Why we need spring break

For students across the United States spring break has always been a staple of the spring semester. Many students use this time to see their families, plan trips or just take a pause from the usual hustle and bustle of the semester. However, since COVID-19 has made it clear it is not going away as fast as we’d like it to, many schools, such as Oklahoma Christian University, are canceling spring break all together. I think this is a huge mistake.

Spring break brings too many positives to the table for it to be wiped off the academic calendar altogether. Coming out of last semester with no breaks was not only brutal on students, but faculty as well. Without spring break students and faculty are being thrown into a grueling semester for the second time with no chance to catch their breath at any point. I believe not having a full spring break will bring more harm to students and staff than good. 

The compounding stress of school and life in 2020 can easily become overwhelming no matter who you are or what you do. Spring break gives everyone a chance to take care of their mental health when they need it, and while not everyone may need this it is important to recognize the potential pitfalls of not having this opportunity. Things as simple as a student getting to see their family or a professor getting to spend more time with their kid could be all they need to help their mental well-being. 

Without time away from school and work, it becomes easier for students and faculty to neglect their mental health. No breaks can cause students to be at a higher risk for symptoms associated with high levels of stress. Symptoms such as depression, insomnia and a weakened immune system are all serious side effects which can develop as a result of unmanaged stress. These effects can cause issues in every area of someone’s life. 

One of the most important factors to consider is how high levels of stress can increase susceptibility to sickness. When a person becomes overly stressed, the stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the immune system’s ability to fight off infections, leaving someone at a higher risk of getting sick.

The National Library of Medicine posted a study in which 235 adults were separated into high and low stress groups. Across a six-month timespan those with high stress experienced 70% more infections than the low stress group. This study proves unchecked stress can end up causing just as much physical harm as it does mental. 

Although living in the pandemic has become the new normal it is still important for everyone to take their health seriously, which means taking mental health seriously. I think the best way to do this is to bring back spring break. I understand there are risks which come hand in hand with having a spring break. No one wants a COVID-19 outbreak to happen anywhere and we are right to be cautious. However, I take just as big of a risk walking into Target to get my groceries every week as I would on a spring break trip. If we are going to be putting ourselves at risk for our education it only seems fair we should get the same opportunity to take care of our mental health.