IntroductionProblem Statement:Teens are feeling the pressure of state testing, common core, and standards more than ever. Students are pushed to their limits and this causes stress. Students face long periods of rigorous classroom work without interruption, with high expectations for productivity. This research proposal will examine the ways in which a 10-minute break from all cognitive tasks with the inclusion of a healthy fruit snack can reduce stress and improve students' alertness. Research has shown that types of breaks correlate with increased productivity and student behavior, and has also shown that there is a strong correlation with a healthy diet and brain functioning. With all this information there is no specific research that addresses the benefits of taking a break from work without a break and incorporating a healthy snack into it. Background: Stress and mental fatigue are prevalent among the majority of adolescents in America. The American Psychological Association conducted a survey in 2009 on stress in America. The survey found that 44% of students aged 8 to 12 reported feeling stressed about managing school pressure, responsibilities, homework and performing well in school. Children's Health conducted a similar survey and students were concerned about school, grades, homework, family, friends, peers, gossip and teasing. It can be argued that a little stress is good and has been found to increase motivation and healthy competition. However, chronic stress, which occurs when one believes one cannot meet all the demands placed on one, has consistently been associated with negative outcomes (Blazer, 2010). Recreation is an important part of the day for stu...... middle of paper......, G. (2006). Young people and healthy eating: A summary review of research on barriers and facilitators. Health Education Research, 21, 239-256.Stein, R. E. (2009). School recess and group classroom behavior. Pediatrics: Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 123, 431-436.Thompson, R., & Haskins, R. (2014, March 1). Early stress gets under your skin: Promising initiatives to help children cope with chronic adversity. The Future of Children: Princeton-Brookings.Webb, D. (2009). Snacking regularly is smart snacking – make it happen. Environmental Nutrition, 32, 2.Ward, H. (2012, October 26). The school where children decide when to have lunch. Times Educational Supplement, 2.Zizza, C. A., & Xu, B. (2012). Snacking is associated with overall diet quality among adults. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 112, 291-294.