As families ease into school breaks, we’re often greeted with a mix of excitement—and sometimes anxiety. The structure of school days gives way to late mornings, spontaneous schedules, and plenty of screen time. While these breaks can be a much-needed time of rest, they also offer a powerful opportunity for something deeper: brain rejuvenation.
It’s tempting to see breaks as a chance to unplug entirely. And yes, rest is essential for the brain—but we also know that extended periods of inactivity or overstimulation (hello, video games and YouTube marathons) can lead to challenges like foggy thinking, irritability, and even regression in focus or coordination.
That’s why school breaks are not just a pause—they’re a window. A window to reset, rebuild, and reignite cognitive resilience for both kids and parents. This is where Functional Neurology shines.
Understanding Functional Neurology
What Is Functional Neurology?
Your brain is your body’s command center—regulating movement, thought, mood, coordination, and nearly every bodily function. Functional Neurology is a powerful, drug-free approach to enhancing how the brain and body communicate. It’s grounded in the science of neuroplasticity—the brain’s incredible ability to adapt, rewire, and strengthen itself through intentional, repetitive stimulation and exercise.
Think of it like this: just as physical muscles become stronger with use, so too can the brain. Functional Neurology helps us identify which areas of the brain may be underperforming, overstressed, or imbalanced, and then trains them—using custom therapies—to function more efficiently.
This approach is especially impactful during growth, development, recovery from injury, or even periods of stress and change—like a school break.
Functional vs. Traditional Neurology: A Different Lens
In traditional medicine, neurologists often look for disease or structural abnormalities—like tumors, strokes, or lesions. When these are absent, yet symptoms persist, many families are left without answers or told to “wait and see.”
Functional Neurology sees what others might miss. Instead of focusing solely on pathology, we look for functional imbalances—those subtle miscommunications between the brain and body that can impact everything from focus and coordination to mood and energy.
At Brain Health D.C., we use detailed assessments and non-invasive technologies to decode your brain’s unique patterns and offer personalized support, even when standard tests appear normal.
A Brain Boost for All Ages
One of the most beautiful aspects of Functional Neurology is its universality. Whether it’s a toddler with developmental delays, a student with focus struggles, an athlete looking to improve reaction time, or a parent experiencing brain fog—this work meets you where you are.
Our programs are adaptable for every life stage and need. By activating specific neural pathways through custom exercises and therapies—such as balance training, sensory stimulation, eye movement exercises, and more—we help each family member gain clarity, coordination, and confidence.
Activities and Strategies for Mental Sharpness
At-Home Brain Health Practices
Brain-Based Movement and Games
Movement fuels cognition. The more we engage our bodies, the more we activate and coordinate different brain regions—especially those responsible for memory, attention, and emotional regulation. Try:
- Cross-lateral movements like crawling, marching, or cross-body toe touches
- Balance challenges using pillows or yoga poses
- Focus games like “Simon Says,” memory card flips, or timed puzzles
- Hand-eye drills such as balloon taps or flashlight tag in a dark room
These types of activities activate multiple sensory systems, enhancing integration and processing speed.
Family Mindfulness & Breathwork
Stress affects brain clarity. By integrating mindfulness and breathing into your daily routine—even for 5 minutes—you help regulate the nervous system and improve focus, impulse control, and sleep.
- Try “4-7-8 breathing” before bed or during transitions
- Use visual aids or apps to guide meditation for young children
- Create a “calm corner” with cushions, books, and soft lighting to support emotional regulation
Balanced Daily Routines
Brains need rhythm to thrive. Establishing structure—even during time off—can make all the difference. Aim to:
- Maintain a consistent sleep and wake time
- Prioritize daily hydration (infuse water with berries or mint to make it fun!)
- Include outdoor movement or sunlight exposure each day
- Schedule “tech-free” windows to reset overstimulated minds
These small steps help restore circadian rhythms, enhance learning, and balance mood.
Functional Nutrition for Brain Fuel
Just like a high-performance engine, your brain needs the right fuel to function optimally. Nutrients influence neurotransmitter balance, blood flow, inflammation, and energy production.
Key Nutrients to Support Cognitive Function
- Omega-3s (DHA/EPA) – found in fatty fish like salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds
- Choline – supports memory; found in eggs and sunflower seeds
- Magnesium – promotes relaxation and focus; found in pumpkin seeds, spinach, bananas
- B Vitamins – especially B6, B12, and folate for energy and neurotransmitter support
- Antioxidants – blueberries, dark chocolate, turmeric, and green tea support cellular brain health
Brain-Boosting Snack & Meal Ideas
- Berry & avocado smoothie with chia seeds and spinach
- Hard-boiled eggs with orange slices and nuts
- Veggie sticks with hummus and sunflower seeds
- Baked salmon with quinoa and sautéed greens
- Coconut yogurt parfaits with granola and blueberries
Remember, nutrition is not just about food—it’s about how we feel, think, move, and interact. Food can truly be medicine for the brain.
In-Clinic Therapies and Tools at Brain Health D.C.
Tailored Diagnostic Evaluations
Every person—child or adult—is wonderfully unique, and so is their nervous system. Our first step is always listening. During your initial consultation and evaluation, we take time to understand your personal history, concerns, and goals. Then we conduct a comprehensive assessment using neurological, orthopedic, and functional testing to uncover how the brain and body are communicating—or not.
Based on our findings, we craft an individualized plan that supports your family’s specific needs, whether it's attention issues, anxiety, post-concussion recovery, or performance optimization.
Advanced Tools for Brain-Based Healing
At Brain Health D.C., we use an array of specialized tools and technologies that harness the brain's natural ability to heal and adapt:
- Senaptec Sensory Station: Measures and trains visual clarity, reaction time, depth perception, and eye-hand coordination—especially valuable for athletes and kids with sensory processing challenges.
- BrainTap: Combines guided meditation with light and sound therapy to promote relaxation, focus, and neurological reset.
- Neurofeedback (NeuroOptimal): Non-invasive brain training that helps improve flexibility, resilience, and self-regulation of brain activity.
- Motion Guidance: A visual feedback system used to enhance posture, balance, and movement precision in real-time.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy: Reduces inflammation and supports cellular repair, especially in neurorehabilitation settings.
These tools are safe, engaging, and can be adapted for both children and adults.
Support for Young Athletes: The B.R.A.I.N.S. Sport Program
For active kids and teens involved in sports, our B.R.A.I.N.S. Sport Performance Program is designed to boost:
- Balance
- Reaction Time
- Accuracy
- Imagination
- Endurance
- Spatial Awareness/Speed
This program doesn't just build physical skill—it optimizes the brain that drives every movement. Whether your child is recovering from a concussion, looking to prevent injury, or striving for peak performance, we help them train smarter, not harder.
And parents, you’re not left out. Many adults benefit equally from these therapies—improving focus, memory, stress resilience, and overall brain vitality.
A Break is a Gift—Use It Wisely
As we reach the end of this exploration, let this be your gentle reminder: school breaks are not just a pause in routine—they’re an invitation. An invitation to nurture your family's well-being, reset brain-body rhythms, and invest in the kind of healing that builds lifelong resilience.
Whether you’re noticing subtle changes in focus or behavior, or simply want to support your child’s development and your own mental clarity, these in-between moments are where transformation begins. At Brain Health D.C., we believe that the brain is always listening—and we’re here to help you speak to it with compassion, clarity, and purpose.
You have the power to guide your family toward greater balance, sharper minds, and deeper connection.
Reboot, Rebalance, Reignite!
📅 Schedule your visit today with Dr. Nisreen Tayebjee at Brain Health D.C. and let’s chart a personalized path to wellness together.
📞 Have questions? We’d love to hear from you.
Call us at (858) 208-0710 or email us at infochiro@fitnessgenome.net
📍 Visit us:
Brain Health D.C.
1905 Calle Barcelona, Suite 234
Carlsbad, CA 92009
📱 Follow along for daily insights, hope, and inspiration:
Instagram | YouTube
