In Lakeside’s education and training, we have come to understand our brains have a difficult time staying focused for more than about 10 minutes a time.
After that short period passes, we need to refocus.
One way to help maintain focus, re-energize or renew our brain’s capacity is to be intentional about taking a brain break.
Brain breaks are also very helpful for groups who may be undergoing training or receiving a presentation. Whether the presentation happens in a classroom or a large auditorium, allowing time for a brain break will give your message a better opportunity for retention. In fact, astute leaders include a brain break or two during a normal speaking or training session.
What do brain breaks consist of?
A brain break usually includes a combination of body movement and breathing. The combination permits the brain to create focus and motivation so learning becomes easier and more effective. Moreover, anyone can use breaks to help focus and energize an audience of children or adults.
But body movement and breathing are not the only options for brain breaks and group activities.
Lakeside staff are specialists at brain regulation in our schools, our training and how we teach teachers to manage their classrooms. We have worked with hundreds of teachers and professionals in helping them create effective learning environments. Understanding how the brain regulates is key to helping teachers manage classrooms.
We have compiled a book entitled 101 Brain Breaks and Brain Based Educational Activities. Every now and again, I want to remind readers of Lakeside’s Blog to use Lakeside’s Neurologic Training as a resource for improving schools. Neurologic Training is a great way to help teachers manage classrooms with techniques that reflect our current understanding of brain neurology.
You can purchase this eminently effective and handy resource for brain breaks from our Web site’s Neurologic Store. It has a wealth of brain breaks and activities that will focus, motivate, energize and regulate individuals who participate in the brain break or activity. And you’ll find yourself using it over and over again.
Additionally, more detailed information about Lakeside, our therapeutic schools and our highly regarded professional development training can be found on our Web site.
Remember, when you are feeling stressed, unable to focus, take a brain break.
In fact, you should plan to take regular brain breaks throughout your day. You will feel more energized and focused, then you will be better enabled to complete your daily activities and achieve your goals.
Gerry Vassar, President/CEO Lakeside
