Why Breaking Up Study Time Improves Productivity

Homeschooling has its challenges, and maintaining productivity is one of them. It can be hard to keep your child focused on schoolwork while at home with the constant distractions. Believe it or not, taking study breaks is very effective in increasing productivity, and your child will learn better by changing gears throughout the day. Taking regular breaks can lead to a significant increase in both academic performance and mental and physical health.

When you notice your child starts to drift off or daydream, this could be a good time for a break. Taking a moment to recharge will increase concentration to get ready for the next task ahead. We, humans, aren’t wired to work for 8 hours straight, as our productivity decreases, we’re accompanied by a lack of focus and decision fatigue. However, good breaks can counter these negative effects, as they can reduce mental fatigue, boost brain function, and help maintain focus.

Study breaks have many benefits, including sparking creative ideas and new solutions, staying in focus for a longer period of time, retaining information, and helping refocus on big-picture goals. Brain breaks are advantageous if your child is getting frustrated easily, losing concentration and getting overwhelmed. Breaks also help children learn how to self-regulate when they’re getting fed up or losing track of what they’re doing. As a bonus, breaks are a good way of rewarding your child after a successful homeschooling goal. This gives them time to de-stress and relax after completing a task.

In the long run, brain breaks teach your child the ability to return to a task and accomplish it, building self-confidence and self-esteem. It shows your child the ways to stay motivated, even when learning from home. Therefore, encouraging your child to take regularly scheduled breaks benefits him/her both physically and mentally both in the short-term and the long-term. Taking breaks also gives you time to take a deep breath and regain your focus as a homeschool teacher, because your productivity will result in your child’s productivity! Breaks are a good thing, and you and your child’s brains will be grateful!