January 7, 2024 - Happy New Year!
Written/Edited by: Shaleishka & Mana
Why are breaks so vital?
The holidays are an exciting time in student’s lives and for good reason, but the holidays themselves aren't what all students are excited about. The holidays allow for a break from school; whether it’s a month, a few weeks, or even a few days, it’s extremely beneficial. There’s a certain point in a school year that it becomes extremely tiring for many students. Many look forward to the breaks that will have them feeling refreshed and allow for them to have more than 48 hours to recover from the stresses they might face at school. Throughout the year, there’s plenty going on in a student’s mind; besides the obvious like homework and grades, a student’s life is based around the school year. Being a student means you’re sticking to the same weekly schedule and it can be hard to maintain relationships and activities that you enjoy due to the stresses of school, while maintaining healthy stress levels. Breaks are a way to unwind and have a moment of relaxation so that students, and even teachers, can be rejuvenated and ready for school when it comes back around. Undoubtedly, education is a luxury that students have but hitting the pause button on it can be helpful as well.
Schools Breaks & Mental Health
STUDIES:
2016, Psychologist Karrie Godwin and Researchers: Students were found to spend, on average, over a quarter of a 30 minute class distracted. The problem was, the instruction period was too long. Breaks in between three 10 minute periods would help. (They have also proven effective for behavioral betterment in younger students.)
2012, Mary Helen Immordino-Yang and USC/MIT Colleagues: Upon inspection of the brain whilst taking a break, it was found to still be highly active. New regions of the brain were “lit up” compared to when off break. Using these regions is what helps us reflect, plan ahead, and form memories fully.
2013, National Academy of Medicine: Breaks can take the form of exercise. Decades of research have proven that exercise improves various cognitive functions, and breaks help students interact with one another and learn social skills. Recess and breaks should not be eliminated from the high school schedule, and that much is clear.
2011, UoI psychology professor Alejandro Lleras: When taking the same test, the group that took no break in between declined in performance significantly, while the group that took a break maintained performance the entire time.
How to Relax
Sleep! This is a simple way to reduce stress that many people disregard.
Communication! This is the time you have to connect with others and spend time with the people you love.
Travel! Create new experiences throughout the holidays, it doesn’t even have to be out of the state you live in.
Take a walk! Many times students don’t have time to just go outside and be in the moment, so taking a walk is a way to compose your thoughts and get your exercise in!
Take up writing! Writing is a healthy way to communicate feelings and help destress, sometimes a chaotic school life can lead to unhealthy ways to relieve stress but writing is a good gateway to healthy mechanisms.
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