Figure 8's for the Brain and Learning

In the field of Kinesiology - Applied Kinesiology, Behavioral Kinesiology, Brain Gym - figure 8 exercises are used in many ways to reduce stress, relax the mind, integrate the brain hemispheres and make life and learning easier.

Paul Dennison, Ph.D. and creator of Edu-Kinesthetics and Brain Gym developed exercises to enhance whole-brain learning and empower learners. Many teachers incorporate these simple tools, especially figure 8's, into the classroom curriculum.

My first course at Three In One Concepts was called One Brain - Dyslexic Learning Correction and Brain Integration. Figure 8 exercises and the theory behind them were an instrumental part of the course. 

Years ago, I had the opportunity to teach brain exercises to teachers who included them in their morning meetings with students in grades K - 3. Many reported back that the students asked to do the exercises again after lunch!

There is no wrong way to "play" with figure 8's. Just doodling an 8 or infinity symbol activates the integration of the brain hemispheres. A simple exercise to incorporate more movement is below. Add music to make it more enjoyable.

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  Standing, use your arms (or one arm at a time) to sway with your body while creating a sideways figure 8.

• Go up and over on the right, circle down, then up and over on the left, circle down and then again up and over to the right. Repeat as often as you like.
  

Find a flow that feels comfortable for you. If standing is too difficult, do the exercise sitting. Your brain doesn't really care! 

If you have shoulder discomfort, grab a big piece of paper and doodle figure 8's. Follow the tracing with your eyes. Reverse the flow and see if one is easier than the other.