Like so many things in 2020, going back to school is looking way different than ever before. Most kids will be doing some kind of school at home, whether it’s a hybrid model or total remote learning.
With the increased screen time, it’s even more essential to provide opportunities for movement and “brain breaks.” Studies have shown that doing so can improve learning and attention, decrease anxiety, and more. Taking just a few minutes throughout the day can yield huge benefits.
Read on to learn about our favorite brain breaks for kids of all ages!
Hydrate!
Hydration is essential for life and supports energy and brain function. Encourage your child to get up away from the screen and drink a glass of water. Add in some frozen fruit for a fun flavor boost!
Fuel up
It’s easy to forget to eat when you’re sitting in front of a screen. Healthy snacks will support your kids’ nutritional needs and brain health.
Strike a (yoga) pose
Even a few minutes of simple yoga poses can go a long way in getting blood flowing, improving strength and flexibility, and reducing stress levels. There are tons of great resources online for kids of all ages. Younger kids will love Cosmic Kids Yoga, while older students (and adults!) should check out Yoga with Kassandra or Yoga with Adriene.
Take a stroll
Get outside for a few minutes to breathe in some fresh air and walk around. Have your child try this a few times a day if possible.
Do some sprints
Short bursts of intense movement are essential for health. Sprinting down the driveway or across the lawn is a good way to burn pent up energy and activate the brain.
Take a hop, skip, and a jump…
…across the yard, driveway, or even in place. Add in some jumping jacks, too!
Balance challenge
Time how long your child can balance on one foot. For an added challenge, have them close their eyes or swing their other leg back and forth.
Try meditation
While movement is great, slowing down the body and mind can also have huge benefits in improving concentration and reducing anxiety. Headspace is a great meditation app and they even have content specifically for kids! Check it out HERE.
Walk like an animal
Not only are animal walks a fun opportunity for kids to get creative, they also help develop core strength, balance, and agility. Try crab walk, bear crawl, and frog jumps to start. Click HERE for more ideas.
Be an artist
Have your child step away from the screen to draw or color. Break out some playdough or silly putty and see what fun shapes they can sculpt. Animal shapes are a great place to start if you’re looking for ideas.
Lift Heavy
Heavy lifting doesn’t require any weightlifting equipment. Any kind of weight bearing activity will do. Push-ups, squats, or pushing, pulling, or carrying objects are a great place to start.
Have a ball
Give your child a yoga ball and have them bounce or balance while sitting. For a great stretch, have them lie on their back with their feet on the ground and stretch their arms out overhead. A yoga ball is also a great chair replacement if your child struggles to focus or sit still while doing classwork.
Have a dance party
Put on your kids’ favorite music and dance. This is a great way to get some exercise in a fun way!
Stretch it out
Prolonged sitting can cause muscle stiffness and encourage poor posture. Stretching helps reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility, calm the mind, and more. Click HERE for some ideas that can benefit the whole family!
And there you have it – our favorite brain breaks for kids! Try a couple or give them all a shot and let us know how it goes.
Dr. Derek Gallant
Dr. Derek Gallant has committed himself to helping others live the best life possible. After graduating from Wesleyan University, he received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Life Chiropractic College West where he finished 2nd in his class. He is the owner of Beverly Family Chiropractic and co-founder of The Well Family Foundation. Dr. Gallant is certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) in the Webster technique, an analysis focused on assisting pregnant women in a healthy pregnancy and natural birth. He has inspired thousands of people to take control of their own health using the Life By Design method. Apart from full time practice you can find Derek at the parks and coffee shops around Beverly with his family, training hard at the gym, or at the beach surfing.
