Supporting Mental Health through Movement

The overall development of the student is increasingly crucial in the rapidly changing educational environment. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more vital. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time is becoming the commonplace. This guide will discuss the reasons why breaks for movement are essential to every school day, the benefits they offer, and offer practical strategies for administrators and teachers.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Movement breaks--also known as breaks for the brain break, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are brief periods during the school day where students are required to participate in physical activity. These breaks may include stretching, dancing, more structured exercises or games, or mindfulness exercises. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to an established curriculum, are often brief interruptions to the class's sedentary time. They help refocus students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Running in place or jumping jacks
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is their positive effects on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents take part in 60 minutes of physical activity. However, many students do not meet this requirement because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools Provide a variety of health benefits

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system, and helps you maintain good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to popular belief that more time on academics leads to better results studies show that integrating breaks for movement can increase the academic level. Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, providing oxygen and nutrients that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Increased focus on task

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more focused and achieve higher scores than those who do not.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is an issue that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression impact a lot of students who are in school. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is widely known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released to give you a feeling of happiness
• Teamwork and social interaction

The physical exercise you engage in throughout the day can help to release the tension and stress. This will create an environment that is positive for students.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD or sensory processing problems or any other specific needs may benefit from a break in their movement. Physical activity can help these students control their energy levels, improve executive function, and better take on academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks are easily modified to meet the needs of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. Breaks for movement can vary from simple stretches on the chair up to interactive group exercises. They make sure that each child can thrive.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in long instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as stretching, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling or themes to keep students entertained.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking movement breaks.
• Create guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks confidently.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. Breaks for movement are just as important. Teachers can lead video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks they can finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Research shows that students who move regularly are more productive and focused in class. Breaks for movement are an investment into learning and not a distraction.

"How do we find time for movement in a packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes--and can be built into the transition between subjects or following periods that require intense concentration. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

What happens if the space in which that we have available is not enough?

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to desks or in a small space. In small classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or just simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the school culture

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about fostering the school's culture of well-being, health, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that focus on the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students with better health and lower absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are stronger

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness activities like social-emotional education as well as nutrition education and programs that combat bullying.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Receive feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes, but the timing can be adjusted to suit the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Breaks in movement aren't an alternative to regular exercise. They are designed to complement it.

Is movement suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized for preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements need no equipment, or just simple objects like balls, scarves, or music.

Integrating breaks to move into the daily school routine can provide a vast range of benefits. From improving academic performance and physical fitness to improving wellbeing and behavior in the classroom, the research is clear that movement is crucial. You can invest in the future of your students, whether you're a teacher or administrator as well as a parent or policymaker.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of every student's educational experience. Because when students move they learn, develop, and thrive.