INTEGRATING BRAIN BREAKS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: ENHANCING ENGAGEMENT, RESILIENCE, AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This article examines the role of brain breaks in higher education as a cognitive, motivational, and resilience-building strategy.Brain breaks are short, structured pauses embedded within instructional time that allow students to shift concentration, reduce fatigue, and restore focus.Drawing on cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and classroom management theory, the paper argues that breaks are not interruptions but essential components of effective learning.They enable memory consolidation, activate different brain networks, and foster emotional regulation, thereby enhancing both academic performance and student well-being.The study synthesizes existing literature and practical applications, highlighting evidence from diverse contexts.Research demonstrates that brain breaks improve concentration, engagement, and accuracy in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms, while also reducing stress and promoting confidence.Physical activities counteract sedentary behavior, breathing exercises restore calm focus, and mental diversions stimulate creativity and collaboration.Together, these strategies contribute to more inclusive and interactive learning environments.Particular attention is given to the Ukrainian wartime context, where higher education faces unprecedented challenges.Students endure heightened stress, trauma, and disrupted learning environments due to ongoing conflict.In such conditions, brain breaks serve not only as pedagogical tools but also as resilience strategies.They provide micro-moments of stability, help regulate anxiety, and strengthen social bonds, Журнал «Наукові інновації та передові технології» № 1(53) 2026 575 offering students a sense of safety and continuity amidst instability.Trauma-sensitive design and careful selection of activities are emphasized as critical for effective implementation.The article concludes that brain breaks should be recognized as vital interventions in higher education worldwide.Their benefits extend beyond cognitive performance to encompass psychological well-being, classroom management, and resilience.Future research should explore long-term academic impacts, digital adaptations, and applications in crisis contexts.Ultimately, brain breaks embody the principle that effective education must balance rigor with care, cognition with emotion, and productivity with resilience.