What is a Brain Break?

Let’s break it down…

Brain breaks are simple physical and mental exercises. They have a positive effect on learning by:

• Increasing engagement and cognitive functioning

• Supporting the brain maturation process

• Enhancing focus, mood and learning

• Increasing students’ perceived competence

• Improving classroom behaviour and strengthening teacher-student
  relationships

Physical brain breaks have these additional benefits:

• Increasing circulation

• Increasing the oxygen in the bloodstream (which leads to improved
  concentration)

• Allowing the students to get out of their chairs

Source: www.education.nsw.gov.au

Short breaks during work or study have been shown to improve attention, reduce fatigue, and lead to more sustained performance on tasks over time.

— American Psychological Association (APA), Research on Benefits of Short Breaks

Additional Reading

• Brain Breaks and building relationships

• Brain Breaks and Beyond

• Brain Breaks and its positive effects