Study Breaks and Physical Activity(The Secret to Better Learning)

Lena sat at her desk, her textbooks piled high around her. It was the night before her big history exam, and she had been studying for hours. She had gone through each chapter, remembered all the important dates, and looked over each note. However, despite all of her exertion, she felt mentally and physically worn out. Her mind was foggy, and the information no longer seemed to make sense. She kept turning her attention to the clock. She was still not ready, and the clock was ticking. Lena pushed back in her chair and rubbed her eyes, letting out a sigh. She considered, her frustration mounting, "Maybe I should just keep going." "If I want to do well, I need to study more." Lena heard a knock on the door to her bedroom as she stared at her notes. Ryan, her older brother, entered the room and appeared concerned. "Hey, Lena. You’ve been studying for hours. How are you doing today?" he asked.

Lena sighed again. "I’m not feeling great. I’ve been going over this stuff for so long, but it’s like my brain is overloaded. I can’t concentrate anymore. I just want to get this exam over with."

Ryan offered a sympathetic grin. "I understand. However, you should be aware that I once encountered the same obstacle as you when I studied for extended periods of time as you did. Then, I realized that studying continuously wasn't the best strategy. Your brain needs breaks, and more importantly, it needs movement."

Lena shook her head. "Movement? What are you implying? Right now, I don't have time to exercise. Tomorrow is the exam!" Ryan stated, "I know it sounds counterintuitive, but trust me." In the long run, taking breaks and getting some exercise can actually help you study better. It’s all about giving your brain a rest, improving focus, and boosting memory."

Lena shook her head. "I’ve never heard of that. I thought the key was just cramming until I know everything."

Ryan sat down next to her and laughed. "Well, let me elaborate. There is evidence to support it. When you study for long periods of time without taking breaks, your brain becomes worn out, and your ability to focus and remember information decreases. But when you take breaks and move around, you give your brain the chance to reset. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which aids in alertness and memory retention. Plus, it’s a great way to relieve stress."

Lena leaned forward, intrigued. "So, you're saying that if I take a break and engage in some kind of physical activity, I'll be able to concentrate better when I come back to studying?" "Exactly," replied Ryan. "Studies have shown that regular breaks and exercise improve cognitive function, creativity, and even the ability to solve problems. It's like giving your brain a brief break so it can get back to work refreshed and ready. Let me demonstrate how it functions." Lena followed Ryan into the living room, where they cleared some space by removing some of the furniture. He said, "Let's start with something simple." "We are going to perform a brief five-minute exercise. It doesn't have to be hard, just something to get your heart pumping." Lena wasn’t sure what to expect, but she decided to give it a try. She was guided by Ryan through arm circles, high knees, and jumping jacks, among other light exercises and stretches. Lena felt awkward at first, but the tension in her body soon began to let go. As her heart rate increased, she smiled and felt more energized. Ryan came to a halt five minutes later. "How are you doing?" He inquired. Lena was taken aback by how much better she felt and took a moment to reflect. "Actually, I feel more awake. My mind feels clearer. It's as if I can think more clearly now." Ryan nodded. "That is precisely what I am referring to. Exercise pumps oxygen to your brain, which helps improve your cognitive function. It provides you with the additional energy you require to refocus. Now, finding the right balance is critical. You shouldn't overdo it, but a brief burst of activity can be very beneficial." Lena's interest was aroused. "So, taking breaks and getting some exercise will actually help me study better?" Ryan grinned. "Exactly. The key is to take breaks with purpose. After studying for 25 to 30 minutes, take short breaks. The Pomodoro Method calls for students to study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. You can take a longer break of 15 or 20 minutes after a few cycles. Move about during those breaks! Stretch, walk, do some light exercises. Your brain will thank you."

Lena made the decision to try Ryan's advice the following day. She set a timer for 25 minutes as she sat down to study. She carefully reviewed significant dates and events in her history notes. When the timer went off, she stood up, stretched her arms, and walked around her room. To get her blood flowing, she did a few jumping jacks and took a deep breath, feeling the tension go away. She felt more refreshed than she had before.

After five minutes, she returned to her desk, ready to dive back into her studying. She discovered that she was able to concentrate more easily, which surprised her. She was remembering the material much better than before, and it made more sense. She repeated the cycle several times, taking breaks to stretch and move every 25 minutes. Lena felt more prepared and confident at the conclusion of her study session. Lena felt surprisingly calm as she sat down to take her history exam the following day. She had a sharp mind and was able to quickly recall the information she had studied. Compared to the night before, the exam didn't seem nearly as intimidating. She smiled to herself as she answered the final question, realizing that taking breaks and staying active had made all the difference. Lena was thrilled to learn that she had passed the exam when she received her results. But beyond the grade, she was most proud of the lesson she had learned about studying. She realized that physical activity and study breaks weren’t just for athletes or gym enthusiasts—they were an essential part of maintaining a healthy, functioning brain.

That evening, Lena sat down with Ryan to thank him for his advice. "I can’t believe how well the study breaks worked. After moving around for a few minutes, I was able to focus so much better. I’ve never felt this prepared for an exam before!"

Ryan grinned. I'm glad it was helpful. Remember, your brain needs rest and rejuvenation just like your body does. By taking breaks and getting physical activity, you’re not only improving your focus, but you’re also strengthening your memory. Therefore, the next time you are studying, ensure that you provide your brain with the fuel it requires to function optimally!" Feeling more confident about her future studies, Lena nodded. "I believe I have discovered the ideal study schedule. I was lacking in breaks and physical activity. These are my secret weapons." Lena made study breaks and physical activity a regular part of her study schedule ever since that day. She was aware that she was capable of achieving anything if she allowed her brain time to recuperate and rest.