Adults need recess, too

A couple weeks back, one of my favorite podcasts, The Ready State, by Kelly and Juliet Starrett launched a new format where they chat with each other in a less structured way than when they have a guest. They call these short episodes RECESS and actually brought up some great new guidelines about actual recess.

The American Academy of Pediatrics updated their guidance on recess for the first time in 13 years and the news is not that shocking. In the past 20 years, 40% of schools have cut down or altogether cut out recess. 

That’s clearly not good news.

The study points out:

‍Kids need breaks between periods of focused learning so their brains can process and remember information. Recess also helps them develop social skills, emotional strength, and confidence.

This is such a no-brainer for kids but what I want to point out is all of that is also true FOR ADULTS. 

Our bodies were not designed to be not-stop, sitting and working machines. The truth is counter-intuitive but true. If you are skipping breaks because you are “too busy,” you aren’t actually more productive. You’re just building up fatigue. 

Another important factor for adults that is grossly underperformed is PLAY. Most grown-ups take on exercise like they are taking a large pill. They hold their nose, choke it down and tolerate it. 

Sure, counting down the mindless minutes on an elliptical technically counts as exercise, but it’s missing some of the beauty and frankly fun that exercise can deliver to us. 

If you can, try to replace one mind-numbing exercise session per week with something fun, whether that’s pickleball, playing a sport with your kids or even tossing a frisbee or kicking a hackey sack for a while. 

Recess isn’t optional for kids. It shouldn’t be for you either.