by Shafqat Ali
Do you ever wake up feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep? It might not just be physical exhaustion – it could be mental or emotional fatigue. That’s what we explored in a recent interactive talk with school children, focusing on the topic of “How to Deal with Tiredness using Boosting Breaks.”
We kicked off the discussion by questioning what tiredness really means. Is it solely about physical exhaustion? Not quite. Even after six to seven hours of sleep, someone might still feel tired. Why? Because tiredness can stem from various sources – physical, mental, or emotional strain.
As the conversation flowed, students shared insightful perspectives. Some pointed out that tiredness often comes from prolonged activity. When you spend too much time on one task without a break, it can wear you out. Others highlighted the role of the mind in feeling tired. It’s not just about physical fatigue; mental exhaustion plays a significant part too.
But how do we combat tiredness effectively? That’s where boosting breaks come in. We discussed the importance of giving our bodies and minds adequate rest. Just like a phone needs to recharge its battery, our bodies need breaks to refresh and refuel.
So, when should you take a break? Well, it varies from person to person. We encouraged the students to experiment and find their optimal break times. In school, breaks are usually scheduled after 45 minutes of class time. But even a short 5-minute break can make a big difference in how refreshed you feel.
We emphasized the need for structured breaks – not just scrolling on your phone, but actively disconnecting from tasks and giving your brain a chance to unwind. Deep breathing exercises, stretching, or simply closing your eyes can help your brain digest information and recharge.
One student made a particularly astute observation – tiredness is like a “tired bar,” and once you hit it, you know it’s time for a break. Breaks aren’t just about doing nothing; they’re about doing something different from your current activity. It’s a brief pause to reset and rejuvenate.
When it comes to types of breaks, we discussed both mental and physical activities. Mentally refreshing breaks could include doing household chores, reorganising your desk, or stretching. Physically rejuvenating breaks might involve taking a short walk, skipping rope, or doing a few jumping jacks.
In addition to school, we also talked about the importance of breaks at home. Parents should remind children not to spend too long in front of screens, as they can lose track of time and end up feeling tired. Encouraging children to move strategically throughout the day with different activities, whether it’s chores or physical exercise, can help them stay energised and focused.
In conclusion, tackling tiredness isn’t just about getting more sleep – it’s about strategically incorporating boosting breaks into our daily routines. So, the next time you feel your energy dwindling, remember to hit that refresh button with a well-deserved break. Your body and mind will thank you for it!