Recess Isn’t Canceled

Recess wasn’t just about fun -- it was about freedom. Time to reclaim it.

Recess looks so different as an adult.

It’s no longer a given — it’s something we have to carve out, fight for, or sneak in between responsibilities. It’s setting your out-of-office message and hoping no one ignores it. It’s turning on Do Not Disturb and trying (and often failing) to actually mean it. It’s finding small ways to quiet the noise — work, screens, obligations, the endless to-do list — just to get back to yourself.

The gym? Sure, that counts. But I think recess should be bigger than that.

Remember what it used to be? A guaranteed 30-minute break, a sacred slot in the day to do whatever. Back then, we were stepping away from books, pencils, and paper — now, we’re stepping away from phones, laptops, and notifications… and ironically, maybe even yearning for the books, the pencils, the paper.

So let’s bring recess back. Daily. Intentionally. Purposefully.

For me, that might mean finally learning to play the electric guitar. Finding a wickedly fun tennis league. Playing cards with friends. Gardening. Learning to make art in different forms. Getting really good at baking gluten-free bread (if you’ve got a solid recipe, I’m taking recs). Continuing to write here. The list keeps growing.

Here’s the thing — recess was never complicated. It wasn’t something we had to earn. It just was. It existed to ignite joy. To boost endorphins. To shake off the day. To find “it” again — whatever it is for you.

Go outside and take yourself for a walk. 

It’s time for recess. No permission needed.