After long days filled with lessons, assignment, and responsibilities, both students and teachers need time to unwind and recharge. Everyone has their own way to relax, whether it’s through quiet time, hobbies, or spending time with other, but one thing is clear: taking a break is important for maintaining balance and mental health.
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Greenway teacher Mr. Irwin shared that he likes to end his busy days with activities that help him destress and recharge. “I am usually watching a show or two on Netflix,” he said. “I am a big fan of science fiction novels, so I am almost always reading a book in the evenings as well.” He also enjoys going to the gym a few times a week and attending live concerts or sporting events on the weekends. For Mr. Irwin, keeping a routine helps stress levels low. “Routine is helpful. Do your homework at the same time each night. Screen time, whether TV or the phone, needs to be limited,” he advised.
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Another teacher, Ms. Kestle, finds peace in music, reading, and family time. “Sitting outside in the fresh air usually helps me recharge,” she said. “I do not take work home with me. I like to keep work and personal life separate so I can focus on my family.” Her advice to students: “Create a to-do list and work on time management. Taking 15-30 minutes away from the workload of schools to recharge will have major benefits.”
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Ms. Rearick, one of our teachers, also shared her own ways to stay grounded. “After a long day at school, I enjoy relaxing by visiting my friends or by watching TV,” she said. What helps her feel the most refreshed is sleep. “Going to sleep early and then waking up earlier in the morning lets me be productive before work.” She explained that spending time with others helps her recharge. “I enjoy catching up with my friends and family,” she said. To stay balanced, Ms. Rearick designates time for each task. “I try to complete any work by the end of the work day and from there I relax. I also try to go to sleep at the same time each night.” Her advice for students is practical and encouraging: “Find something that is guaranteed to calm you after a long day and try to incorporate that into every day.”
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Junior Emily Schneider has a very active way of relaxing. She said that playing sports and watching TikTok helps her calm down after school. “Have something you like to do to calm down close to you, like some food or your phone,” Emily suggested. Between sports, work, and homework, she doesn’t get much free time, but she makes sure to enjoy small moments she has. She said she prefers spending time with others because it helps her get out of the house and take her mind off of stress.
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Amelia, another junior, said she loves spending time at home with her family to recharge. When she needs to unwind, she enjoys watching TikTok or Reels and relaxing in silence. “Alone if I’m trying to unwind, I would rather be in silence,” she said. Amelia uses timers to balance rest and responsibilities, giving herself structured breaks between schoolwork. Her advice to other students: “Make sure you have your schedule planned out and don’t get behind on your work.”
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Senior Sophie focuses on rest, faith, and perspective when it comes to recharging. “One thing that I do to relax is take a power nap,” she said. “Naps are very
beneficial, especially a quick 30-minute one.”
She also finds comfort in having her favorite drink, like coffee or an energy drink, and spending time with her boyfriend after a long day. “It’s always good to have your loved ones near a crazy day,” she shared. Over the years, Sophie has learned the importance of balance: “Take stuff day by day. If you don’t balance things out and take every activity or setback with a grain of salt, it will make you lose your mind.” Her advice to other students is heartfelt: “Just relax and pray. Don’t stress the little things, you only get one life, so live it.”
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Sophomore Abigail likes to recharge with a mix of activity and calm. “I usually go home and play volleyball or shower and relax in bed,” she said. Crocheting and watching YouTube helps her unwind the most. Abigail prefers quiet alone time when she’s feeling overwhelmed, saying, “Being with others doesn’t really do that for me.” To balance rest and responsibilities, she avoids overworking herself and always makes sure to have a peaceful time before bed. Her advice: “Pick up a calming hobby and allow yourself time to do it.”
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Junior Brisia finds peace in spending time outdoors and with her dog. “I get home, go on a walk with my dog Vanilla while I listen to music or talk on the phone with my boyfriend,” she said. Listening to music and being outside helps her recharge, and she tries to stay organized with her after-school schedule. “I try to do all my homework in my free time at school and keep my grades up by having my days sorted out,” she said. Her advice to others: “Have patience. Patience for you and the things you do. Not everything is supposed to be rushed.”
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Junior Madison said she relaxes by hanging out with friends, watching shows, or volunteering at her church. She finds comfort through prayer and talking with her mom, who she said is “the easiest person to have conversations with.” Madison shared that she likes spending time alone when she needs to recharge, explaining, “Being by myself is a choice I make in order to find more energy to talk to others.” She admitted that balancing rest and schoolwork can be challenging but said she’s learned to prioritize mental health. “I would advise others to find your strengths and weaknesses. Find a system that prioritizes YOU,” Madison said.
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Whether it’s journaling, sports, naps, or a favorite playlist, every student has a unique way to relax and recharge. Finding that balance helps students return to school each day feeling focused, refreshed, and reader for whatever comes next.
