In this episode of The Podclass, host Elizabeth Tingle sits down with Dr. Shannon Kell, PhD and Faculty of Education at Mount Royal University, to explore the power of purposeful breaks.

Dr. Kell shares insights into why rest isn't a luxury, it is a necessity for sustainable wellbeing. From pre-service teachers to seasoned educators, we discuss how everyone benefits from intentional pauses in their day. What makes a break meaningful? How can we shift our systems to support collective wellness, not just individual resilience?

We dive into the research on the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of taking breaks, and how meaningful downtime can improve focus, build stronger relationships, and support mental health. Dr. Kell also reflects on her recent sabbatical in Norway, offering a powerful contrast between European approaches to rest and North America’s tendency to pack days full.

Whether you're an educator, student, or leader, this episode invites you to rethink rest, not as something to earn, but as something essential.

Resources:

Kell, S. (2024). University Students’ Perceptions of a 30-Minute Break During Class: A Realistic Practice for Wellness?. Teaching and Learning Inquiry, 12, 1–30. https://doi.org/10.20343/teachlearninqu.12.17

https://takemeoutside.ca/

https://phecanada.ca/

https://outdoorlearning.com/  

https://werklund.ucalgary.ca/about/indigenous-education/books-to-build-on

position-statement-on-active-outdoor-play-en.pdf