The Movement-Brain Connection: Helping Kids Learn & Thrive-Part 2

Why Movement is the Key to Focus, Emotional Regulation, and Learning

Today’s kids are moving less than ever before. With increased screen time, less outdoor play, and more sedentary lifestyles, their brains are missing out on critical movement input that’s essential for focus, behavior, and learning.

The Brain-Body Connection: Why Movement Matters

Movement is how the brain develops and strengthens neural pathways. It activates key systems like:

• The Vestibular System (Balance & Coordination) – Located in the inner ear, it helps with spatial awareness and body control. Kids with weak vestibular systems often struggle with focus, attention, and motor skills.

• The Proprioceptive System (Body Awareness & Regulation) – Helps children understand where their body is in space. When underdeveloped, kids may appear clumsy, restless, or constantly seek deep pressure (like crashing into things or tight hugs).

• The Frontal Cortex (Focus & Emotional Control) – Movement builds strong neural connections between the body and the brain, improving executive function, problem-solving, and impulse control.

  
  

Why Perfect Storm Kids Need MORE Movement

Perfect Storm kids, who already have nervous system dysregulation, need even more movement than typical children to help regulate their fight-or-flight response. Without it, they may struggle with:

• Hyperactivity or difficulty sitting still

• Sensory overload and meltdowns

• Delayed motor skills and coordination problems

  
  

Best Movement Strategies for Learning & Regulation

To support brain development, kids need movement activities like:

• Cross-body exercises (crawling, skipping, cross-crawl patterns)

• Balance and coordination activities (walking on a line, yoga poses, swinging)

• Heavy work and deep pressure (pushing/pulling, carrying weighted objects, climbing)

• Outdoor free play (running, jumping, rolling, spinning)

• Chiropractic adjustments (to enhance nervous system function and movement efficiency)

  
  

By incorporating these activities daily, kids build stronger neural pathways, improve self-regulation, and enhance focus for learning.