As a tutor, I spend a lot of time encouraging my students to build healthy study habits, but one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned myself is the importance of taking breaks. It’s easy to fall into the mindset that productivity means constant focus, constant movement, constant output. But the truth is, neither students nor tutors are designed to operate at full speed all the time.

Some of my most effective sessions have come after giving a student a few minutes to reset, stretch, breathe, grab a drink, or simply step away from a tricky problem. Breaks help reduce stress and allow the brain to process information in the background, often leading to those “lightbulb moments” once we return to the work. I’ve seen students come back more confident, more attentive, and more willing to engage with challenging material.

As tutors, we should also model what we teach. When I pace myself, schedule pauses between sessions, and allow room to breathe, I show my students that rest isn’t a reward, it’s part of learning. Breaks make us sharper, more patient, and more effective. In the end, taking time away from the desk is often what brings us closer to mastering what’s on it.

Avigal Holstein