As students, we are taught that productivity is central to success. We are expected to cram for tests instead of sleeping and spend every spare minute doing something that will “pay off” in the future. Rest is a reward, something we must earn rather than something we are entitled to. This culture has given rise to a generation of burned-out students struggling to stay afloat. But what if the key to success in a society of perpetual production is not trying to do more during every waking moment but utilizing unstructured time to do less? High schools have many requirements for graduation, and encouraging students to take time off should be one of them. I propose that the high school implement one day each week or every other week where teachers are not allowed to assign homework. Having the time to do absolutely nothing should not be a luxury but a requirement for students and would foster their happiness, creativity and better mental health.
From the time we roll out of bed in the morning to the moment we go to sleep at night, students are subjected to a relentless expectation to stay busy. Getting up and ready for school, sitting through six periods with only a brief break for lunch, going straight to clubs or practice and then continuing home to do homework and other evening activities is an unending cycle. Like many students, I look forward to the weekends when I can spend time with friends without the looming threats of due dates and upcoming tests. As a three-season athlete, I also await the much-needed weeks between seasons when I don’t have to rush straight to practice and can walk home with a friend instead. But most days pass by in a blur of school and activities, and although the expectation is to remain laser-focused, it is hard to pay attention when I feel myself yawning and my eyes closing because I haven’t had enough time to sleep. The reality is that this non-stop, rigorous routine is adversely affecting students’ academic performance and social life.
The authors of a ScienceDirect study on children’s enrichment activities (specifically reading, homework, tutoring, and extracurriculars such as music and art lessons) write, “Many youth seem to be spending so much time on enrichment that, on average, their last hour on these activities is actively harming their non-cognitive skills with no offsetting gain to their cognitive skills.” Thus, contrary to popular belief, the amount of time students currently spend on these activities without a break may actually be hindering their social development and harming their performance.
Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control, 40 percent of U.S. high school students persistently feel sad or hopeless. When students also feel increasing pressure to excel, burnout (defined as fatigue, frustration or apathy resulting from prolonged stress, overwork or intense activity) can come as a result. A 2024 Harvard article states that 27 percent of students reported struggling with burnout. In 2023, the National Library of Medicine published a study about leisure time, determining that “Meaningful leisure time positively impacts adolescents’ mental health through social relations, support and guidance.” Thus, positive emotions elicited from time off—like a weekly homework-free day—help students cope with mental health struggles by reducing stress and the risk of burnout.
“Real” learning often extends beyond textbooks and note-taking. Unstructured time allows the mind to wander and can lead to ingenuity and problem-solving. As A. A. Milne, author of Winnie-the-Pooh, advised, “Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing.” Albert Einstein was also quoted saying, “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” By constantly being “on,” students are limiting their imaginations and restricting their creativity. There are so many opportunities in the world that students will be unaware of if their faces are always buried in their books.
Allowing high schoolers the time to explore passions and discover new interests is vital to their personal growth. But this can only change if students are allowed a day off each week. Some students may dive into hobbies like writing, painting or learning a musical instrument. Stimulating activities like these cultivate a well-rounded personality and help prepare students for life after high school. Students could also engage in outdoor activities such as biking, hiking or volunteering at beach clean-ups. Building a sense of community, developing mindfulness and appreciating the world are just three of the many benefits that come with an emphasis on self-determined activities. Learning can extend beyond textbooks and note-taking, but it requires developing the ability to think creatively and pursue passions.
Implementing a weekly homework-free day at the high school would encourage relaxation and innovation. The high school should recognize and praise students not just for academic accomplishment, but for their creativity, self-initiative and school-life balance. Students need to take responsibility for prioritizing unstructured time to perform their best in all aspects of their lives. Let’s start by allowing students the time to do nothing, helping them to come back strong with a refreshed body and a clear mind.
