How to Create a Brain-Boosting Play Routine (Even If You're Busy)

Written by Dr. Stefanie Rodsater, Pediatric Chiropractor and Founder of Building Brilliant Brains

No time? No problem.

You don’t need hours a day- or a Pinterest-worthy schedule-to give your child what their brain really needs.

Just a few minutes of purposeful movement sprinkled throughout your day can supercharge brain development, support sensory integration, and keep your child’s nervous system regulated.

All you need is a simple routine-and the right space to make it happen.

Why Movement Belongs in Your Daily Routine

The brain grows by use. That’s not just a cute saying-it’s neuroscience. Every time your child rolls, climbs, hangs, or balances, they’re:

✅ Wiring their vestibular system (for balance and attention)
✅ Strengthening core muscles (for posture + coordination)
✅ Integrating primitive reflexes
✅ Improving emotional regulation
✅ Building confidence + body awareness

Movement is the foundation. And with a few simple habits, you can make brain-boosting play part of your everyday rhythm.

Your 5-Minute Brain-Boosting Play Blocks

Try adding 1-3 of these mini play sessions throughout your day:

1. Morning Movement Reset ☀️

Before breakfast or right after getting dressed:

• Roll on the floor

• Hang from a bar or parent’s arms

• Crawl under a table

• Rock on the balance board

Even 3-5 minutes can help regulate their system for the day.

2. After-Nap Energy Release 💥

Post-nap is the perfect time to:

• Climb the Pikler triangle

• Slide, then log roll back to the start

• Jump off a crash pad and stick the landing

This wakes up the vestibular system + re-engages the brain.

3. Pre-Bed Wind-Down 🌙

Yes-movement before bed can actually help your child calm down.
Try:

• Gentle upside-down hangs (from your lap or a bar)

• Rocking on the balance board

• Slow crawling over soft surfaces

• Log rolls + deep squeezes on the mat

Movement input helps their nervous system settle for deeper sleep.

Tools to Make It Easy

With EZPlay’s beautiful, open-ended play tools, you can create a brain-building routine without a huge setup.

✅ Pikler Triangle + Arch + Slide
Ideal for climbing, crawling, sliding, and flipping- over and over again.

✅ Wobble Balance Board
Perfect for morning or pre-bed movement breaks. Rock, stand, spin, stretch- so many ways to move.

✅ Double-Sided Play Mat
Your base for everything: rolling, crawling, flipping, or even quiet sensory breaks.

Final Thoughts

Busy days happen. But even the shortest movement moments matter.

Build your routine around brain-boosting play, and you’ll see stronger motor skills, better focus, deeper sleep, and a more confident little mover.

🧠 Want to make this easy?
Set up a movement zone with EZPlay’s brain-boosting tools and start building smarter routines—one roll, climb, and jump at a time.