Melissa Painter | September, 5, 2024
Sometimes it boggles the mind, the impact of the body: On thought. On measurable cognitive performance. Two-min in motion for the body, something so small, and look! Positive change! Movement microbreaks initial cognitive resource gains are predicted to have cascading effects on all three types of resources: cognitive resources by improving working memory and cognitive flexibility psychological resources by prompting more neutral emotional appraisals and reduced negative emotional reactivity, and physiological resources by reducing stress reactions2.
Our brains possess finite capacities for sustained attention, memory retention, and cognitive exertion. Emerging research advocates for a deliberate slowdown, a reconnection with our bodies, and a conscious effort to unload our minds, thereby optimizing cognitive output4.
Microbreaks throughout the day have been linked to superior cognitive performance, enhanced mood, and a notable reduction in fatigue, when compared to both uninterrupted periods of sitting and a prolonged 30-minute exercise regiment3.
Breaking up extended periods of sitting has been shown to lead to faster reaction times, improved working memory, and enhanced executive functions. This surge in energy expenditure translates to reduced odds of cognitive decline, faster information processing, and a decrease in fatigue levels2. When incorporating movement-based microbreaks into their routines, students experienced a significant boost in self-efficacy. This newfound confidence was particularly evident in navigating dangerous and uncomfortable situations, as well as in their ability to prevent risky scenarios1.
Moving and musing is where inspiration happens
Get stuck on an idea, a problem, a story point, a comms strategy
Take a moment to move, let yourself muse, make space for your mind to find the solve
Hit a wall, get off a call that threw you because a customer could not be calmed, can’t find the bottom of your inbox, calendar is back to back
Take a moment to move, reset your mood
Or, as a Breakthru super user puts it: “You cannot just sit in front of a screen all day and expect to be productive. You're gonna have things that come up, stress, tension, frustration...Breakthru is like a mini vacation on your computer.”
Neck hurts at the end of day, workday end of day fatigue does not lift, stiff when you stand, only caffeine/candy is turning your body back on?
Take a moment to move.
Movement microbreaks, just 2 minutes long, are proven to reset your metabolism, reach your range of motion, focus your mind, and regain your energy.
You are a hard worker, you push yourself to the limits, you are too busy, you are a caregiver, your life is a balancing act, you put your team, your company, your patient first. You are the one person who does not need, and is not able, to take two minute breaks. Really?
Breakthru is a platform for bringing the intelligence of the body back into the day, via immersive interactive movement based microbreaks. 2 minutes each. The magical sliver of in between times. The transition moments. We make it easy for you to find those two minute moments, and to make them count.
An interview with Mark Morris and Melissa Painter: dance for all, movement in the workplace and through life, and giving employees the tools they need to feel good https://www.dance-enthusiast.com/features/the-dance-enthusiast-asks/view/Mark-Morris-Melissa-Painter-Breakthru-
Breakthru partners with Mark Morris Dance Group to bring the joy of movement to the workday and make dance more accessible for all https://www.danceinforma.com/2024/10/02/dancing-at-your-desk-mark-morris-dance-group-and-breakthru-create-dance-breaks-for-your-workday/
Microsoft for Startups Blog: Breakthru founder Melissa Painter: Expanding well-being in a distributed world with Microsoft Teams
Microsoft’s look into Melissa Painter and her app, Breakthru: the immersive well-being app that’s helping remote teams feel more centered, energized, and connected to their minds and bodies.
Analytics India Magazine: Prioritise Your Well-Being with Breakthru.me: The Immersive and Interactive Wellness Experience Designed for Everyone
Learn how Breakthru helps you take a quick break from your daily routine to get moving, without the need for any special equipment or gear.
Breakthru partners with the NHS to improve healthcare worker’s mental and physical health through microbreaks. In just under a year over, Breakthru is being used in over 85 percent of the NHS Trust organizations—and growing.
How Microsoft Teams helped the Breakthru app bring wellbeing to 45,000 organizations
Breakthru utilizes Microsoft Teams to reach employees where they are already working to help them create a microbreak habit that leads to improved motivation, focus, cognitive performance, and physical and mental wellness.