Even as a first-year student at Ward Melville, I’ve seen first-hand how competitive students can become. Vying for the top spot across all categories has led to a toxic workaholic mentality. Skipping meals to get more study time is not healthy. Staying up until 3 in the morning to perfect that already perfect English paper, while simultaneously planning out your entire future is not healthy. It’s time to address this increasingly prevalent issue. 

Work idolatry seems to dominate schools across the country. It becomes an epidemic when a professional failure leads to an identity crisis: when your productivity determines your self-worth. Work this certain number of hours and you’ll graduate at the top of your class; Forget your friends, you need to focus on your studies; Maybe if you work hard enough you’ll get into that prestigious university. Students are obsessed with prioritizing academics, athletics, and work over mental and physical health. It’s a dangerous cycle that is quickly becoming problematic, not productive.

Overwork can lead to many illnesses and conditions that have long-lasting effects. This being said, self-care must become normalized. Taking a break must become part of our daily routines. Resting isn’t lazy: it’s recharging your body. However, simply recognizing that you need to relax is difficult on its own.