The Science Behind Why You Should Take Breaks During Studying

The Science Behind Why You Should Take Breaks During Studying

When it comes to studying, most of us are taught to put our noses to the grindstone and just keep going. After all, the more time we spend studying, the better we'll do on our exams, right? Not necessarily. In fact, the science behind learning and productivity suggests that regular breaks are essential for effective studying.

Why Breaks Are Necessary

In the 1960s, a psychologist named Ulric Neisser coined the term " UFU" or "Unit of Work" to describe the smallest unit of mental activity that can be performed without rest. Research has shown that the average UFU is around 45-60 minutes, after which our brains begin to experience a natural decline in productivity.

This is because our brains have a limited capacity for focus and attention, known as "attentional resources." When we're engaging in mental tasks, such as studying, we're constantly using up these resources. If we don't give our brains a chance to rest and recharge, we can become fatigued, leading to decreased motivation, impaired memory, and poor comprehension.

The Benefits of Breaks

So, what happens when we take regular breaks during studying? Here are just a few of the benefits:

• Improved retention: When we take breaks, we're giving our brains a chance to consolidate information into long-term memory. This means that we're more likely to remember what we've learned.
• Enhanced creativity: Breaks can help us clear our minds and approach problems from a fresh perspective. This can be especially helpful when we're working on complex or creative tasks.
• Increased motivation: Taking breaks can help us stay motivated and engaged in our studies. When we're feeling tired or burnt out, a break can give us the boost we need to keep going.
• Better time management: Regular breaks can help us manage our time more effectively. By taking breaks, we're giving ourselves a chance to prioritize our tasks and make the most of our study time.

How to Take Effective Breaks

So, how can we make the most of our breaks? Here are a few tips:

• Take regular breaks: Aim to take breaks every 45-60 minutes. This will help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
• Do something enjoyable: Use your breaks to do something you enjoy, whether it's reading a book, taking a walk, or chatting with a friend.
• Avoid screens: Try to avoid screens during your breaks, as they can be distracting and interfere with your ability to relax.
• Stay hydrated and energized: Make sure to drink plenty of water and eat nutritious snacks during your breaks. This will help you stay focused and alert.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking breaks during studying is essential for effective learning and productivity. By giving our brains a chance to rest and recharge, we can improve retention, enhance creativity, increase motivation, and manage our time more effectively. So, next time you're studying, remember to take a break and give your brain the rest it needs.If you're looking for a powerful, student-friendly note-taking app, look no further than Oneboard. Designed to enhance your learning experience, Oneboard offers seamless handwriting and typing capabilities, intuitive organization features, and advanced tools to boost productivity. Whether you're annotating PDFs, organizing class notes, or brainstorming ideas, Oneboard simplifies it all with its user-focused design. Experience the best of digital note-taking and make your study sessions more effective with Oneboard. Download Oneboard on the App Store.