According to an article from Edutopia; Brain Breaks are “planned learning activity shifts that mobilize different networks of the brain.” (Willis 2016) 

A while back I was scrolling through social media posts and saw a response from Andy Milne. He suggested that brain breaks should be called brain boosts. This perspective helped me see a different perspective and changed how I promote and share this idea. It has inspired me to change my thinking around the topic AND share reasons why this practice should be a part of every classroom. Calling brain breaks “brain boosts” could offer a fresh perspective and emphasize the proactive, positive effects these activities have on cognitive function and overall well-being. Here’s the case for it:

1. Positive Association: “Brain boosts” inherently carry a positive connotation, suggesting that these activities are not just pauses or breaks from learning but opportunities to actively enhance mental performance and productivity.
2. Empowerment: The term “boost” implies an action that individuals can take to improve their own mental clarity, focus, and energy levels. By framing brain breaks as brain boosts, students and teachers may feel more empowered to incorporate these activities into their daily routines as a proactive measure for cognitive health.
3. Motivation: Just as the term “boost” can motivate individuals to take action in other areas of their lives (e.g., energy drinks promising a “boost” of energy), referring to brain breaks as brain boosts may motivate students and teachers to prioritize these activities and recognize their value in supporting optimal learning and well-being.
4. Alignment with Goals: Schools and educators often aim to optimize student learning and academic performance. Reframing brain breaks as brain boosts aligns with this goal by highlighting the cognitive benefits of these activities and positioning them as essential components of a healthy and effective learning environment.
5. Marketing Appeal: Introducing a new term like “brain boosts” can generate interest and curiosity among students, teachers, and parents. It offers an opportunity to rebrand brain breaks in a way that resonates with stakeholders and emphasizes their positive impact on cognitive function and overall learning outcomes.

For the last few years, I’ve used them in my middle school health classroom and even presented them at monthly faculty meetings to promote buy-in for staff to experience them and try them in their classrooms. Whether you teach for 40 minutes or 80 minutes as I do, there are many benefits of “Brain Boosts” for staff and students.

Brain boosts offer numerous benefits for students:

1. Enhanced focus: Regular breaks allow students to recharge their mental batteries, enabling them to maintain focus and concentration for longer periods.
2. Increased productivity: Short breaks allow students to reset their minds, leading to improved productivity and efficiency in completing tasks.
3. Stress reduction: Taking breaks throughout the day helps alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting a more relaxed and positive learning environment.
4. Physical health: Many brain breaks incorporate physical activity, which not only energizes students but also promotes overall health and well-being.
5. Better classroom dynamics: Brain breaks encourage social interaction and collaboration among students, fostering a sense of community and teamwork within the classroom.

Brain boosts can benefit teachers as well:

1. Enhanced classroom management: Brain breaks can help teachers manage classroom dynamics by providing structured opportunities for students to release pent-up energy and refocus their attention.
2. Improved teacher well-being: Teaching can be mentally and physically demanding, and incorporating brain breaks into the day allows teachers to take short breaks to recharge and reduce stress, leading to improved overall well-being.
3. Better rapport with students: Participating in brain breaks alongside students can strengthen the teacher-student relationship by fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experience.

Overall, brain boosts provide valuable opportunities for students to connect, collaborate, and build a sense of community within the classroom, ultimately creating a more positive and supportive learning environment for all.  Renaming brain breaks as brain boosts could provide a more compelling and proactive narrative around the importance of these activities in supporting cognitive health, learning, and overall well-being in educational settings.

Brain boosts in classrooms aren’t just moments of relief; they’re essential for optimal learning. They refresh attention spans, enhance focus, and boost cognitive function. A short pause for movement or mindfulness can pave the way for deeper understanding and creativity. Let’s give our brains the breaks they deserve for better academic success! #Brainboost #LearningBoost 

Here is a link to a presentation with a lot of brain break boost ideas. 

This microblog post was a featured post in #slowchathealth’s #microblogmonth event. You can search for all of the featured posts here. Please do follow each of the outstanding contributors on social media (including Anna Marriott the author of this post) and consider writing a microblog post of your own to be shared with the global audience of slowchathealth.com

Pair this blog post with the following:

More Movement in the Classroom by Andy Milne

Being Physically Active in Content Review by Mike Kuczala

Intersectionality in Health Education: Leading with Love and Equity by Dr. Cara Grant

Have you read the latest Book of the Month recommendation?