Spring break is a time that many college students look forward to. We’re able to take a mental break from class and use that break to relieve stress and anxiety.This upcoming year, however, will be different, due to the coronavirus pandemic, there will be no spring break in 2021.
With spring break being canceled, students begin to wonder when and how they will be able to take time out to relax and relieve some stress.It is shown that taking a vacation and taking a break from studies can help improve one’s mental health and reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Susan Krauss Whitbourne Ph.D. of Psychology Today says, “Vacations have the potential to break the stress cycle. We emerge from a successful vacation feeling ready to take on the world again. We gain perspective on our problems, get to relax with our families and friends, and get a break from our usual routines.”
Shanorri Ashley, a third year pharmacy student at FAMU, expresses how for most college students, especially those studying difficult majors, spring break is the only real mental break that students are given to escape academics during the spring semester.
“We have no breaks as pharmacy students,” Ashley said. “We have back-to-back exams and assignments, especially in the spring when there are no real holiday breaks. Having to push through the semester without a mental break could affect students’ mental health, especially because we have been getting work piled onto us to make up for students not being in physical school.”
Other students felt that it was too soon for universities to cancel spring break, since it has been said by President Donald Trump and health experts that there are rumors of a vaccine being released before spring break.
Shernise Lewis, a fourth year Business Administration student at FAMU, explains how she uses her spring break to take a mental break from her academics.
“I understand what the universities are trying to do and protect us, but I think maybe the universities could handle spring break like they are handling thanksgiving break and just letting us take the break and reverting back to virtual classes.” Lewis said.
Lewis expressed how it is disappointing that she won’t be able to visit family and also shares that spring semester is crunch time for some students. It’s common for students to cram themselves with last minute work, therefore, she hopes students can mentally make it through the semester.
As fall semester is shortly ending, students will begin to find alternative ways to improve their mental health and relieve stress in ways besides traveling.