Balancing Time Pressures

Breaks = Better Performance

The average adult can concentrate for a maximum of 50 minutes per sitting. The younger you are the shorter the period of time you can concentrate. This means that at a minimum you should take a 10 minute break every 50 minutes, but you may like to take more frequent breaks. On this break go outside for a walk or do something physical that gets your blood circulating. Drink water, eat something healthy and take lots of deep breaths.

You can take breaks while you are still studying as well. Every 10 minutes you should look out the window and focus your eyes on something far away in the distance as this will stop your eyes getting too tired. If you are tired, stop studying and get some rest. Being tired reduces your ability to recall and process information. If you have an exam the next day you will generally be better off to have a good night sleep rather than cram until 3 am.

Activity

Plan out some productive time. When you are starting, perhaps do 10 minutes of study and have a 10 minute break. Repeat as many times as you need. Build up to 50 minutes of study with a 10 minute break.

What will you do for the next 30 minutes?