According to Karyn Allee and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek
The New Year has called us to think about restoring balance to our lives. Political divisions, climate crises, and social media often leave us exhausted. Modern life reflects a system that demands constant productivity, cutting into the pauses we all need. What if this year we made time for short but necessary breaks to recharge? We all need more breaks.
The decline in breaks is as troubling for adults as it is for children; it reflects a larger cultural undervaluing of rest. Research shows that children benefit academically, socially, and physically from daily breaks, even as they move into middle and high school. Likewise, adults need regular breaks to refocus, recharge, and maintain productivity. Yet, like children, adults are often deprived of this opportunity.
The stakes for mental health are high. Ten percent of children (ages 3 to 17) and 18.2% of adults in the U.S. experience high levels of anxiety, while 4% of children and 21.4% of adults experience depression. Recess provides a simple yet effective way to address these issues, providing time to reset and recharge. From classrooms to factory floors, the undervaluing of recess reveals a common cultural problem. By making time to pause, play, and reconnect in schools, workplaces, and everyday life, we can create a healthier, more balanced society—one that values rest as much as achievement. Recess isn’t just a break; it’s a bridge to a better life.
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