Recharge Brainstorm Race

Introduction

Q: True or false? Watching TV in bed can help you wind down and fall asleep? 
A: False! The bright screen tricks your brain into thinking it is time to be awake.

Let's do a Brainstorm Race! Take a moment right now to think about what it means to "recharge your energy." (Pause for 30 seconds to allow time for kids to think about their responses before continuing with the activity.)

Activity Instructions

1. Divide kids into small groups (3-4 kids per group). Each group picks a person to write.
2. Give each group 1 piece of paper and a pencil or marker.
3. Set a timer for 1 minute.
4. Leader asks "What do you think it means to recharge your energy?" then starts the timer.
5. Each group brainstorms together and writes their ideas on paper.
6. After 1 minute leader asks each group to share their brainstorm thoughts about recharge.
7. Leader explains:

• Recharge, along with mood, influences your choices.
• Recharge gives you energy to make fit food and move choices.
• There are 2 ways to recharge: 
  • Sleep 9-12 hours every night.
  • Relax and do a quiet, screen-free activity to recharge your energy. Do a puzzle, draw, write in a journal, play with blocks or Legos, do breathing exercises, do stretching exercises, meditate, etc.

Reflections

Q: It has been a long day at school and you are wishing you had more energy when you get home. What can you do?
A: Recharge your energy by stretching, reading, drawing, doing puzzles, or evening doing a mindful meditation. Recharge gives you energy to make fit choices!

Challenge

Find ways to relax in order to recharge in your day. Take 10 slow, deep breaths between subjects or activities.