What is the 60/20 Study Rule? The Secret to Efficient Learning

Honestly, I used to think that cramming for hours was the only way to learn effectively. You know, the classic "study marathon" — sitting at my desk, coffee in hand, staring at pages for what felt like forever. But here’s the thing: I was wasting so much time, feeling mentally drained, and getting less done than I should have. That’s when I stumbled upon something game-changing: the 60/20 study rule. So, what’s this rule all about? And why is it so effective? Let’s break it down.

The Basic Idea Behind the 60/20 Rule

The 60/20 rule is pretty simple but super powerful. In essence, it recommends studying for 60 minutes straight, followed by a 20-minute break. It’s a cycle of focused study followed by rest, and the idea is that this helps you maintain productivity without burning out. Cool, right? The rule is based on a combination of focus and recovery, two key ingredients for successful learning.

Why 60 Minutes?

I know, sometimes you might feel like you can push through and study for hours on end. But if you’re anything like me, after a certain point, your focus starts to drop, and you feel like you’re just going through the motions. The 60-minute block is meant to be long enough to get into the flow of studying, but not so long that your brain checks out. It’s about reaching that optimal productivity zone where you're absorbing information without your mind wandering every few minutes.

Actually, this method is backed by science. Studies have shown that human brains work best in cycles, with sustained focus for a certain period (usually 45-60 minutes) before needing a break. So, by sticking to 60-minute intervals, you're working with your brain’s natural rhythm, not against it.

The Importance of a 20-Minute Break

Now, here's the fun part: those 20 minutes. Honestly, when I first read about the 60/20 rule, I thought, “Really? A 20-minute break? That’s way too short!” But trust me, after trying it, I totally get it.

During those 20 minutes, you’re supposed to step away from your study materials completely. Don’t check your phone for texts or scroll through social media. I made that mistake the first time I tried the rule, and I realized that just looking at my phone completely defeated the purpose. It needs to be a genuine break: grab a snack, take a walk, do some light stretching, or just relax.

Taking breaks is essential because your brain needs rest to process and retain information. Have you ever noticed that when you take a proper break, you come back to your work feeling refreshed and ready to dive back in? That’s because your brain is actually recharging during that time, allowing you to focus better when you get back to studying.

My Experience with the 60/20 Rule

Honestly, when I first heard about the 60/20 rule, I was skeptical. It seemed way too structured, and I wasn’t sure how effective it could be. But I decided to give it a try because, let’s face it, I was tired of constantly feeling drained after my study sessions.

So, one morning, I set my timer for 60 minutes, grabbed my books, and started studying. At first, I was a little too focused on the clock — "Okay, just 30 minutes left, keep pushing!" — but soon enough, I was in the groove. I could feel the focus setting in. When the timer went off, I took a 20-minute break and completely disconnected. I did some stretching, made a cup of tea, and just zoned out for a bit. When I got back to my desk, I was so much more productive.

I was shocked. Not only did I feel less mentally tired at the end of the day, but I could actually see myself retaining more information. By the end of the week, I was getting through my study material faster, and with less effort. It felt like magic.

Is the 60/20 Rule Right for You?

Here’s the thing: the 60/20 study rule isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Some people thrive on longer study sessions, while others need more frequent breaks. The key is to experiment and see what works for you. I’ve had friends who prefer the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of study with a 5-minute break) or others who can sit for 2-3 hours straight. And that’s perfectly okay!

But if you’ve struggled with study fatigue or found it hard to maintain concentration, the 60/20 rule could be a game-changer for you. Just try it for a week — adjust the timing if you need, and see if it helps you get more out of your study sessions.

Why It Works: The Science Behind It

The 60/20 rule works so well because it plays into our natural productivity cycles. The first 20 minutes of study are usually when your brain is just warming up, and the next 40 minutes are when you really hit your stride. After that, your focus starts to drop, so you take a break to reset.

But here's the kicker — it’s not just about how long you study. It's about focus. The 60 minutes of study are meant to be intense and uninterrupted, and those 20 minutes of rest are just as crucial for keeping your energy levels high and your mind sharp.

Conclusion: Is It Time to Try the 60/20 Rule?

So, is the 60/20 rule something you should try? Honestly, if you find that you’re often running out of steam halfway through your study sessions, or if you get distracted easily, this rule could really help. Plus, it’s simple, effective, and requires minimal effort to implement.

You don’t have to commit to it forever, but give it a shot next time you hit the books. Who knows? You might just be surprised by how much more you can accomplish with this structured yet simple approach.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.