Activities for Success - A Fit Body Creates a Fit Mind

Research shows that the fitness of your body is related to the fitness of your brain. Physical exercise is like "Miracle Grow" for the brain. It activates the release of "BDNF" which is a neuron growth factor that improves cognition, stimulates us to keep us alert, lowers stress, improves memory and puts students in the optimal learning environment. Exercise feeds the brain glucose (energy) and oxygen, which helps to build better connections between the neurons that help the brain to read, write and compute. Scientists have discovered that exercise has the most effect on the Hippocampus, which is the portion of the brain that helps short term memory convert new information into long term memory... which is very important for learning!

Exercise for Learning Readiness Brain and Activity Breaks

Try these brain and activity breaks during class to get yourself energized and engaged. Research shows that when you move before learning or during learning, you can be more successful.

Brain Breaks: Each of the four breaks leads you through a quick 1 - 2 minute activity that engages both sides of the brain. These activities are designed to improve your attention and increase your ability to focus, which are important components of learning!

Activity Breaks: Each of the four breaks leads you through ten minutes of physical activity designed to stimulate the learning centers of the brain. Once these centers are activated, you will have more energy and be able to focus your attention on your studies.

We suggest participating in Brain and Activity breaks:

• Half way through a long lecture class or at the beginning of a shorter class
• When doing home work
• When you're studying for a test
• When you are feeling sluggish and don't have much time to get work done
• Anytime!

Individual Brain Break Activity Instructions