Why is this a good idea?
Assuming arguendo that you already know the many benefits of incorporating movement into your brain breaks—I’m going to jump right into why this particular movement brain break might be a great idea!
Remember that detached brain idea?
You don't? Click here.
Your brain almost feels detached from the rest of your body and senses.
Movement can help bring your brain back to your body and the present moment.
However, sometimes movement alone is not sufficient. Sometimes, your brain has attached itself so much to your study materials that it can’t break free—even when your body does.
For the purposes of this kite imagery…
Sometimes it’s sufficient to simply perform the movement of reeling in the kite.
Sometimes the kite gets stuck on a tree.
To get unstuck, you’ll need to force your brain to focus on something else. This can be achieved through sensory brain breaks.
Think about it.
Under normal circumstances, let’s pretend you put down the books and go do something else as a study break.
Despite completely separating yourself from your studies, you might still not be able to shake the brain’s fog and lethargy.
It is as though your brain has not sensed enough of a change. Your brain still categorizes your new activity as part of an overall humdrum monotony.
By contrast...
If your house suddenly caught fire, your brain would shake that fog and lethargy right off and its full attention would be on that fire.
I am not suggesting you light your house on fire!
I am suggesting that you trick your brain into a false sense of urgency and emergency.
Reaction Balls
Reaction balls are designed to improve reflexes and agility.
Reflexes and agility are important for bar prep because—once you see the correct multiple-choice answer—you need to be able to select it as quickly as possible.
I’m 100% joking!!!
The reaction time ball is a great brain break, though.
You get the benefits of some moderate movement.
Plus, you can create that sense of urgency and emergency that can capture your brain’s full attention and help it break free from the fog and lethargy.
Training your ability to focus is also important.
However, if I told you that you should train your ability to focus by focusing more on your study materials, you might rightfully want to smack me.
A reaction ball is a great alternative way to train your ability to focus—and it will demand your focus!
Where do you find these things?
You can probably find them at a local sporting goods store, but I would probably just buy one off Amazon.
Many of the reaction balls sold on amazon are eligible for prime shipping, too.
How much are Reaction Balls?
These are relatively inexpensive. Prices usually hover around $10.00.
How do you use these?
The Basics:
Throw it against something.
Try to catch it.
Care to Elaborate?
You’ll want a hard surface for it to bounce. So, a carpeted floor might not be your best bet. Once you progress to tossing the ball, you can use a wall.
Of course, you might want to be sure that there’s nothing breakable within its bounce radius.
If you don’t have a suitable spot indoors, you can always go outdoors for a bit of sunshine, too.
Anything Else?
Okay, you might actually want to start by dropping the ball—rather than throwing it.
There are some really great videos on youtube showing progression ideas for reaction balls. This video provides a really good breakdown of reaction ball progression ideas.
Don't Worry:
You do not need to take this as seriously as someone who is using this to enhance their athletic performance.
You could just sit on the ground and drop the ball from a height of a few inches to start. You could take it super seriously, but you could also just let it be fun and silly.
Happy Bouncing!
Congratulations!
You just took a brain break!
Even if you don’t end up using this particular brain break idea, just reading this light little post gave your brain brief relief from dense legal texts and lectures.
Yay!
If your brain is ready to get back to work, great! Get after it!
If your brain is not ready to go back to work, that’s okay, too.
If this sounds like a brain break you might want to try, you could look into getting a reaction ball.
or
If you happen to already have a reaction ball, you could try it out!
or
You could also take a look at some of the other brain break ideas.
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments to this post on Instagram!
No matter what,
feel free to congratulate yourself!
You took a brief brain break, and you explored ways to help optimize your brain, your study habits, and—ultimately—your performance!