Putting the “Break” Back in Summer Break
By: Omar Koura
Summer break is almost over, and let me tell you, it felt like anything but a break. Year after year, throughout the whirlwind of university life, I find myself accumulating a catalogue of things to do during the summertime. Volunteering, working, exercising, learning—the list just goes on, and on, and on.
As soon as the school year ends, the expectation seems to be that summer should be a time to catch up on everything we didn’t have time for during the academic year. We fill our schedules with commitments, from extra shifts at work, to community service, to self-improvement projects. And while all these activities are undoubtedly valuable, I’m starting to learn that it’s as equally important to take a step back and focus on putting the “break” back in summer break.
Summer used to be seen as a time for rest and relaxation, an opportunity to recharge before the next academic year begins. However, in our new, fast-paced, achievement-driven world, the concept of a true break seems to have gotten lost in translation. We’ve been conditioned to view downtime as unproductive, and we start to feel guilty if we’re not constantly doing something “worthwhile”.
However, taking time to unwind, to disconnect from the constant demands of life, is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s spending a day at the beach, eating that delicious-looking burger, or simply allowing yourself to sleep in, these moments of relaxation are crucial for all aspects of health. So as summer winds down, let’s make a conscious effort to embrace the break we all deserve. After all, we owe it to ourselves to not just survive in the coming school year, but to thrive in it.
Thank you to all who took the time to read this post! Remember to take breaks!!!
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