds the error effects.

Creativity and Problem-Solving

Breaks are important for thinking creatively and finding solutions to problems. When students take a break, their minds continue to work on solving ideas but in a more relaxed manner known as incubation. Often, when your child is not actively focusing on something, they will suddenly have an insight or solution seemingly out of nowhere. Daydreaming, doodling, taking care of other responsibilities, and even doing unrelated homework can provide new insights into academic problems.

While dedication to academics is commendable, the importance of breaks cannot be overstated. Regular breaks are essential for maintaining mental and physical health, enhancing productivity, and fostering creativity. Recognizing the downside of excessive studying and incorporating structured breaks into study routines can lead to more effective learning and a healthier, more balanced academic life.

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