Resetting Engagement - Three Needs
Three types of brain breaks are needed to keep us sharp mentally, spiritually, and physically (Weslake & Christian): They include
movement / physical, respiratory, and mental brain breaks.
It’s just as easy to build this in as it is to forget. To build new habits, we need to first schedule them in and provide reminders, such a pictures or calendar reminders. Each of these brain breaks speaks to our vagal nerve for self regulation, impacting our health and affective domains toward our occupations.
Physical - the obvious - Get out and move. If possible, get outside. Repeatedly we hear of the benefits of nature, with a minimum of 20 minutes per day recommended to promote attention and well-being. Take a hike, walk the dog, climb the stairs, dance in your office or classroom or kitchen, or just get out and play.
Respiratory - Breathe. Five deep breaths scheduled throughout your day speak directly to your vagal nerve to positively impact your blood pressure and alertness. Connect deep breaths with something you do throughout your day to make it a consistent habit. Perhaps every time you eat / drink begin with five deep breaths - in through your nose and out through your mouth with the exhale taking twice as long as the inhale. Think of smelling the cake and blowing the candles or something pleasant with this association. Other respiratory breaks include humming, yawning, or singing. To activate a yawn, apply light pressure with two fingers on your TMJ (just in front of your ear on your jaw joint).
Mental - Periodically we find ourselves deep in concentration or working / learning for long hours and need to shift gears to allow our brains a chance to store information we have learned or experienced. Shifting occupations to a game or interactive / applied task or time away from the learning / work mode can allow our brain to process, store, and rejuvenate to maintain efficiency. Children need more frequent brain breaks to store knowledge. Encorage children to apply learning frequently within activity centered learning.
