Rethinking Study Breaks for Deeper Focus!

There is a common thought that taking a short break during study is merely a disturbance or wastage of time but research shows that it is very much productive and conducive to study. Every machine needs a pause or rest to refresh itself. The same happens to work for the human brain. Many people believe that studying at a stretch can bring them success. On the contrary many studies have found that pausing for a moment to relax is a reboot like attempt; which is essential for achieving productivity, success, and a positive outlook on the future.

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In 2011, University of' Illinois' psychology professor Alejandro Lleras led a study to determine the effectiveness of prolonged work or study periods without a break. This study is consistent with the idea that the brain is built to detect and respond to change, Lleras said.

He also suggests that prolonged attention to a single task actually hinders performance. "We propose that deactivating and reactivating your goals allows you to stay focused," he said. "From a practical standpoint, our research suggests that, when faced with long tasks (such as studying before a final exam or doing your taxes), it is best to impose brief breaks on yourself. A brief mental break will actually help you stay focused on your task!"

In the college hostel after studying some hours some of my friends and I used to gossip with others or play indoor games or go for a walk. Sometimes we could pass our time singing, dancing, making jokes and so on. At first, it was next to impossible for me to stay in the dormitory but gradually I felt that chaos helps concentrate more deeply on something.

On those days I did not know the benefit of all these activities. When my friends and I proposed to others (who were absorbed in reading all the time) even to go for a walk for ten or fifteen minutes, they used to say that it would be detrimental to their study.

Many years later when I am a teacher, I formally came to know that a short break in study can add some positive value to prepare the lesson very effectively. Actually what I did in college hostels is the right choice of taking a break. This belief is deeply rooted in my mind.

A well physical and mental state helps focus on something. Sitting in the same position can collapse our attention. So, changing the position or meditation for some moments, even some breathing exercises may work to be absorbed in something again.

Kaizen method can also be a way to revitalize or refresh both our body and mind. If learners tide up the room where things are kept at sixes and sevens and then resume their study, they can return with their full energy and enthusiasm.

In the same way, if anyone wants to get back to work, they could choose some other effective break activities like walking to enjoy the fresh air, coloring, drawing, listening to music, talking to friends or other family members, taking some healthy snacks or a cup of tea or coffee. So, it is obvious that the break should not be a longer one. In addition, this engagement for a short gap gives eyes a pleasant break and reduces stress burdened on our brain.

According to research it is true that constant engagement with social media such as facebook, or watching TV for a long time, or being continuously involved in video gaming are really harmful. Online or virtual life cannot be an appropriate choice of taking a break. Moreover it cannot enhance bonding with others. To ensure the usefulness of a break it is better not to take a heavy meal during study because it may make us sleep, tired or lethargic.

A teacher can also take a break from the regular syllabus in the class to draw the attention of the multitasking learners back. In this regard sub-text, fun activities, taking the whole class outside etc. can really be beneficial to make the learners more energetic, creative and focused.

In the classroom using the same method at a stretch by the teachers prove to be less effective. A teacher can blend different methods, techniques and be ever innovative in his/her own way to make the class supremely interesting and effective.

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