All groups need brain breaks
An injection of fun makes learning, listening and participating so much easier, writes Janoel Liddy
When I began working with groups in my late twenties, I was determined to deliver the best sessions. I was friendly, I was organised and every single one of my (many!) slides had matching fonts. But there was something missing.
As a newbie, I wasn’t aware of just how diverse the learning needs and attention spans are in any group of humans. And I didn’t know how effectively brain breaks could help with addressing these differences.
Why use brain breaks?
A common trap for many of us who lead or facilitate groups is to become so fixated on getting through the agenda, and so enthralled in talking about a topic, that we forget to read the room and check how engaged people are.
Quicker than a meal or bathroom break, brain breaks are gold for anyone working with groups. They are short activities with simple instructions, often involving movement. They give people the opportunity to refocus if they’ve drifted into daydreaming or a release if discussion or content has been intense. Or they are just a moment to enjoy with others and refresh before the next step.
Brain breaks increase participant engagement. They can have a high impact on group connection and people’s ability to focus. And you don’t need much training or effort to build them into your sessions.
The science agrees. Fun brain breaks provide an opportunity to laugh together. And when we do that, our brains release oxytocin, a happy hormone which promotes bonding and a sense of wellbeing, building trust and strengthening emotional regulation.
People learn best when they feel good, in a state of relaxed alertness. See Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey’s What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing, 2021.
Two types of brain breaks
Brain breaks can lift the energy of a group if things are feeling a bit flat, or settle a rowdy bunch who need to return to a single point of attention.
Energisers
Escalating/Positive priming brain breaks:
● Generate positive emotions
● Build positive relationships
● Increase levels of energy
Refocusers
De-escalating brain breaks that calm the group:
● Re-set distracted energy and change the tone
● Slow people’s movements and breathing, which lowers stress levels.
● Can help people to clear racing thoughts
Introducing brain breaks is easier than you think
Brain breaks are a bit like food – they can be super-quick energising snacks, or more elaborate and satisfying meals; either can provide nourishment if you source and prepare well. Here are some tips for facilitating brain breaks:
● Be enthusiastic
● Expect you will be able to inspire your learners to enjoy the breaks and have fun
● Ensure a sense of belonging (important aim of brain breaks)
● Keep rules to a minimum
● Be clear on your instruction and demonstrate
● Set a time limit (aim for less than a couple of minutes, or make a special longer time for a game of 10-15 minutes)
● Plan their use: How long for? When to offer it? What variations can you make?
● Keep an eye out on the energy levels of your group. They may need it earlier or could come later than you planned.
As a neuroscience geek and passionate advocate of trauma-informed practice, I can happily say brain breaks are fully backed by evidence-based research to promote concentration and wellbeing and to foster positive relationships, a key factor in helping people affected by trauma to feel more welcomed and safer to participate in the group.
Six immediate benefits
Positive effect on learning
Boost the mood
Can refocus group energy
Tension-relieving benefits of movement
Build rapport
Provide humour
Brain breaks are designed to create positive emotions, which in turn can improve creativity and problem-solving skills useful in learning. See Barbara Fredrickson's Broaden-and-Build theory, 2009.
How do I find ideas for brain breaks?
A quick internet search will reveal limitless options. Or try asking your participants for their ideas – but frame your request carefully, so they’re aware of time limits and keeping instructions simple and accessible for all abilities (no backwards-bending yoga poses!). If it helps, keep a list of brain break ideas in your phone. You only need a few sprinkled through your sessions, and it helps to have a few options ready to go.
Added bonus
Brain breaks give you a moment to check in with where you are up to on your agenda, and reflect on your best next steps. In ongoing groups, I invite people to schedule a turn for leading a brain break – changes things up and takes pressure off you for a little while.
I encourage you to give brain breaks a go next time you’re working with a group – you’ll most likely be met with smiles and gratitude – and enjoy renewed focus when you return to the task at hand.
Recommended resources: Brain Breaks Pocketbook, Brain Breaks 2 and Mindful Moments – little booklets (around $11 each plus postage) produced by the Institute of Positive Education & Berry Street Education Model instituteofpositiveeducation.com
Got a question about brain breaks? Want a quick training session on how to facilitate them? Feel free to connect: janoel@groupwork.com.au | 0408 664 919