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productive break taking: a guide to getting the most out of your study breaks

1. what is a productive break? “productive breaks” is a common term in the online study community, but it is commonly misused. a productive break isn’t a break that you do productive things during (i.e. cleaning, etc); a productive break is a break that produces real rest.

2. in my opinion, a better term for these breaks is intentional breaks. this is because a productive break has to be intentional in order to successfully produce rest. intentionally choosing your break makes sure that you can enjoy your break and get the most out of it. being intentional about breaks means choosing the: time, activity, and place.

3. Time: the first step in creating an intentional, productive break is choosing when your break will be. Before: taking a break before starting charges your batteries. During: taking breaks during work, like the pomodoro method, helps maintain energy. After: taking a break after work creates a reward.

4. Time: it’s also important to choose how long your break will be. whether you set a timer, alarm, or simply watch the clock, choosing a set amount of time for your break can ensure that it remains intentional. also, if yu don’t have a set time for your break, you may find yourself starting to feel guilty, or “unproductive.” this is the antithesis of a productive, or intentional break. an intentional break is productive simply by being a break; there’s no wrong way to take a break. this also means that your break can be as long or as short as you want!

5. Activity: an intentional break also requires intentional activity. However, “activity” is another word that’s sometimes used to promote productivity culture. activity doesn’t mean being active; it just means being specific about what you are doing. just like time, there’s no wrong activity to do while taking a break. scrolling through social media, staring out a window, or taking a nap are all productive break activities in that they can help you rest and relax. the key is intentionally choosing to do what you are doing on your break.

6. Place: the last step in intentional break taking is choosing where you take your break. just like the other two steps, there’s no wrong place to take a break! At the desk: taking breaks where you work can get you back in focus quickly. Outside: going outside is proven to help you reset and improve mental health. New space: moving to a different chair or room can make a break feel more comprehensive.

7. a productive break isn’t a break when you get stuff done; it’s when you get rest done.