PAUSE TO POWER UP: BEATING BURNOUT WITH RECESS RESET

Awethu Khumalo       

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Burnout— a feeling most of us can relate to around this time of year. The late nights, constant assignment submissions and frustrating group projects are finally starting to catch up. But the good news is that recess is coming up, which means there is time to unwind and get ready to tackle the next block. Here are some things to do during this recess that do not involve spending hours on social media doomscrolling.

 

Solo activities

If you are not going home for the recess and spending this break solo, then here are some things to try:

 

1. Go outside for a relaxing scenic walk.

 

2. Have a fun movie marathon with all your favourite snacks.

 

3. Bring a sketchbook to the park and draw what you see, whether it be a bird, dog or flower.

 

4. Get a puzzle or riddle book to solve every morning before looking at your phone.

 

5. Volunteer at a local charity, school or church to give back to the community.

 

 

Group activities

If you will be spending this recess without any personal space, then here are some group activities to keep you busy:

 

1. Make fun portraits out of each other using cut-up paper.

 

2. Have a presentation night about a topic you find interesting. For instance, who do you think could survive The Hunger Games out of all of you?

 

3. Host a karaoke night where you only sing throwback Disney movies.

 

4. Host a picnic, but everyone needs to bring food that starts with the first letter of their name.

 

5. And because we are so close to exam season, you and a couple of classmates can get together and create a game that involves studying. For example, you can play 30 Seconds but the questions involve study topics and the only way to move up is by getting the questions right.

 

 

There are many other ways to destress, and try to find your head before the upcoming challenge that is final exams. The point is that you are doing something to take your mind off things and not revolve your whole life around academics. Sometimes, you may feel guilty about being too tired to finish one more topic or get overwhelmed by the amount of past questions you have to do. But it is not wrong to feel exhausted. Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is relax.

 

According to WellBeingpeople.com, when we relax, the flow of blood increases around our body. This gives us more energy to work longer and helps us have a clearer mind, which contributes to positive thinking, concentration and rational decision making.

 

So, cook that new dish from a country you cannot pronounce. Finish that book that has been on your shelf for the whole semester. Start a new show, and even meet up with a friend to have a face-to-face conversation. The point is that you are winding down and recharging, however that looks to you.

 

 

Edited by Simoné de Witt and Isabel Burgers