Hi York School, I’m Sara, one of the grade twelve students on the Wellbeing Council! Taking breaks from your schoolwork is very important, especially during your online days, when you are on your computer screen the entire day. This is why I wanted to share some helpful tips on how to take effective breaks with you!
When is the best time to take breaks?
Before I explain how to take an effective break, it is, first, important to know when and how long to take these breaks. Everyone is able to stay concentrated on work for different periods of time. It is key to figure out this specific time length for yourself.
However, as a starting point, on average, for every hour of work you complete, you should take a 15 minute break.
Tip #1: Personally, after working for a prolonged period of time, I often find myself feeling very hungry. Making a quick and healthy snack is a great way to take a break and refuel! It could be helpful to prepare these the night before or morning of your online day. For inspiration, look at the article “Snacks Ideas for Online School”!
Tip #2: Another effective way to spend your break could be going for a walk outside (make the most of the gorgeous weather!). After spending the majority of the day sitting down and inside, it’s important to move your body and get a bit of fresh air. Here are Toronto's top 10 walking trails! You could combine these first two tips and walk to a nearby coffee shop or cafe!
Tip #3: Lastly, to truly take your mind off of school and work during your break, you could talk to a family member or friend (on the phone or through text).
What NOT to do during your breaks: During your breaks, try to get off your computer and phone. This will give your eyes and head a rest from staring at a screen and lowers the chance of getting off task. Whenever I take a break on my phone I find it super hard to get back on track.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, I hope you find these tips helpful and are able to make the best of your online day!
-Sara :)