How To Take A "Brain Break"

What is a Brain Break?

A brain break is a short, structured break designed to help reset and refocus the mind and body after a period of focused work or concentration, often involving physical movement or mindfulness activities

For individuals with long-term health conditions, incorporating "brain breaks" – can significantly improve mental and physical well-being, reduce stress, and enhance focus and cognitive function.

Pilates Can Help

Factoring in your pilates classes throughout the day and using them as brain breaks can be really effective, make you more productive and support both your mental and physical health.

If classes don’t fit with your schedule then utilising recordings and the video library are great ways to incorporate some movement.

It also allows you to re-visit favourite sessions and select sections of classes when a whole one feels too much or you just don’t have the space or energy.

Having time to focus on yourself and what your body needs is a great way to manage your day.

Here's how brain breaks can be beneficial:

Mental Health Benefits:

Stress Reduction: Brain breaks help calm the nervous system and shift brain states, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Enhanced Mood: Movement and mindfulness activities can boost mood and improve overall well-being.
Cognitive Function: Breaks improve focus, attention, and concentration, which can be particularly helpful for individuals with conditions that impact cognitive abilities.
Reduced Mental Fatigue: Regular breaks combat mental fatigue and enhance productivity.

Physical Health Benefits:

Increased Blood Flow: Physical movement during brain breaks increases blood flow to the brain, improving focus and alertness.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Conditions: Prolonged sitting can increase the risk of chronic health conditions, so incorporating movement breaks can help mitigate this risk.
Improved Physical Well-being: Breaks can help individuals with long-term conditions manage their physical symptoms and improve their overall physical health.

Long-Term Health Management:

Mindfulness and Self-Care: Brain breaks encourage mindfulness and self-care practices, which are crucial for managing long-term health conditions.

Improved Adherence to Treatment Plans: By improving mental and physical well-being, brain breaks can help individuals stay motivated and adhere to their treatment plans.

The first step

Take a simple, small brain break. Drinking a glass of water or taking a deep breath counts.

Integrate Breaks into Daily Routine: Schedule regular brain breaks throughout the day, especially during periods of intense focus or prolonged sitting.

Make Breaks Accessible: Ensure that brain breaks are easy to access and don't require special equipment or preparation.

Personalise Breaks: Choose brain break activities that suit individual preferences and needs.

Start Small: Begin with short breaks and gradually increase the duration and frequency as needed.

Be Mindful: During breaks, focus on the activity and allow yourself to fully relax and recharge.

The science

Taking regular micro-breaks (less than 10 minutes) is proven to improve performance, motivation, and focus, as well as increase overall well-being and decrease stress.

The secret

Stand up or move around while you’re taking your brain break for extra benefits. Set an alarm on your phone at intervals throughout the day to remind you to take a brain break (bonus points if you move around during your break).

The extra step

Want to go further? Try this great 60-second mindfulness activity, Escape the Chaos: Mindfulness Brain Break to Break Free, intended to take us away from scrolling through our phones.

For a slightly longer break, you could try Daily Calm's 10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation – Be Present. You can listen to the whole session or select from ‘key moments’ and focus on specific areas of the body, including the pelvis, abdomen and forehead.

How To Take A “Brain Break”