Supporting Mental Health through Movement

The holistic growth of the student is increasingly crucial in today's rapidly changing educational landscape. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more important. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are becoming the norm. This guide will explain why movement breaks are an important part of every school day, and the benefits they offer, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Movement breaks--also known as breaks for the brain, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short periods within the school day during which students are required to participate in physical activities. These breaks can range from short periods of dancing or stretching, to more organized exercises, games or mindfulness exercises which require movement. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed program, the movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to re-energize students and refresh their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place jacks
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Light movement

Why it is important to break the movement of a person The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily movement breaks for the health of a person is one of the most compelling reasons for including these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and teens should engage in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Yet, many students fall short of this recommendation because they are unable to spend enough time in the classroom.

Movement Breaks in Schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and encourages the creation of long-term healthy lifestyles.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the notion that spending more time studying will result in better performance studies show that integrating breaks in movement can improve academic performance. Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, which delivers nutrients and oxygen that are crucial to cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Focus on the task is increased.

Research has shown that students who receive movement breaks return to tasks more focused and have greater achievement scores when compared with those without such breaks.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

Mental health is a matter that is a concern for many students. Anxiety, stress and depression are a major concern for students who are in school. The importance of movement breaks in managing emotions and improving mental well-being is well-known.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunity for social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during school day can provide an opportunity to release any excess tension, anger or anxiety, assisting to create a positive classroom environment.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), difficulties with sensory processing, or other special needs. Students with these conditions benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, improving their executive functioning and completing academic activities.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Because movement breaks can be easily adapted, they can be tailored to meet the requirements of various age groups, physical abilities, and learning methods. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities movement breaks make sure that every student gets the chance to succeed.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your schedule

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long blocks of instruction.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require no equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling or other themes that keep students entertained.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Develop 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.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

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

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the class?

Studies show that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in classes. Movement breaks can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

How do we make time to move when our schedules are jammed?

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into transitions between subjects or after periods that require intense concentration. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable advantages.

"What is the best course to take if space is limited?"

Some activities can be performed at desks, or in a smaller space. Seated stretches, chair yoga, or even simple hand and arm movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the school culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about personal benefits, it's about building an environment that promotes health, well-being and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize exercise are likely to have:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• More teacher satisfaction and lower rates of burnout
• More academically successful

Other wellness programs, such as education on nutrition, anti-bullying social-emotional education, social-emotional learning can be incorporated into the breaks in your exercise.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start slowly: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to implement breaks for movement?

Experts suggest schools take a 30-minute break for movement. However, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Is it appropriate for all children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities require no equipment or only simple objects like scarves, balls, or music.

Incorporating breaks for exercise into each school day can have a wide range of benefits. The research shows that physical activity is crucial for many reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. It is possible to invest in the future of your students whether you're an administrator or teacher or parent, or even a policymaker.

Making movement a vital part of the school experience for all students. Learners grow and flourish by moving.