The Great Reset: Spring Break
April 3, 2026 2026-04-03 14:01The Great Reset: Spring Break
By Annalisa Fletcher
As the school year starts to feel longer and assignments begin to pile up, spring break arrives at just the right time. For IA students, spring break is both exciting and meaningful. Cathryn Lucas[9], recalls, “I do have some plans. I’m going to Tybee Island with my family and maybe my best friend.We usually try to switch it up a lot. We don’t really go anywhere, really, so this is new for me.” Experiences like this give students something to look forward to, especially during stressful parts of the school year.
Beyond travel plans for some, the real value of spring break comes from the mental break it provides. Cathryn explained, “I use it to kind of de-stress and get my mind off school and just relax.” After months of assignments, tests, and deadlines, taking time to step away from schoolwork can help students recharge and avoid burnout.
However, returning from break isn’t always easy. Cathryn said, “I’m usually more stressed out after spring break because that’s when I have to get back into schoolwork…it definitely feels like I have more work after spring break.” This feeling is common among students, as teachers often begin preparing for final exams and major assignments once break ends. Even so, that post-break pressure can also serve as motivation. Ethan Fowlkes[9] described it as “a little bit of both,” explaining,
“Since we’re jumping back into the school year after a long break, I would say it’s a moment to take time for yourself and then lock back in.”
That idea of “locking in” has become a mindset for many students by using the rest and energy from break to focus and finish the year strong.
Spring break may only last a week, but its impact can carry through the rest of the semester. Whether it’s traveling somewhere new, spending time with family, or simply taking time to relax, the break gives students a chance to reset. Spend that time wisely so that you aren’t too overwhelmed after the break ends, and as Fowlkes put it, “try your hardest.”
