Taking breaks can be a good way to relax for a majority of different reasons. Psychology Today says that breaks can increase productivity and creativity. How do students at OHS feel about taking breaks? Do they feel like it helps their productivity or creativity? What about the teachers? Do they feel like students get more done when they have breaks?

Many students agree that breaks help with their productivity and give them time to think. “I have taken several breaks before during school, and yes, I feel productive after because I had time to think,” said freshman Kamila Ulloa.

Although lunch might be considered as a break for many, some students disagree.” Lunch isn’t really a good break for me because it’s very loud in the cafeteria and it’s chaotic sometimes,” said Ulloa.

Lunch might not be an ideal spot for a break for many reasons, but what would an ideal spot for a break look to some OHS students? “My ideal spot for a break would be in a dimly lit room with no distractions because I get distracted easily by many different things,” said Ulloa.

Many others agree that breaks have other benefits, and can even help with our well-being. “I think having at least one break during the school day is important. It gives us a chance to recharge, refocus, and take care of ourselves. Breaks help me reduce my stress and my productivity,” said freshman Kimberly Miranda.

What would students at OHS prefer to spend their breaks doing? What ways do they relax? “If we had breaks, some ways I would relax would be to stretch, listen to music, or chat with friends,” said Miranda.

Some teachers argue that although breaks can be helpful for some, other students don’t want to be bothered with breaks, while  others might use breaks as excuses to get out of class. “I do not give official, organized breaks to everyone at once. I feel like I respect my students and allow them to work at their own pace. Some students honestly want to get their work completed in class and do not want to be interrupted with a break, while other students do less work, ask to go to the restroom, water fountain, nurse, counselor, random teachers, and other places nonstop during class,” explained Ms. Miller, the journalism teacher.

Teachers agree that breaks are okay to have, but breaks might look different for different classes. “There has to be a happy medium. My happy medium is allowing each student a maximum of one break/trip outside of the room during each 90-minute class. For most students, that involves leaving the room to interview someone, take pictures, or get video footage. My students have jobs to do, and we do not really have time to waste on lengthy group breaks,” added Ms. Miller.

Often if you don’t take breaks, you can fall into procrastination, but some argue that although procrastination is a bad thing most of the time, sometimes it can prove to be useful. “Sometimes procrastination isn’t a bad thing if you get a new idea,” said freshman Michelle McDonell.

Breaks are super useful, and can often improve productivity, and your well-being, but sometimes it’s important to time your breaks, and find a happy medium!