The benefits of taking breaks for learning and focus

A heavy workload and study commitments can be stressful for young learners. With homework and assignments piling up and responsibilities accumulating, it can feel a little overwhelming for students who are navigating school and life. Anxiety and stress may begin to build-up in students, and it’s easy for them to enter that state of restlessness. As parents and educators, we want to take that stress off our children and avoid burnout, which is why it is important to ensure your child takes breaks in between their schoolwork and study. Read on to discover the benefits of taking breaks for your child’s learning and focus.

1. Reduce stress

Managing workload and meeting deadlines can be stressful, especially for children. Worrying about whether they can finish their homework on time whilst juggling other commitments such as music or sports lessons can lead to overwhelm, and feeling under pressure. As adults, we know that stress can have a physical and mental impact on us, which is why it’s important that we ensure our children take breaks to relieve and reduce stress. Help your child manage their time and workload by setting up a break schedule to ensure that they are consistently taking breaks in between schoolwork and their study routine.

2. Increases productivity

It can be easy for children to lose focus and get distracted while trying to complete their schoolwork, which is why taking regular short breaks can help them focus and increase their productivity. By taking their mind off schoolwork, they are able to refresh their minds and focus their attention on another task other than schoolwork. Breaks can take different forms, whether it’s going for a walk or to a park to exercise, or staying in to watch a movie, choose what works best for you and your child. Children are more likely to be productive when they have a fresh mind, as it helps to improve their focus and attention.

3. Retain information

It can be difficult and draining for children to take in too much information at once. Over-studying or trying to cram in homework can lead to exhaustion, and decreases the motivation to concentrate. We want students to absorb and process all the information they learn so that they understand the concept or topic being taught. Having a rest or break helps children to relax their brain and body, while avoiding burnout and mental exhaustion. Steer their focus to activities other than schoolwork, such as watching TV or playing outside. After resting, it enhances their comprehension and increases their concentration when they return back to the books. This allows them to facilitate the memorisation of new content and retain the information they have learned.

4. Serves as an energy booster

We know that focusing too much attention on one task can make our children feel drained of energy. If your child is feeling exhausted, resting or taking a nap during the break can be a good option, as it allows their body to recover and recharge their energy. Power naps of 20-30 minutes can be a great way for your child to feel revitalised and energised so that they can get back to the books with a fresh mind. Each child has their individual preference of rest, and so it is useful to vary different break activities to discover the most effective way to recharge their mind and body.

Breaks are an essential part of learning. They give children the opportunity to rest and refresh their minds, so that they can relieve stress and improve their focus. Taking breaks allows your child to get the necessary recharge they need to stay focused and productive. At NumberWorks’nWords, we ensure that breaks are scheduled into each students’ session. To learn more about maths and English tutoring at NumberWorks’nWords, get in touch with your local centre, or book a free assessment today!