Take a break!
September 25, 2012
Whether you're studying for a test or writing a paper for school, experts say it's important to schedule breaks for yourself in order to mentally recharge.
According to SitBetter.com, there are several reasons why giving yourself a time out from school work is important. Breaks can improve your circulation, avoid physical exhaustion and mental burnout, boost your productivity and reduce stress.
Geil Browning told PayScale.com that a 10-minute break every 90 minutes is ideal. Options include walking, reading a book in another room or taking some time to eat something, which provides both nutritional and cognitive recharging. You may also choose to meditate, play with a pet, exercise or do anything else that relaxes you.
Some experts even recommend taking short "power naps" in order to keep the mind sharp. Studies have shown that these short rest periods can boost your memory and your capability to learn.
Browning also says that standing and moving while studying or working can also be helpful in reducing stress and avoiding mental burnout. Try breaking up a marathon study session by alternating periods of sitting down with standing up every half hour or so.
Working with your natural energy cycle is also important. If you're a morning person, try getting up earlier than usual to carve out some work time for yourself. Night owls, on the other hand, may work best if they stay up late to work.
Taking online classes is one way to ensure you work when it's best for you. These classes allow busy moms and other students to do their school work when it's convenient for them.
A 2011 study conducted by the Sloan Consortium found that nearly one-third of all students in higher education are taking at least one online course.
Online learning is especially popular among non-traditional college students, such as mothers who are pursuing a degree. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that 29 percent of students with one or more children and 32 percent of married students take at least one distance education class, in contrast to 18 percent of students who neither have children nor are married. In addition, the NCES reports that while 23 percent of all undergraduates are age 30 or older, 53 percent of undergraduates in a distance education degree program are in this age group.
In addition to being more flexible than a traditional college or university, online learning is often less expensive. However, online students are still eligible for grants, scholarships for parents and financial aid for mothers.
Whether you choose an online program or a traditional college or university, remember that taking too many breaks can lead to procrastination.
