Sensory breaks are short, structured breaks that allow individuals, particularly those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or other sensory challenges, to regulate their sensory input and help them remain focused and calm. These breaks provide opportunities to increase or decrease sensory stimulation based on the individual’s needs. These breaks are often used in educational settings to help students manage sensory overload or under-stimulation.
Key Purposes:
Regulation: They help balance sensory input by allowing time to reduce overwhelming stimuli or engage in activities that provide the sensory input the body needs.
Focus: They can help students refocus and improve concentration after periods of work.
Calmness: They promote relaxation and reduce stress or anxiety by offering a moment to reset sensory systems.
Types of Activities:
- Movement Breaks: Jumping, running, dancing, or stretching to engage the vestibular and proprioceptive systems.
- Calming Activities: Deep breathing exercises, listening to soothing music, or quiet time in a dim room.
- Tactile Breaks: Playing with sensory toys (e.g., squishy balls, kinetic sand) or using fidgets.
- Visual Breaks: Watching calming visuals like lava lamps or staring at nature scenery.
- Auditory Breaks: Using noise-canceling headphones or listening to white noise.
- Proprioceptive Input: Activities like pushing against a wall, carrying a weighted object, or using a weighted blanket.
These breaks are typically scheduled throughout the day or used when signs of being overwhelmed (e.g., irritability, fidgeting) begin to appear. They can be tailored to the individual’s sensory needs, making them highly effective for improving focus and emotional regulation.
