Lack of concentration? Move to stimulate your brain!

Whether in the classroom, workplace, or working from home, flexible accommodations are offered more and more often to improve our level of attention and concentration: work standing at a high table, swap the office chair for a ball or a wiggle stool…

Did you know ?

The brain is more attentive and retains more information when it is stimulated by movement or physical activity. This need to move in order to remain receptive is important for everyone, especially children and adults living with ADHD.

Does it really work?

A few studies have already reported interesting benefits, including:

Better energy management;
More motivation and participation;
Promotes discussion and exchanges between students in a class;
Improved postural control and sitting posture;
Better attentional capacity.

The professionals’ opinion

For many years, occupational therapists have encouraged the integration of sensorimotor breaks in the classroom or at work, as well as the implementation of movement during learning.

In their practice, occupational therapists recommend alternating working postures on a daily basis (lying on your stomach, standing on the wall, kneeling, etc.). In addition to helping improve postural control, these postures allow you to move, regulate yourself and stay alert.

A few tips

The Rep band is an easy-to-use tool to help keep your feet moving quietly (at school or at home).
Seating and work surfaces of different heights must be provided to accommodate young and old.
Balance balls and cushions are unstable, dynamic surfaces that engage the back muscles and aid postural control. Maximum periods of 15 to 25 minutes are suggested to avoid fatigue and a drop in attention.
When doing graphic tasks (writing, drawing), it is best to choose a stable surface – for example, lying on the floor, standing at a high table, or sitting with a rigid work surface.
If you opt for a simple sitting position, the ideal position is to have your heels touching the floor, with your elbow at a right angle to the work surface.

Ideas for flexible furnishing accessories

Balance cushion
Sensory cushion
Oscillating stool
Portable work surface
Bouncyband or elastic on the legs of the chair
Bean Bag
Adjustable-height work table
Floor chair, for example the Ray-Lax model
A pedal exerciser under the desk
Etc.

Adapt your work area

Who doesn’t wiggle their feet during a conference or wander around the room during an important phone conversation?

Many recognize themselves in others, don’t they!

If the environment does not allow for these movements, we can easily find appropriate tools to improve our workspace. Once we find our favorite positions, we never go back!