The Gift of Rest: Why Downtime is Essential for Higher Education

As the holidays approach, many of us in higher education are tempted to view the break as an opportunity to “catch up.” For students, that might mean cramming for next semester’s courses. For faculty, it could mean grading papers, tweaking syllabi, or writing research proposals. For staff, it often involves wrapping up projects left undone throughout the year.

But what if we saw this time differently? What if, instead of catching up, we allowed ourselves—and encouraged others—to pause?

Research consistently shows that rest isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for cognitive performance, emotional well-being, and long-term productivity. A study from the National Institutes of Health found that periods of rest are critical for memory consolidation, problem-solving, and creativity—skills that are foundational to success in both academic and professional settings.

Similarly, a 2019 study published in Nature demonstrated that mental downtime allows the brain to process information more effectively and make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. For students, this could mean synthesizing what they’ve learned over the semester. For faculty, it might mean discovering a new approach to research or teaching.

Faculty and staff, too, benefit from the gift of rest. A report from the American Psychological Association highlights that chronic stress—common in the fast-paced world of higher ed—leads to burnout, reduced job performance, and even physical health issues. Downtime, on the other hand, can reduce stress, boost emotional resilience, and increase job satisfaction.

At Ellucian, we have the privilege of serving over 2,700 higher education institutions around the globe, helping them modernize and leverage advancements in technology to improve student outcomes. However, I’ve seen firsthand how the relentless pace of change in our sector can amplify stress for everyone involved. Faculty are under pressure to adapt and produce, staff are tasked with delivering on evolving priorities, and students face mounting expectations to continuously upskill and reskill to meet the demands of the industries they will soon serve. This constant momentum often leaves little room for what we all need most: time to pause, reflect, and recharge.

So, as the holiday season nears, I want to encourage us all—students, faculty, and staff alike—to reclaim rest. Use this time to disconnect from deadlines, to prioritize sleep, to reconnect with family, and to indulge in activities that bring you joy.

In doing so, we’re not just taking care of ourselves; we’re modeling a sustainable approach to work and learning for the next generation. After all, the future of higher education and the future of work are inextricably linked—and neither can thrive without balance.

This holiday season, let’s choose rest—not as an indulgence, but as an investment in our future. The work will still be there when we return, but we’ll face it with clearer minds, fuller hearts, and the energy to tackle whatever comes next.

Here’s to a restorative holiday season for all of us who serve the students shaping the next generation workforce. 🎄