(Opat & Robinson, 2022)
Every semester, I surprise students with an extra credit assignment during a busy period of the semester. The assignment asks students to complete an activity for themselves within one week to receive a small amount of extra credit points (e.g., 10 points in a 1,000-point course). I explain to the students that the assignment is meant to help them establish a healthy work-life balance. Activities may include going to the movies, taking a walk, reading a book, or doing yoga. Students must choose an unplanned activity. They must take a picture of the activity as proof the activity was completed and write a short reflection piece describing what they did.
In 2022, student data to date showed that 46.43% of students chose outdoor activities, 37.5% spent time with family and/or friends, 32.14% spent time with a pet or livestock, and 19.64% traveled. Many students also shared personal details about their lives in their reflections such as challenges faced, significant relationships, momentous milestones accomplished, or hobbies they enjoy. Approximately 14% of students directly thanked the instructor for giving this assignment as part of their reflection.
“I don’t do this for myself very often, so it was very healing,” a student wrote. “Thank you for this. I haven’t had one professor do this for their class and I have been here for almost six years. It really means a lot because we are only human and it’s nice to have a break sometimes.”
Kelsi Opat, Ph.D. 