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Brain Breaks: Definition & Meaning

Educationally and pedagogically written and reviewed by Academic Writer Maryna Polishchuk, MA, and Academic Writer & Researcher Dr. Maryam Iftikhar, Ph.D.

Brain Breaks: Boosting Learning Potential in the Classroom

Brain break is an activity that takes students from intense mental activity and gives them time to recharge their physical and mental resources. These one to five-minute breaks usually involve getting people moving, practicing mental relaxation techniques, or doing both simultaneously. 

The idea is to provide a little distraction from the learning process so people can relax, concentrate, and restore their mental resources.

Types of Brain Breaks

Active Breaks

Active breaks are brain breaks that include exercise and physical activity. Students’ social engagement, cognitive ability, and physical health all significantly improve during these breaks. Active breaks include stretching, yoga positions, jumping jacks, push-ups, or a little dance session.

Mental Rest Brain Breaks

Although students benefit physically from active breaks, mental relaxation is just as vital to their overall well-being. The emphasis of mental rest brain breaks is on relaxing methods that enhance cognitive performance, ease tension, and quiet the mind. Here are some positive outcomes from implementing mental rest brain breaks: Mental breaks include practicing mindfulness, playing games, taking deep breaths, or painting.

Brain Breaks Benefits

Here are some benefits of implementing brain breaks in the classroom:

Improves Physical Well-being

Physical brain breaks have many health benefits. Physical exercises increase blood circulation, fortify muscles and bones, enhance coordination, and improve students’ health. Promoting active breaks can improve students’ mood and state of mind.

Advances Cognitive Function

Physical exercise strengthens cognitive function. Increased oxygen supply to the brain during active breaks releases endorphins and other neurotransmitters, improving children’s concentration, memory, and cognitive flexibility. Thus, it positively impacts students’ academic achievements.

Encourages Social Engagement

Group activities are an integral part of active breaks, which motivate students to work together and engage with one another. These interactions enhance communication, cooperation, and social skills. In group physical activity, kids develop a feeling of unity and constructive interactions within the classroom.

Lessens Anxiety and Tension

Brain breaks for mental relaxation often include such methods as mindfulness training, guided visualization, and deep breathing. These activities stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering stress hormone levels and promoting relaxation. Those students who practice such mental relaxation breaks are less anxious, they better understand their emotions, and have overall better well-being.

Increases Attentiveness and Concentration

Mental breaks from the learning process can help students to replenish their cognitive resources and improve their concentration. During brain breaks, students have an opportunity to clear their mind, redirect attention, and enhance concentration. This results in better learning outcomes and academic achievement.

 Enhances Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills

During mental rest brain breaks, students are free to contemplate, imagine, and use their creative skills.  Such exercises improve abstract thinking and visualization, which is critical for creative skills. Practicing mental brain breaks promotes the development of fresh concepts, improved problem-solving abilities, and a more thorough comprehension of the subject matter.

Brain Breaks Drawbacks

However, others claim that taking brain breaks may be ineffective and a waste of time. If improperly handled, they may cause productivity disruption and momentum loss. Finding a balance between taking breaks and completing tasks or studying on time is essential. In addition, many interruptions might make it difficult for people to focus deeply or enter a state of flow, which is when they become completely immersed in what they are doing.

Moreover, several variables, such as personal preferences and the nature of the activity at hand, affect how beneficial brain breaks are. It’s possible that various individuals need different amounts of brain breaks, and what suits one individual may not suit another. Testing several strategies and determining the ideal balance for each student is critical.

Brain Breaks: Teach Simple’s Perspective

The human brain can be compared to a computer, and even a super-strong computer needs time to process. The same is true of us. We need time to comprehend and process the information we are exposed to while working closely on a project or activity. It is essential to take breaks when working on a project or studying. Brain breaks help us process what we’ve already learned.

Teachers can worry about how much material students need to learn or that a brain break may interrupt the learning process, making it difficult for students to get back on track. However, brain breaks are an appreciated classroom management method among educators. They assist in rejuvenating and refreshing young brains, restoring the focus, drive, and energy needed to continue studying. Lessons divided into reasonable parts also help students learn more effectively. Prioritizing brain breaks acknowledges the diverse needs of every student, promoting their well-being and ultimately increasing their learning potential.

 References

  • Egger, F., Benzing, V., Conzelmann, A., & Schmidt, M. (2019, March 6). Boost your brain, while having a break! The effects of long-term cognitively engaging physical activity breaks on children’s executive functions and academic achievement. PloS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0212482

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