How long is the optimal (healthy) time where you can perform research work productively and be focused without taking breaks? This is assumed to consist mainly of mental work (writing, developing ideas, reviewing other work, etc.) but may include active work in the lab as well.
I can usually do 2-3 hours at a time (up to 5 if I am really focused and well-rested) - I am curious if this is a typical amount of time experienced by others. I know people who can work 10+ hours without even a bathroom or food break but others who cannot work for more than a half hour at a time.
When you do take breaks, what sort of break activity is the best to recharge your mind, in your experience? Eating/drinking? Social activities? Spending time in nature? Resting in a dark room? Changing to a different project for a while? Praying or reading?
Dear Albert,
Any answer to your question depends on many variable, such as reseacher's personality, motivation, intellecual curosity and the like.
For example, when I am a really interested in writing an innovative peper, I work on it 5/6 hours without any break. When I do take a break I have a meal and spend some time alone in nature. A green enviroment is a good place to relax and get some inspiration to continue the ongoing writing or research.
KInd regards.
Orlando
Depends on the complexity of the research, as well as the requirements and tools of research and availability and several other factors ..
Greetings
Notably, doing research involves a plethora of factors and each of them may have a great bearing on the amount of time required for finalizing the process. The first and perhaps the most important one is the type of research topic and the logistics needed to operationalize it. Therefore, we can conclude that the time factor in doing research is relative and depends on various explicit and implicit factors.
For me, before starting off with my research work, I go to the canteen and have a strong coffee/tea so that I can get myself ready for a hardcore, energetic day of experimentation and analysis. :) Then, again, after a continuous stretch of work, about 4-5 hours, I again head towards the canteen and eat something.
Short breaks can actually get you bigger gains. :)
5 minutes of desconextion with music and cup of coffee is the best for me
When the going is good, keep working. When you get stuck, take a break: the length is not important. Anywhere from 5 min to the whole day is fine. Go outside and take a walk in the woods. Relax. After a while thinking becomes clearer and you may get ideas how to proceed.
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