Halifax-based Bright Breaks, a provider of workplace wellness solutions, has announced that its short breaks will be featured on the Air Canada in-flight entertainment system starting February 1.

The announcement allows the startup to bring its blend of mindfulness, yoga, and stretching to airline passengers.

"Our team has meticulously crafted content specifically designed for the unique challenges of air travel, helping passengers relax, stretch, and improve their overall well-being during their journey," said David Howe, Bright Breaks CEO, in a press release.

The company’s seven-minute programs are designed to lessen the stress of air travel, the company said, from easing flight anxiety to alleviating the physical discomfort of prolonged sitting.

"We understand that stress can set in well before takeoff, so our Bright Breaks curated content offers a perfect solution to help passengers ease their anxieties, manage stress, and create a more positive journey from departure to arrival,” said Jim Chung, Air Canada’s Chief Medical Officer.

Bright Breaks said its programs are tailored to the in-flight environment, and each pose and exercise can be safely and effectively performed within the confines of an airplane seat.

With studios in Halifax and Vancouver, Bright Breaks delivers live and on-demand wellness content to businesses across North America. In 2023, it closed a $2.5M funding round led by Build Ventures and including Concrete Ventures and Invest Nova Scotia. This followed a $1.45M round in 2022.

Bright was initially known as Cribcut, a venture that sold haircuts in work places. Its business model was disrupted when the pandemic hit. Howe and his team pivoted, and began selling online exercise and wellness classes that employees could watch during work breaks, whether in the office or at home.

The company said its approach to workplace wellness is rooted in scientific research. Staffs that use its services can access more than 300 live breaks per week and an extensive on-demand library, automating the scheduling of seven-minute wellness breaks directly into employees’ calendars using AI.