When your child or teen gets physically tired, they might sit down and rest. But do they take a breather when their brain has been running non-stop?
Challenging mental work requires “brain breaks,” especially for kids and teens. Kelly Melistas, L.L.P., a child and adolescent psychologist at Henry Ford Health, explains why young people need these breaks and how to do them.
What Is a Brain Break?
A brain break is scheduled time away from a task that requires concentration or focus. The break can be almost anything your child enjoys, as long as it’s unrelated to the project they’re working on. “Brain breaks can be physical, calm, quiet or loud,” says Melistas. “You can choose almost any activity that helps your child feel renewed.”
You know your child best, so help them choose activities that will get their mind off their work. “Some children benefit from exercise, and others do well with a quiet, relaxing activity like coloring,” says Melistas. “You can customize the brain breaks to meet your child’s needs based on their age and personality.”
Benefits of Brain Breaks
Kids and teens need breaks from intense mental work, just like adults. “Children’s minds are not built for hours of concentration without stopping,” says Melistas. “If they spend too much time on an intense mental task, their brains will not function at their best. A few short breaks will help them reach their full potential.”
A quick brain break helps your child’s brain reset and re-energize, making them more productive and relaxed. “Parents will usually see a big difference in their child’s behavior and ability to focus if they provide regular brain breaks,” Melistas says. “Studies show that brain breaks help boost attention, creativity and learning.”
Using brain breaks to beat procrastination
It’s the night before a project is due, and your child is just now starting work, even though they had weeks to do it. How can you help them avoid this situation next time? Melistas says a combination of work chunks and brain breaks may be just the ticket.
“The problem with big projects is that they’re overwhelming,” says Melistas. “Kids don’t know where to start, so they don’t start at all. Procrastination usually isn’t laziness—it’s your child trying to deal with stress and not knowing what to do next.”
Scheduling regular brain breaks can calm frustration and help motivate them to get things done. “Ask your child to work on the project for 20 minutes, followed by a five-minute brain break,” Melistas suggests. “A set amount of time feels doable, and the break gives them something to look forward to. This approach works well for adults, too.”
Brain Break Ideas
Brain breaks are helpful during the school day, but taking one every 20 minutes—or even every hour—often isn’t possible. “Teachers have demanding schedules and often have to teach a certain amount of material each day,” says Melistas. “But a break midway through the day can make a big difference.”
Consider talking with your child’s teacher if your child does need a quick reset. In many cases, children are already getting these breaks in their schedule. “Many teachers recognize the benefits of brain breaks and use them in their classrooms,” says Melistas.
At home, you may have the flexibility to provide frequent brain breaks. “Parents can usually offer a brain break every 15 to 20 minutes when a child is doing homework,” says Melistas. “This extra downtime may be just what they need after a long day at school.”
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Not sure what kind of break they need? Try some different ideas and see how your child responds. Some brain break ideas include:
- Art: Have your child create with clay, paint or putty. Coloring books are another option that kids and adults often find relaxing.
- Discussion: Ask your child about their favorite food or movie to get their brain focused on an enjoyable topic.
- Mindfulness: Deep breathing exercises or meditation can help with focus because they calm the body’s stress response.
- Music: Listening to relaxing or calming music can help relieve tension. Dancing is a great way to expend some excess energy and enjoy the rhythm of the music.
- Physical activity: Jumping jacks, running, stretching and walking are helpful for kids who benefit from movement.
Can you use screens for brain breaks?
Online games and activities can be fun but use screens sparingly whenever possible. “Most children already get a lot of screen time throughout the day,” says Melistas. “But some online brain breaks can be helpful, such as quick dance breaks or trivia games. Use your judgment to decide what your kids need at that moment. Brain breaks are versatile, so don’t worry about doing them wrong.”
Brain Breaks Can Help You Connect
Doing a brain break with your child is a great way to bond while reaping the mental benefits. “Do jumping jacks with your child or play with putty together,” says Melistas. “A few minutes talking or laughing is great for your concentration—and your relationship.”
Reviewed by Kelly Melistas, L.L.P., a child and adolescent psychologist at Henry Ford Health.
