4 answers
Madison
Student
Chesapeake, Virginia
4
Questions
Asked
571 views
Is it a good idea to break my work evenly or should I work with no breaks?
I have been struggling with getting work done in a reasonable amount of time (for me) and I have been wondering if it would be a good idea to change how I do my work. At the moment I have been doing each subject back to back with minimal breaks, but I do not know if giving each subject it's on block schedule would be the better option. Should I give more difficult classes more time to do the work? #highschool #EarthScience #WorldHistory #AVID
Login to comment
4 answers
Jason Rechtman, MA, MBA, LPC
Manager of Clinical Quality
120
Answers
Freehold Township, New Jersey
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Good morning,
I agree with what was said earlier but I will be more general. I believe the first step you should do is audit yourself and the way you have worked well and not well in the past. Figure out, not what subjects are tougher, but which require more higher level thinking. When you think you need a break, you're probably already in need of one.
Listen to yourself and consider using a journal to measure when you are feeling fatigued so you can use your own data to heklp figure out not only causes you difficulty, but what helps you get back on track- is one type of break better than another for example.
Great questions to always ask yourself.
I agree with what was said earlier but I will be more general. I believe the first step you should do is audit yourself and the way you have worked well and not well in the past. Figure out, not what subjects are tougher, but which require more higher level thinking. When you think you need a break, you're probably already in need of one.
Listen to yourself and consider using a journal to measure when you are feeling fatigued so you can use your own data to heklp figure out not only causes you difficulty, but what helps you get back on track- is one type of break better than another for example.
Great questions to always ask yourself.
Guy McBride
Manager
7
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Guy’s Answer
Think about how you learn and work towards that, do you perform better with long stretches or does a schedule of studying for 50 minutes, then taking 10 minutes off work better? Your brain won't work if you push it too hard. Burnout is a very real thing, no matter what you are studying or doing in life, pace yourself.
Matthew Gould
Accounting
9
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Budgeting time effectively to manage the completion of tasks is a skill that comes with practice and trial and error. The answers above provide good insight and potentially helpful options for you to try.
My recommendation is to focus less on sticking to to a timed schedule, and more on the mastery of subject material or specific tasks. This oftentimes requires your undivided attention to one item at a time, rather than being focused on / stressing about everything that needs to get done. If you view homework as many separate and discrete tasks, it is easier to feel accomplished and build momentum by crossing items off your list of things to do.
Lastly, removing distractions, such as cell phones and television, will most likely lead you to more productivity.
My recommendation is to focus less on sticking to to a timed schedule, and more on the mastery of subject material or specific tasks. This oftentimes requires your undivided attention to one item at a time, rather than being focused on / stressing about everything that needs to get done. If you view homework as many separate and discrete tasks, it is easier to feel accomplished and build momentum by crossing items off your list of things to do.
Lastly, removing distractions, such as cell phones and television, will most likely lead you to more productivity.
Leland Chandler
Process Engineer
7
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Leland’s Answer
Hi Madison,
This is a great question. First off, I would say that each person learns a bit differently, so how people manage their time can differ. Essentially, you should do what works best for you. Since you've already noted that blocking your work with no breaks does not seem to work best for you, here are a couple other options you could try:
1. As you stated in your question, block out time for each subject. Take a 10-15 minute break in between each subject to give yourself time to clear your mind and to change your focus to the next subject. For harder subjects, block a little extra time. Additionally, as tests approach, add a little more blocked time for extra studying of those subjects.
2. Block out sets of time with periodic breaks. Rather than arranging by subject, just block a 30 minute time for doing work. Then, block a 10-15 minute break. The break can be anything from grabbing a snack to taking a short walk. It will give your mind time to recharge before getting back into the work again. You can repeat this approach until your work is complete.
It never hurts to give your brain some rest and to recharge before tackling your work. A lot of times, a refresh can help refocus your mind to working through particularly difficult problems or subjects.
Best of luck!
This is a great question. First off, I would say that each person learns a bit differently, so how people manage their time can differ. Essentially, you should do what works best for you. Since you've already noted that blocking your work with no breaks does not seem to work best for you, here are a couple other options you could try:
1. As you stated in your question, block out time for each subject. Take a 10-15 minute break in between each subject to give yourself time to clear your mind and to change your focus to the next subject. For harder subjects, block a little extra time. Additionally, as tests approach, add a little more blocked time for extra studying of those subjects.
2. Block out sets of time with periodic breaks. Rather than arranging by subject, just block a 30 minute time for doing work. Then, block a 10-15 minute break. The break can be anything from grabbing a snack to taking a short walk. It will give your mind time to recharge before getting back into the work again. You can repeat this approach until your work is complete.
It never hurts to give your brain some rest and to recharge before tackling your work. A lot of times, a refresh can help refocus your mind to working through particularly difficult problems or subjects.
Best of luck!