Burnout is described by Science Direct as someone’s reaction to chronic-stress. In a study by Common Sense Media, 27% of teenagers report feeling burned out.

Teens are juggling so many activities, sports teams, extra-curriculars, jobs and family responsibilities these days. Often sleep is lacking and stress is prevalent. While more needs to be done at school to recognize the issues at hand, Flex Hour is the most beneficial time in the day that truly addresses this issue for teens.   

Flex Hour provides a vital break for students, allowing them one hour of unstructured time in the middle of the school day to eat, rest, talk with friends or do homework.

The time to study and get ahead on homework helps students balance their workload and make it somewhat manageable. The more manageable homework is, the more likely it is a student will get a significant amount of sleep.

For students who are involved inside and outside of school with sports, work, school organizations and other responsibilities, the hour of flex can be a vital time for students to catch up with friends. The time flex provides for students to sit and talk with each other is vital for building social skills and communication.

Flex also allows students to take some needed time to relax. Sometimes the best thing students can do during flex for their success and health is for them to take the hour to rest. For students who work non-stop, the time to sit with friends and unwind is vital. Life can be non-stop, and the pressure of staying on top of school and work can lead to students neglecting themselves.

Having an hour every day in school to do whatever you need to get done, even if that’s something like a quick nap or catching up on homework, helps students greatly.