Studies have shown that taking breaks from studying can help students retain information better and improve their overall performance. While breaks are important, it’s equally important for students to use their breaks effectively in order to maximize their benefits. This is where teachers can come in. 

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By providing guidance and encouragement, teachers can help students make the most of their study breaks and return to their studies refreshed and ready to learn. 

In this article, we will provide teachers with five tips on how they can help their students have productive study breaks. So, let’s move on 😉

Tip 1: Encourage students to take breaks regularly

Taking regular breaks is important because it allows students to rest and recharge, which can help them stay focused and motivated when they return to their studies. Regular breaks can also help prevent burnout, which is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that can negatively impact a student’s performance and well-being.

There are some study break ideas for college students that teachers can use:

  • One way is to set a timer or use a scheduling app to remind students to take breaks at regular intervals. For example, the Pomodoro Technique recommends taking a break every 25 minutes of focused work.
  • Another way is to create a schedule for the week or month that includes dedicated time for breaks. This can help students plan their time more effectively and make sure they are taking breaks regularly. 
  • Also, another way to learn how to plan is to learn how to write an essay. Writing an extended essay requires students to plan and organize their time, research, and ideas in a clear and logical manner. This can help students develop valuable planning skills that can be applied in other academic and professional contexts. There is an extended essay help online that will always help students develop their skills when they are stuck in a rut.
  • Teachers can also model good break-taking behaviour by taking breaks themselves. This can help students see the value in taking breaks and give them permission to do so as well

Tip 2: Encourage students to engage in activities that promote relaxation and mental rejuvenation

Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and mental rejuvenation during breaks can help students de-stress and recharge their batteries. Examples of such activities include meditation, deep breathing, exercise, and spending time in nature. 

Meditation and deep breathing can help students calm their minds and reduce stress. Teachers can recommend guided meditation apps or lead a brief meditation session in the classroom. Exercise is another great way for students to blow off steam and relax. 

Teachers can encourage students to take a walk or do some stretching during their breaks. Spending time in nature has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health and well-being. Teachers can encourage students to go for a hike or spend some time in a park during their breaks. 

In addition to these activities, teachers can also recommend other activities that students may find relaxing, such as colouring, journaling, or listening to music.

Tip 3: Encourage students to try new things during their breaks

Trying new things during study breaks can be a great way for students to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone can lead to increased creativity and improved problem-solving skills, as it forces the brain to think in new and different ways.

There are many activities that students can try during their breaks to challenge themselves and try something new. 

One option is for students to learn a new hobby or skill. This could be something physical, like a new sport or dance style, or something creative, like painting or music. 

Another option is for students to volunteer or get involved in their community. This can be a great way for students to make a positive impact and learn new things about themselves and others.

Teachers can encourage their students to try new things by sharing their own experiences and hobbies, and by providing resources and guidance for students who want to explore new activities.

Tip 4: Encourage students to take breaks away from screens

Excessive screen time can have a number of negative impacts on students, including eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep. Taking breaks away from screens can help students reduce these negative effects and feel more refreshed and energized.

There are several ways that teachers can encourage their students to take breaks away from screens:

  • One option is to encourage outdoor activities during breaks. This could be something as simple as going for a walk or playing a game outside.
  • Another option is to promote the use of analog tools during breaks. For example, teachers can encourage students to use paper and pencil instead of a computer for note-taking or to doodle in a sketchbook instead of scrolling through social media. 
  • Teachers can also model good screen-break habits by taking breaks from screens themselves and setting screen-free times in the classroom.
  • Additionally, teachers can provide resources and guidance for students who want to reduce their screen time, such as apps that track screen usage or tips for reducing screen dependency.

Tip 5: Encourage students to use their breaks to connect with others

Social connection is an important aspect of mental health and well-being, and using study breaks to connect with others can have numerous benefits for students.

Some of the benefits of social connection for students include:

  1. Improved mental health: Studies have shown that social connection can help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, and improve overall well-being.
  2. Increased sense of belonging: Feeling connected to others can help students feel like they are part of a community and have a sense of purpose.
  3. Greater support and motivation: Having a network of friends and supportive individuals can provide students with emotional support and motivation when they need it.

There are many activities that students can do during their breaks to connect with others, such as:

  • Spending time with friends or family
  • Participating in clubs or groups that align with their interests
  • Volunteering or participating in community service projects
  • Joining online communities or forums related to their interests

Teachers can encourage their students to connect with others by creating opportunities for socialization in the classroom and sharing resources and information about clubs, groups, and volunteer opportunities in the community

Conclusion

In summary, taking breaks from studying is an important aspect of student success. By encouraging students to take breaks regularly, engage in activities that promote relaxation and mental rejuvenation, try new things, take breaks away from screens, and connect with others, teachers can help their students make the most of their study breaks and come back to their studies refreshed and ready to learn. Study breaks surely increase productivity.

By incorporating these tips into their classrooms, teachers can help create a positive and supportive learning environment that promotes student well-being and success. Absolutely sure that these tips will be useful for teachers looking to help their students have productive and rejuvenating study breaks.

Thank you for reading! If you have some other study break ideas, please share them in the comments section below. I’ll be more than happy to check them out.