The Importance of Brain Breaks for TEACHERS
Brain breaks are not just important for your students, my friends!
What are benefits of brain breaks for adults?
Taking consistent breaks from work and screens has been shown to decrease frustration, anxiety, and stress, and increase your energy, productivity, and ability to focus when you do return to work.
When should you take a brain break?
Ideally, whenever you notice mental fatigue, that you are being easily distracted, or that you are not producing at the quality you would like. In the classroom, you should take a brain break if you notice you are not thinking so well on your feet, or that you are being emotionally reactive.
If you are at a computer, you can benefit most from your brain break by stepping away from your screen.
If you are in your classroom, you can ask a teacher to support you as you step outside for a breather or you can engage your whole class in a brain break. We all benefit from a little time to shake it off and recenter ourselves - Teachers and students, alike :)
What to do to Make your Brain Break as Restorative as Possible
Brain breaks do not need to be long! They can be as little as 3 minutes and…as long as you’re able to take. Most people can only focus for around 25-30 minutes. If we don’t take a break then, our brain will take it for us by getting distracted or agitated. Start planning mini brain breaks into your computer work and into your lessons, if possible!
Here are some things you might do during your brain break:
Go on a walk without your phone
Meditate
Watch nature - The clouds passing by, the rain falling, the trees swaying, etc.
Practice deep breathing
Dance around
Joke around with a friend
Lay back and close your eyes
Stretch
Hug someone you love
Take a moment for a mindful smile :) Seems silly, but this has been shown to almost instantly uplift your mood!
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: How might you benefit from adding consistent brain breaks to your day?
Let us know what you think down below!
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Quote of the Week
"If you are not resting, you will not make it. I need you to make it.”
- Tricia Hersey, author of Rest is Resistance
Products I Recommend for Improved Rest + Sleep
Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
Laziness Does Not Exist by Dr. Devon Price
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes
Yogi Tea Honey Lavender Serenity Blend
Therapeutic Grade Lavender Essential Oil
If you found this teacher wellness post helpful, share it with an educator you care about :)
Until next week,
Emily Hemmingson
Health Coach for Teachers
Founder of The Teacher Wellness Center
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