These days I feel like everybody is moving so fast paced that it is hard to even catch a breath. We work, go to school, and are involved in extra curriculars, sometimes I think that I’m going to miss an assignment or something important if it take time away from my schoolwork. I’m sure I’m not alone in this mentality, and that many other people feel the same way as I do. With this in mind, I don’t always feel like I can take a break. And aside from that, I don’t really want to take a break. I feel like the only time I will allow myself to take a break will be when the semester is over, and all of my schoolwork is completed.
I am also a student athlete here at UMBC, and our athletics are finally winding down for the winter break. However, I play a spring sport and it is essential that I come back in the spring ready for our season. I think sports have also played a role in this struggle to take a. break. Coaches have always told us that if you take a break, somebody out there is practicing and getting better than you. Some athletes are even taught to play through minor injuries and illnesses because their coaches do not want their players to “lose their edge.” This mentality has caused athletes to push themselves to the limits and devalue relaxation.
The moral of the story is that we all need a break, especially during this time of year. Finals are starting and we are experiencing extreme levels of stress in school. I think in some cases it’s hard to take a break from everything you have to do, but our bodies need it. Our bodies physically and mentally cannot sustain a life where we don’t take breaks. I think during college it is hard to take time off because it feels like you have so many responsibilities piled on to each other, but it is so important for our health to be able to take a step back. Now from the other perspective, I think that too many breaks can also be an issue. However, there is definitely a happy medium that might be different from person to person. I think finding this medium can help to ensure that you will not burn yourself out later in life.
Unruly Bodies 
I completely agree that it is essential to take breaks. It is necessary for the body and mind to function at the capacity that it was meant to. While reading your post I found it interesting how I find myself taking too many breaks while you find yourself not wanting to take one and just wait until everything is done. Aside from the things I struggle with mentally (which plays a big part), I find the seriousness and extreme stressors with life (especially at a time and age like this where we have to figure everything out for our future) I am way more inclined to take breaks. As someone who thinks a lot and often too much, breaks are a way to simply life in a moment. With the structures of our society (education, work, family, technology, and etcetera), things are more complex and toxic to the individual than it should be. At the moment I’m taking too many breaks but I’ll find that balance. Continue to put in that hard work as I’m sure that you do, and as a student, as an athlete, and just as a human, take a break or two (and have peace of mind with that).
Hi, thank you for sharing! I am not a student athlete, so I cant completely relate. But, I am a student who also juggles a lot of other things. I am also someone who feels like if I take a break, I’ll fall behind all my peers and will never succeed. But, more recently I’ve been trying to listen to my mind and body and do the things that they need. I’m happy to hear you are trying to give yourself the same grace and time to relax as well. I hope this small break allows you to return to the spring season well reset and ready! Best of luck
I’m definitely guilty of burning myself out, and never letting myself truly relax. I always feel guilty about it. I can’t wait to finally graduate, I plan to give myself a little time just to celebrate and enjoy the achievement for a bit over the holidays before I start working again, since I’m lucky enough to be in a position to do so. I took summer courses this year too, so it feels like its been a year since the last time I had an actual break.