Tips for making the most of the mid-year school break to recharge students' energy
With the start of the mid-year break, discussions are renewed about the best ways to utilize this period, not just as a break from school, but as a vital opportunity to recharge mental and physical energy. This increased interest stems from modern educational systems that demand continuous mental effort, making short breaks essential for maintaining students' psychological well-being and renewing their motivation to learn.
The importance of vacation in the educational system
Mid-year and inter-year breaks are an integral part of the educational process; they give the brain the opportunity to consolidate information and process accumulated stress. Educational experts confirm that students who get sufficient, structured rest return to their studies with greater comprehension and sharper focus compared to those who continue studying without breaks for recreation.
Psychological and mental balance
In this context, Dr. Haya Abdullah Al-Humyani, supervisor of the Talent Recruitment and Development Department at Jeddah University, explained to Al-Youm newspaper that this break represents a golden opportunity to restore psychological balance. She pointed out that the true meaning of a vacation does not imply complete inactivity, but rather a change in daily activity patterns that allows for physical rest and mental relaxation. She emphasized the importance of students getting sufficient sleep to compensate for late nights and fatigue, while incorporating light activities that develop skills without creating new mental burdens.
The role of the family in promoting positivity
For her part, parent Hanan Khamis highlighted the pivotal role of the family, emphasizing that vacation is the ideal time to strengthen family bonds that can be strained by the pressures of daily school routines. She advised flexible time management that allows for a balance between leisure and pursuing hobbies, cautioning against two common mistakes: completely neglecting academic pursuits or turning the home into a rigid study camp. She stressed that balance is key to returning to school with high morale.
Plan ahead and avoid randomness
In a related context, educator Faten Al-Shadawi considered the lack of advance holiday planning to be one of the most prominent challenges facing families, leading to wasted time without any real benefit. She called for investing this educational period in physical and sporting activities that channel latent energy, in addition to free reading that broadens horizons beyond the mandatory school curriculum, thus enhancing students' self-learning skills.
Prescription for psychological recovery
Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Hassan, an expert in human relations, agreed with the previous opinions, describing the holiday as “a time to catch one’s breath.” He cautioned against excessive use of electronic devices and staying up late, noting that this depletes energy instead of replenishing it. He recommended maintaining a minimum level of academic engagement through simple, non-obligatory reviews to ensure that students don’t completely disconnect mentally from their studies.
Mental health and quality of learning
Psychologist Khulood Al-Amoudi concluded by emphasizing that vacation is a biological and psychological necessity to alleviate anxiety related to academic performance. She explained that the true benefit is achieved through a flexible routine that combines good sleep, social activities, and family support, providing a psychologically safe environment, which positively impacts the student's behavior and motivation upon resuming studies.
