Implementing a 10-minute Relaxation and Healthy Snack Time Program for Fourth Graders to Measure the Effects on Alertness and Stress Level

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Introduction

Problem Statement:

Adolescents feel the pressure of state tests, common core, and standards more now than ever before. The students are being pushed to their limits and it is causing stress. The students encounter long periods of rigorous classwork without any break, with high expectations of productivity. This research proposal will examine the ways that a 10-minute break from all cognitive tasks with the inclusion of a healthy fruit snack can reduce that stress and improve student alertness. Research has shown that recess types of breaks are correlated with an increase in productivity and student behavior and it has also shown that there is a strong correlation with a healthy diet and brain functioning. With all this information there is no specific research addressing the benefits of a non-recess break from work and incorporating a healthy snack into it.

Background:

Stress and mental fatigue are prevalent among a majority of adolescents in America. The American Psychological Association conducted a survey in 2009 on Stress in America. The survey found that 44% of students from ages 8-12 indicated they were feeling stressed because of managing school pressure, responsibilities, homework, and doing well in school. Kids health conducted a similar survey and hound students were worried about school, grades, homework, family, friends, peers, gossip, and teasing. One can argue that some stress is good and has been found to increase motivation and healthy competition. However, chronic stress, which occurs when one feels that he or she cannot possibly meet all of the demands placed upon him or her, has been consistently associated with negative outcomes (Blazer, 2010). Recess is an important part of the day for stu...

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Stein, R. E. (2009). School recess and group classroom behavior. Pediatrics: Official journal of the American academy of pediatrics, 123, 431-436.

Thompson, R., & Haskins, R. (2014, March 1). Early stress gets under the skin: Promising initiatives to help children facing chronic adversity. The Future of Children: Princeton-Brookings.

Webb, D. (2009). Regular snacking is smart snacking: Making it happen. Environmental Nutrition, 32, 2.

Ward, H. (2012, October 26). The school where children decide when to take lunch. The Times Educational Supplement, 2.

Zizza, C. A., & Xu, B. (2012). Snacking is associated with overall diet quality among adults. Journal of the academy of nutrition and dietics, 112, 291-294.

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