Fall Break: Why It is Necessary Even During a Pandemic

For the college crowd, October brings the start of midterms, the stress that accompanies heavily weighted assessments in several courses all at once, and the respite of fall break. Having worked in higher education for nearly two decades, it is my understanding that fall break was instituted to give students a much needed break during the fall semester. This year, many colleges and universities altered their fall semester calendars with the intention of safely bringing students back to campus and avoiding surges in COVID-19 cases in the late fall. Some colleges opted to bring students back early, while others pushed their semester start dates back. Many universities teaching students in person plan to go remote after Thanksgiving. On many campuses, fall break was a casualty of these calendar changes.

For those wondering why this is noteworthy, here are some points to consider. If you are currently the parent of college student and you had the good future to attend college, it is likely that you attended college in a different century than your child. I attended college in the 20th Century and back then, I recall having one midterm (if any) for each of my classes. Nowadays, it is more common for midterms to last from as early as late September through the end of November. Unlike the spring semester, the fall semester does not include a week dedicated to break. There is Thanksgiving break which typically lasts from noon the day prior to Thanksgiving through the Sunday after Thanksgiving. At best, this accounts for two and half days of break from the daily college routine but in reality, it is likely to be half that for those who need to travel and this estimate does not include time spent with loved ones to celebrate the holiday. On most campuses, fall break is two days, essentially a long weekend. During this time students truly get a break without a holiday and the obligations that go hand in hand with holidays. Students can travel, catch up on work, or simply rest.

There are several reasons why college is more stressful for students today. According to CNBC, the cost of college increased 25.3% from 2008-2009 to 2018-2019. There is fierce competition for summer internships and full-time employment. Social media is ever present, as is the perception others are having a more successful college experience. Finally, 2020 brought an additional and unique stressor: COVID-19. The pandemic has impacted students’ abilities to attend classes, socialize, and have a traditional college experience. In some cases, it has affected them personally if they or a loved one contradicted the virus, lost their job, and/or changed their living circumstances. Stress is not good for the mind or the body. Breaks are an excellent way to de-stress, rest, recover, and recharge. If you are struggling with the weight of the semester, the uncertainties of life during a pandemic, and what seems like an endlessly negative news cycle, carve out some time, even if it is just a few minutes a day to take a break. Here are some meditation apps to consider: Insight Timer, Calm, Headspace, Waking Up, UCLA Mindful App, Ten Percent Happier, Mindful, and Meditation Minis Podcast. Do your best and as my mother always reminds me, get your rest. When I was in college, I used to think this was something moms said however, after reading Arianna Huffington’s book, Thrive: TheThird Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder and recently listening to a podcast featuring Tom Brady, prioritizing rest is important for CEOs, pro quarterbacks, and regular humans like you and me.