How long is the ideal study break? MIT recommends one-hour study sessions, which involve “50 minutes of study with a ten-minute break”. But every student is different and should find a schedule and study technique that works for them. Some of the different studying personalities include:

 

The sprinter

This is a student who takes many little breaks while studying. It might not be a ten-minute break every hour, but rather a five-minute break every half an hour. Studying in short bursts can be effective for some people, as your ideal study break depends on your personal concentration cycles.

The marathon-runner

Approaching your study material as a marathon is one of the most traditional ways of studying. This student takes a few long breaks between extended, focused study sessions. This could involve studying for three to five hours and then taking a two-hour-long lunch or watching an episode or going to gym as a break.

The night owl

Some students study best at night while everyone is sleeping and there are no distractions. They feel more alert and the information sinks in further while they sleep, because it’s the last thing they think about before going to bed. For these students, their ideal study break might be in the morning or afternoon, as their study schedule is determined by the time of day.

The early bird

Other students prefer getting up at the crack of dawn to study with a clear head before the stress of the day begins. These students will take their study break in the evening. Sometimes, you study better at a certain time of the day and your break/breaks will naturally happen outside of that timeframe.

The early bird starts studying before the stress of the day begins 

 

The visual thinker

For visual thinkers, the studying process might involve images, drawing mind maps and using lots of colour. Visual thinkers may paste their colourful notes on different surfaces and walls so that they see the information constantly. If this is the case, seeing the study material around you might consistently stimulate brain activity, so you’re always kind-of studying. This could lead to a completely different kind of schedule.

Drawing up mind maps could be a study session in itself. Visual thinkers may need to leave the house in order to take an ideal break.  

The auditory learner

The auditory learner might need to listen to music while studying. They might require a specific kind of music.

 

The opposite kind of student exists, too. Some people cannot have any noise while studying and prefer to listen to music as a study break.

 

Auditory learners can be creative about their study breaks. You could study according to the length of a playlist or take a break according to the length of a song or compilation. This can also help train your mind to focus by association.

 

There is no one ideal study break for everyone. Your ideal study break depends on how you think and who you are, so find one that works for you. Always remember to eat healthy study snacks while you’re taking your break and allow yourself to relax. Try to exercise, stretch and move around during your breaks to give your mind a proper rest.

 

Also read: Learn How to Take Effective Study Breaks