Putting the “Break” Back in Summer Break

Basmah Hendy

Sep 20, 2024 • 1 min read

A four-panel comic featuring a conversation between a dog and a cat. In the first panel, the dog says, 'I have such a long to-do list, I don't know if I'll get to everything.' The second panel shows the cat curled up, seemingly asleep. In the third panel, the dog asks, 'Should you really be taking a nap then?' The final panel shows the cat still curled up and replies, 'It's the first thing on my list.'

By: Omar Koura

Summer break is almost over, and let me tell you, it felt like anything but a break. Year after year, throughout the whirlwind of university life, I find myself accumulating a catalogue of things to do during the summertime. Volunteering, working, exercising, learning—the list just goes on, and on, and on.

As soon as the school year ends, the expectation seems to be that summer should be a time to catch up on everything we didn’t have time for during the academic year. We fill our schedules with commitments, from extra shifts at work, to community service, to self-improvement projects. And while all these activities are undoubtedly valuable, I’m starting to learn that it’s as equally important to take a step back and focus on putting the “break” back in summer break.

Summer used to be seen as a time for rest and relaxation, an opportunity to recharge before the next academic year begins. However, in our new, fast-paced, achievement-driven world, the concept of a true break seems to have gotten lost in translation. We’ve been conditioned to view downtime as unproductive, and we start to feel guilty if we’re not constantly doing something “worthwhile”.

However, taking time to unwind, to disconnect from the constant demands of life, is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s spending a day at the beach, eating that delicious-looking burger, or simply allowing yourself to sleep in, these moments of relaxation are crucial for all aspects of health. So as summer winds down, let’s make a conscious effort to embrace the break we all deserve. After all, we owe it to ourselves to not just survive in the coming school year, but to thrive in it.

Thank you to all who took the time to read this post! Remember to take breaks!!!

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out via Instagram or our email (@mapmentorship/mapmentorship@outlook.com).

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