What is a healthy break and why is it important?
Sitting for long periods, losing concentration and growing tiredness - who hasn't experienced this at university? This is exactly where the healthy break comes in: Simple, short movement units and beneficial relaxation exercises ensure that fresh energy and focus are reactivated.
Just five to seven minutes can:
- increase concentration - as movement stimulates blood flow to the brain and improves receptiveness,
- Reduce stress - as targeted breathing techniques and relaxation methods help to clear the mind,
- tension is relieved - which is caused by sitting for long periods of time, thus preventing back and neck problems,
- and recharge your batteries - to keep you motivated and productive.
The best part? The healthy break works directly in the lecture hall or seminar room - without changing clothes and without equipment. Simply stand up, join in and feel how your body and mind calm down or get going.
Why integrate the healthy break into university teaching?
The regular integration of the Healthy Break has been proven to bring many benefits for students and teaching staff - both in terms of health and performance.
Improved concentration and learning success
Movement breaks promote blood circulation and stimulate the brain. According to a study by Fenesi et al. (2018), just a few minutes of physical activity can increase attention and learning outcomes during lectures. Breaks from physical activity can buffer attention lapses and lead to better student engagement.
Reducing stress and strain
In addition to the numerous opportunities that everyday university life brings with it, various challenges are also part of studying (Vidic, 2023). Dealing with academic pressure and expectations (especially during exam periods) as well as balancing these with extracurricular demands often leads to increased stress levels. Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises and mindfulness exercises (such as the body scan) help students to reduce their stress levels and strengthen their mental resilience. Maladaptive coping strategies can also be significantly reduced through relaxation exercises (Vidic, 2023).
Promoting health and preventing complaints
Sitting for long periods in lectures and seminars often leads to tension in the neck and back (Techniker Krankenkasse, 2023). Sedentary behavior and a lack of physical activity are also associated with academic and general stress (Lines et al., 2021). Exercise sessions effectively counteract this. According to Paulus et al. (2021), standing breaks and short exercise breaks can improve the self-perceived physical and mental well-being of university students.
Creating a positive teaching and learning environment
The healthy break is not only a means of promoting performance, but also shows that the university pays attention to the well-being of its members. It creates a health-conscious culture that motivates and inspires - a benefit for students and teaching staff alike.
Mind the GeP - Together we move the university!
The healthy break not only makes everyday university life more productive, but also healthier. So take this opportunity to promote physical and mental well-being in the long term - very simply, right in the seminar room.
