Why taking breaks helps your brain absorb more information

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April 12, 2026 Why taking breaks helps your brain absorb more information By Angela Haupt Editor, Health and Wellness It’s tempting to fill every spare second with scrolling, reading, or catching up, but your brain may need the opposite. Studies show that mental downtime helps cement new information, while nonstop input can actually interfere with memory. Here’s what to know. READ MORE » If you have a minute, please take our quick survey to help us better understand who you are and which health topics interest you most. Take the Survey WHAT ELSE TO READ Your Medication Might Be Giving You Nightmares Many drugs have been linked to causing or aggravating distressing dreams.   The 9 Worst Things to Say to Someone Getting Divorced Restrain your urge to ask what happened.   You've Heard of FOMO. But Do You Have FOFO? "Fear of finding out" is a common reason many people don’t get recommended health screenings.   If you were forwarded this and want to sign up to receive it daily, click here. Today's newsletter was written by Angela Haupt and edited by Mandy Oaklander.   Want more from TIME? Sign up for our other newsletters.         Subscribe to TIME TIME may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Connect with TIME via Facebook | X | Newsletters PRIVACY POLICY | YOUR CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS Questions? Contact newsletters@time.com Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here © 2026 TIME USA, LLC. All rights reserved. TIME Customer Service, P.O. Box 37508 Boone, IA 50037-0508, United States Terms of Service