Brain Breaks for Cognitive Wellbeing
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Cognitive wellbeing? It's associated with how well information is processed and judgements are made and is predictive of academic achievement and success. It's also essential for attaining knowledge and having a positive learning experience.
One way to foster cognitive wellbeing is to lighten the cognitive load on working memory, which occurs as a result of processing new information. A simple way to do this is to give the brain a break...
Image credit: Students enjoy a brain break at Ridgeview College, WA
Giving kids (and adults) a break from actively engaging in thinking is essential for that thinking to continue in an effective way throughout the day. So a simple brain break can go a very long way, particularly if it involves standing up and doing something physical.
Here are just some of the ways a well-timed break can positively benefit learning:
Increased engagement and cognitive functioning
Supporting the brain maturation process
Enhancing mood, focus, and learning
Increasing students perceived competence
Improving classroom behaviour
Strengthening student-teacher relationships
Increasing circulation
Increasing oxygen in the bloodstream which leads to improved concentration