With the Spring Equinox arriving, the season is changing, and the weather is getting warmer. But the end of March also brings the stress of midterms and major deadlines. Although many may think studying and reading as much as possible is the best way to finish the first half of the semester, professionals have a different opinion. Taking breaks and getting outdoors offers many psychological and physical benefits, helping cognitive capacity and mental health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is not merely the absence of mental disorders or disabilities, it also involves the ability to cope with and handle the stresses of life (WHO, 2018). Mental health is our collective ability to think, interact with others, and express emotions. With the demands of midterm exams and deadlines, it’s important to recognize when the stresses are interfering with your mental health and that it’s okay to step away for a moment.
It may feel hard to justify taking a break, stretching your legs, or going on a walk when you have a mountain of work left to do, but it does more damage than good when you attempt to power through without doing so. One of the most important reasons why taking breaks is beneficial is that they offer restoration from attention fatigue. Restoration is defined as the process of physical and psychological renewal after diminishment from ongoing efforts to meet environmental demands (Packer, 2021). People experience attention fatigue when they overuse the mechanisms that maintain focus and dispel distractions, also known as the brain’s attention mechanisms.
Although it may feel like a waste of time, taking breaks should always be part of everyone’s day. Achieving your goals and meeting deadlines does not mean you have to sacrifice your mental health. Challenge yourself to set aside time for breaks, and track how you feel at the end of each day. You may find yourself more invigorated and ready to take on more challenges.
Mental health: strengthening our response. (2018, March 30). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
Mutz, M., & Müller, J. (2016). Mental health benefits of outdoor adventures: Results from two pilot studies. Journal of Adolescence (London, England.), 49, 105-114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.03.009
Packer, J. (2021). Taking a break: Exploring the restorative benefits of short breaks and vacations. Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights, 2(1)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annale.2020.100006
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