By Staff Writer | Theran Galisa

During a time where working a job and doing school from home is considered the new norm, it is easy to feel as if there is a cage built around you both physically and mentally. This feeling of being caged in is an emotion that today’s generation of young adults and teens can understand all too well. This caged feeling can lead to an increase in loneliness, depression, and a lack of motivation. In times like these where staying home is normal and seen as fine, it can be easy to forget the importance of a good break.

It is easy to get carried away when working from home without spending enough time outside away from what feels like a mental cage. Although it is good to study and work hard from home, it also important to know when to take a break. When working continuous hours in front of a computer at home I felt like I was being held in a cage and it was this feeling which got me to think about just how important having a break is.

My one goal for spring break was to put my phone and computer down, go outside, and refresh my mental state. I did this by going out to play basketball, playing board games with friends, and being out in nature. 

Exercise and socialization are important parts of having a healthy mental state, but for me personally, being out in nature was the one activity that helped me refresh my mind the most. Taking the time to just do nothing on the beach, lay under a tree, or go on a hike can lead to a healthier state of mind.

Doing nothing can sound like a weird activity to do or is very well a boring task to accomplish, but by doing nothing for a short amount of time each day, I felt as if I could think clearer. By doing nothing I am not talking about just taking a break from school work, but also from phones and internet use as a whole.

This method of doing nothing applies heavily to the current times we live in where we are constantly absorbing information whether it is through our studying or from social media and the internet. Doing nothing for an hour gives your mind a much needed break from the constant absorption of information, allowing it to refresh. Similar to that of restarting your electronic device to resolve any weird technical issues occurring. 

Sitting on the beach and doing nothing led me to feel more refreshed and rooted with nature, making me feel less anxiety and to think more clearly. 

Doing nothing is good, but it shouldn’t last for too long, maybe an hour at most. During this past spring break I also went on a hike that led me to a waterfall, which was physically and mentally refreshing. After doing this hike I felt rejuvenated and ready to get back into the work week with a healthy state of mind. By taking time during this past spring break to get out of what feels like a cage and into nature was the most important thing I did for my mental state. 

This is the importance of having a break or a vacation away from work. Taking the time to do nothing, exercising, socializing, and being out in nature are all ways of rejuvenating one’s mental state. 

Do not feel bad about taking time off from work if the benefit of taking time off exceeds the benefit of staying home and working.