By Lucia Gabriel

In the hasty world of today, students are constantly encouraged to push themselves to work to their greatest capability. This ongoing cycle is draining for many and can lead to burnout. Holiday breaks are some of the best times to step back from the stresses of school and work, being known as joyful times to spend with family and friends to take the mind away from the business of the usual, everyday life. They have been shown to be beneficial to the mental health of many students.  

The last couple of months before the end of the first semester tend to be remarkably busy for students and teachers. Students must finish their last few assignments before their grades are locked in, and some seniors are still finalizing their last-minute college applications. Teachers are also busy grading these final assignments. Juggling numerous classes and extracurricular activities can cause burnout in the lives of students. Meghan Yoder, an American Sign Language teacher at Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS), said, “I hear a lot more excuses from students during this time, and a lot more emotions, venting, and absences in class.” Requiring students to complete many assignments, such as exams and homework, is particularly challenging. 

Students have the opportunity to spend quality time with friends, family, and those they love, which can greatly increase their happiness. According to Windemere Preparatory School, “Quality time together fosters a sense of belonging and reinforces the importance of relationships. Strong social connections positively contribute to a student’s overall happiness and resilience.” They help turn the focus of students away from school and instead focus on reconnecting with their loved ones. Bailey Van Der Walt, a sophomore at PVHS, said, “During the holidays I like to spend time with my family, doing self-care, focus on quality sleep, spiritual resets, and traveling when possible.” She explained that she feels less stressed during holidays because they add a variety of days, rather than living the same school day repeatedly. 

According to Northern Illinois University, “Effective breaks tend to require intrinsic motivation. In other words, a good break will likely incorporate something you want to do.” Students can set non-academic related goals that do not cause stress for themselves during the break to keep themselves busy and productive. Rather than endlessly scrolling on their phone, they can become more active or start a new hobby. According to Northern Illinois University, “They (creative activities) can help you exercise your right brain, give your prefrontal cortex a break, improve your memory, and help your brain produce dopamine.” Taking part in physical activities and hobbies, such as going on walks, can decrease stress. Emily Holbrook, a sophomore at PVHS, stated, “Hobbies like baking, shopping and decorating help me relax and take my mind away from school, while still keeping me productive.” Students can take advantage of their time off school to do activities that they do not normally have time for.  

Holiday breaks give students time away from the continuous pressure that they’re put under. They give students the time they need to re-energize themselves so that when they get back to school, they’ll gain back motivation. Ms. Megan explained that when students come back from holiday breaks, they tend to be excited, but also tired. Bailey said, “After a break I retain information better and feel more academically productive.” They are important for students to get some relief from academic pressures by providing time to relax, spend time with loved ones, and do hobbies that they enjoy. This relaxation helps students come back to school with more energy and motivation, helping them have a productive rest of the school year. 

“I hear a lot more excuses from students during this time, and a lot more emotions, venting, and absences in class.”

ms. meghan

In the hasty world of today, students are constantly encouraged to push themselves to work to their greatest capability. This ongoing cycle is draining for many and can lead to burnout. Holiday breaks are some of the best times to step back from the stresses of school and work, being known as joyful times to spend with family and friends to take the mind away from the business of the usual, everyday life. They have been shown to be beneficial to the mental health of many students.  

The last couple of months before the end of the first semester tend to be remarkably busy for students and teachers. Students must finish their last few assignments before their grades are locked in, and some seniors are still finalizing their last-minute college applications. Teachers are also busy grading these final assignments. Juggling numerous classes and extracurricular activities can cause burnout in the lives of students. Megan Yoder, an American Sign Language teacher at Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS), said, “I hear a lot more excuses from students during this time, and a lot more emotions, venting, and absences in class.” Requiring students to complete many assignments, such as exams and homework, is particularly challenging. 

Students have the opportunity to spend quality time with friends, family, and those they love, which can greatly increase their happiness. According to Windemere Preparatory School, “Quality time together fosters a sense of belonging and reinforces the importance of relationships. Strong social connections positively contribute to a student’s overall happiness and resilience.” They help turn the focus of students away from school and instead focus on reconnecting with their loved ones. Bailey Van Der Walt, a sophomore at PVHS, said, “During the holidays I like to spend time with my family, doing self-care, focus on quality sleep, spiritual resets, and traveling when possible.” She explained that she feels less stressed during holidays because they add a variety of days, rather than living the same school day repeatedly. 

According to Northern Illinois University, “Effective breaks tend to require intrinsic motivation. In other words, a good break will likely incorporate something you want to do.” Students can set non-academic related goals that do not cause stress for themselves during the break to keep themselves busy and productive. Rather than endlessly scrolling on their phone, they can become more active or start a new hobby. According to Northern Illinois University, “They (creative activities) can help you exercise your right brain, give your prefrontal cortex a break, improve your memory, and help your brain produce dopamine.” Taking part in physical activities and hobbies, such as going on walks, can decrease stress. Emily Holbrook, a sophomore at PVHS, stated, “Hobbies like baking, shopping and decorating help me relax and take my mind away from school, while still keeping me productive.” Students can take advantage of their time off school to do activities that they do not normally have time for.  

Holiday breaks give students time away from the continuous pressure that they’re put under. They give students the time they need to re-energize themselves so that when they get back to school, they’ll gain back motivation. Ms. Meghan explained that when students come back from holiday breaks, they tend to be excited, but also tired. Bailey said, “After a break I retain information better and feel more academically productive.” They are important for students to get some relief from academic pressures by providing time to relax, spend time with loved ones, and do hobbies that they enjoy. This relaxation helps students come back to school with more energy and motivation, helping them have a productive rest of the school year. 

Pictured: Christmas building in St. John’s Town Center