Supporting Mental Health through Movement

The overall development of the child is becoming more important in the current rapidly evolving educational landscape. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body of research reveals an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time becomes the commonplace, the need for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day has never been more important. This guide will explain the reasons why breaks for movement are an important part of every school day, what benefits they offer, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks, are short periods during the school day where students are encouraged to engage with physical activity. They can be anything from short periods of stretching or dancing to more formal games, exercises or even mindfulness-based activities that require movement. Unlike the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set program, the movement breaks are short, frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom intended to boost students' energy and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in place or jumping over jacks
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling motives to include movement breaks is their positive effects on physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents should participate in at 60 minutes of exercise activities each day. Yet, many students fall short of this recommendation because of the long hours they spend in the classroom.

School breaks during movement offer several health advantages:

• Increase the cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Help with weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

Regular exercise also improves your immune system, and encourages healthy habits for life.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to popular belief that spending more time studying will result in better performance studies show that integrating breaks for movement can increase the academic level. Exercise increases circulation of blood to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive function.

The main academic benefits are:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Increased focus on task behavior

Research has shown that students who are given breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have better achievement scores than those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is a growing concern, with stress, anxiety, and depression being a major issue for school-aged youngsters. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is well known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

Exercise during the school day provides an opportunity to release any excess anger, frustration or anxiety, assisting to create a more positive school environment.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD or sensory processing problems or other special needs can benefit from movement breaks. Students with these conditions will benefit from exercise to regulate their energy levels, improving the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic activities.

Designing inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to interactive group activities, break breaks are designed to ensure every student is able to succeed.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as jumping, stretching, or quick games.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or themes to keep your students interested.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide breaks with confidence.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can conduct live sessions of activity via video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

However research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and are more effective during their lessons. Movement breaks are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How can we fit in the time needed to move, when our schedules are so jam-packed?

You can include brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine, either to transition between topics or after intense concentration. Even a short activity can provide significant advantages.

"What do we do if our classroom isn't enough?"

Certain activities can be done sitting next to desks or in a small space. Seated stretches, chair yoga, or even simple hand and arm exercises work well in small classrooms.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the school culture

It's not just about the personal benefits of having movement breaks; it's also about establishing a culture within schools that values wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize movement tend to experience:

• Students with better health and more absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness activities like social-emotional education, nutrition education, and programs to combat bullying.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Begin slowly: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Be regular: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended frequency for schools to institute movement breaks?

Experts suggest that schools have a 30-minute break for movement. But, the frequency of breaks is adjustable according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for elementary school children, preschoolers middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most effective exercises require no or little equipment, including scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating breaks for movement throughout the school day can provide a vast array of advantages. From boosting academic performance and physical health, to promoting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior It's clear from the research that movement is important. You can invest in the future of your students, whether you're a teacher or administrator or parent, or even a politician.

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