Why Did I Ever Take Recess and Nap Time for Granted?
Living in today’s fast-paced, results-based society, we are constantly pressured to do more in less time.
Today’s youth feel the effects of society’s expectations while some feel compelled to meet and even exceed them. In an attempt to keep up with “doing it all” , youth especially are forced to juggle a multitude of responsibilities including schooling/studying, part time work, volunteering/community involvement, extracurricular activities/sports, as well as make time for social engagements with friends and family. This all in an effort to stay “balanced”. (How ironic.) Therefore, it isn’t a surprise that many young people often find themselves burning out and taking a break.
When considering the multitude of responsibilities that young people face today, I ask the question: are we under too much pressure to “do it all”, especially when it comes to community involvement?
To say that youth are met with high expectations is an understatement. From junior high school through post-secondary we are continually inundated with the message that we must take on multiple responsibilities in order to be successful. Many of my peers believe this message and in fact, do succeed at “doing it all”. It takes skillful time-management and careful planning (and an endless supply of caffeine doesn`t hurt either.) Unfortunately, I have known others that took on too much, became overwhelmed, and eventually burnt out. Sadly, it’s quite common and I myself have fell victim to it as well.
Many of us have made the decision to take a break from life’s responsibilities in exchange for down time. This does not mean that we lack responsibility or dedication. Taking a break is an excellent opportunity to reassess one’s responsibilities to ensure that a sense of balance is kept. This balance may come at the cost of having to make the difficult decisions to limit community involvement, or other important activities. Learning to say “no” to new opportunities without feeling at fault is challenging. However it is a necessary skill in today’s world. However, with time and experience we learn more about our own capabilities, what we can manage, and how to balance our lives. Challenges like deciding to limit community involvement build character and strength, and shows us how buoyant the human spirit is.
By Hira Sabzwari
