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Writer's pictureImagine We Could

The Benefits of Recess and Why College Students Need It

At age 5, recess was the highlight of the day. It was a time to run, play, and let loose, offering a much-needed break from the structure of the classroom. What many didn’t realize back then was how critical recess was for their overall well-being. Now, as college students are approaching adulthood, the concept of recess may seem like a distant memory. What if recess was brought back? What if the benefits of recess at age 5 are still just as relevant to college students—and even beyond?"



The Benefits of Recess as Kids

Recess wasn’t just about having fun; it was a vital part of development during childhood. Here’s what recess provided back then:

  1. Physical Movement: Recess offered the opportunity to run, jump, and play, promoting physical health and the development of motor skills. It was an early lesson in the importance of staying active.

  2. Mental Break: After sitting in class for hours, recess provided a much-needed mental break. It allowed the brain to reset, enabling children to return to their studies refreshed and ready to learn.

  3. Social Skills: Playground activities like tag or team sports taught valuable social skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Recess was an informal classroom for learning how to make friends, cooperate, and resolve conflicts.


Why Recess Is Still Relevant in College

As college students, many of these benefits remain just as important:

  1. Physical Health: Just like in childhood, the body needs regular movement. College students spend long hours sitting in lectures, studying, or working, and physical activity is crucial to maintaining health. Recess reminds them that movement can and should be enjoyable.

  2. Mental Reset: College life is filled with deadlines, responsibilities, and stress. Just as children need a break from schoolwork, college students benefit from stepping away to clear their minds and avoid burnout. Physical activity helps improve focus and productivity when they return to their work.

  3. Social Connections: Socializing was a big part of recess, and it remains essential for students today. College is one of the last environments where they’ll be surrounded by peers their own age, and maintaining those social connections through physical activities like pick-up sports or outdoor games can foster a sense of community and belonging.


Bringing Recess Back Into Everyday Life

What if college students reintroduced recess into their lives? Not just as exercise, but as a way to integrate balance and joy into their daily routine? Recess doesn’t have to mean playing on a playground; it can be as simple as throwing a football, playing bags, a game of spike ball, or even a quick game of foursquare with friends. Simply taking a break and staying active is just as important. 

The same benefits recess provided as children—physical health, mental clarity, social bonding —are still relevant today. Recess wasn’t just about taking a break; it was about balancing work with play, movement with rest. As college students, bringing that balance into their lives is more important than ever. 



What was your favorite recess activity as a kid?

  • The Playground

  • Foursquare

  • Sports (Basketball, Football, Soccer, Kickball, etc.)

  • Wall Ball



Let’s not leave recess behind as a childhood memory.  Imagine We Could  bring it back into our future. 

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1 Comment


I loved wall-ball growing up. I totally forgot about it until the poll in this blog!

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