Saturday was the day of the storm. And when I [A.O] woke up, I saw snow and ice caked atop roofs and grass. I was sure that Monday would be off, and it was. The additional days that were off followed afterwards: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Snow days are typically times of bliss for students. They serve as an unexpected chance to stay home thanks to inclement weather. These days, like other breaks, give students the chance to recharge in time to get back into learning. However, it is somewhat common for kids who have just gotten out of a break to feel like their efficiency level has decreased, like they have gotten “rusty”. We were curious about how BHA students dealt with this oncoming feeling of lethargy, so we asked a couple of them to tell us how they felt about the effect of breaks on their productivity.
Mohsen Ahmad is a junior who considers himself generally productive. As he states, “I plan my time out carefully and do my best not to procrastinate assignments.” During breaks, he typically finds time to relax, as he adds, “Generally I try not to do work, except if it would be better for me to get something out of the way. In winter break, I was working on my application for the [UT Southwestern STARS program].” However, Ahmad admits that he needs some time to adjust to being re-introduced to school rigor, although not a long time. “There’s a small period of time, maybe a day or two… but usually, I feel better after a break, and less burnt out as a result.” Ahmad has methods in place that help him maintain his productivity, even during fatigue. “I try to mentally plan my afternoons after I get back to school so I have an idea [of what I’m going to do.]”
Omar Darkazally is another junior, albeit one who does not consider himself very productive. “I often feel unmotivated to act if I don’t need to be.” He is adamant on not working during a break. “I feel like I don’t have to do work, and a break is for chilling and taking time to reset.” However, when school comes back in session, Darkazally’s efficiency increases. “I feel the need to do work and lock in for school.”
Yahya Abou-Khamis is a junior whose productivity fluctuates from time to time. “It kind of depends on what I know I need to do versus if I can procrastinate later on it. It’s a bad habit of mine to procrastinate doing the harder stuff…”. Abou-Khamis struggles to stay productive during breaks. “I always feel like I have more time to do stuff, but then that time comes, and I realize I don’t have time.” Abou-Khamis does not feel like his productivity remains stagnant after a break, “It takes me a week or two to get back onto the same level of productivity I had before, because after a period of relaxation, my body tends to embrace it.” However, Abou-Khamis makes sure that he doesn’t slip up too easily. “If I know I need to do something, I’ll do it right when I wake up, after I do my morning [routine]…”.
While it may be difficult to get back into the swing of things after a long break, don’t forget to keep yourself in check and give yourself things to do during a break so you stay productive!
