In the days leading up to fall break, the conversations I had with my college peers consisted of excitement for time off and relaxation, yet also echoed of worries that work would pile up and cause them to fall behind (no pun intended).
While it is admirable and beneficial to work diligently, it is also essential to take breaks when an administration or workplace offers them. In America, a worryingly high percentage of workers do not use allocated days off due to feelings of guilt and pressure to be constantly slaving away at assignments.
Although this statistic focuses on employees, the data it reveals closely relates to the experiences of college students and their vacation time. Students on college campuses, especially those attending highly competitive schools, can fall victim to life-threatening levels of stress and anxiety as a result of not allowing themselves refuge from the rigorous academic mindset.
Enjoying breaks may come across as a trivial and even lazy solution to easing stress. But it is important not to underestimate how much of a difference it makes to take advantage of time off. Rather than encourage laziness, time off results in increased productivity, which benefits not only the student or worker, but also the overall atmosphere. The stress culture on campuses and workplaces is in dire need of reduction, and having a well-rested populace will certainly ease the tense environment.
One way to begin unwinding during time off is to remember that vacation periods exist for a reason – college administrations deliberately place breaks during time frames of the year that cause the most stress. I noticed that everyone I spoke to on campus admitted how much they longed for the upcoming fall break. A vacation of five or six days may seem short, but those days arrive at a time when students need it most – adjusting to the fall semester is a trying time for all students, whether they be first-years or seniors.
Even throughout the semester when classes are in session, taking breaks in between studying is critical to mental and physical health. Even stepping away from coursework for a mere 15 minutes goes a long way in improving alertness and work ethic.
Whether it is over a month or simply a matter of minutes, relishing a break rather than fretting is essential to overall health and productivity. Vacations exist to promote time for self-care – a practice that will never cease to be necessary to daily life, regardless of one’s occupation.
In the stressful chaos of college, it can be easy to forget that fall break is for coping with the busy fall semester, Thanksgiving break encourages bonding and feasting with family and friends, and winter break is there to ensure merriment during the holiday season. Work will never stop being important, but neither will time off. Striking a balance between the two is critical, and all too often the scale is in favor of work and more work. Let us strive to change that – treating ourselves to genuine relaxation time sounds like a good place to start.
